What to do in Dubai

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is returning to the city with 38 days of amazing deals, entertainment, food, and family-friendly fun. Taking place from December 6, 2025, to January 12, 2026, the 31st edition of DSF promises to be bigger and better than ever before. First launched in 1996, DSF is now the longest-running retail festival in the world, and each year it continues to grow. While the incredible shopping deals are always the main attraction, there’s much more to look forward to. This year, expect to see performances by some of the biggest global stars in music, as well as...

Dubai's culinary scene is about to welcome a new star as celebrated chef Naved Nasir, formerly of London's acclaimed Dishoom, prepares to launch Khadak in Jumeirah. Known for his unique ability to fuse nostalgia with culinary innovation, Chef Nasir is bringing a menu to Dubai that celebrates India's diverse heritage through dishes seldom seen outside their regional origins. Khadak, opening on November 13, promises not just a meal but an immersive cultural journey into Indian flavors and stories. Chef Naved's career took root in India’s prestigious ITC hotels, where he worked in iconic restaurants like Bukhara and Dum Pukht, becoming...

Prepare for an unforgettable start to 2025 at the glamorous Raffles Royal Masquerade Ball, hosted at Raffles The Palm Dubai! This New Year’s Eve event, starting at 7:30 PM on December 31, offers a perfect blend of opulence and entertainment for those seeking an elegant celebration. Dress in your finest black-tie attire, don a dazzling mask, and get ready for an evening of indulgence, music, and festivities. The night begins with a grand gala dinner accompanied by live performances from an electrifying eight-piece pop band, with additional shows throughout the evening. As the clock strikes midnight, enjoy the company of...

If you're part of ARMY, June 13 is more than just another day on the calendar. And even though you're in the UAE, you can still spend this day at the BTS anniversary concert. Cinemas around the country will broadcast BTS ARIRANG live from South Korea, so UAE fans can experience the magic on the big screen. The live screening starts at 1:45 PM on Saturday, June 13. Prepare for almost 3.5 hours of performances, surprises, and plenty of memorable moments. After all, it's been 13 years since BTS debuted. Can you believe it? You can watch BTS anniversary concert...

Get ready, Dubai! The sensational rock band Skillet is coming to town. On November 14th, The Agenda will host Skillet for a night of high-energy rock music that you won't want to miss. Known for their electrifying performances and powerful lyrics, Skillet is set to deliver a show that will leave fans buzzing with excitement. Skillet, a Grammy Award-winning American rock band, has been a major force in the music industry for over two decades. With hits like "Monster," "Hero," and "Feel Invincible," the band has amassed a massive global following. Their concerts are known for their dynamic stage presence,...

Calling all book lovers in Dubai! The Big Bad Wolf, the world’s largest book sale will return for its 6th event in the city. This year's sale will take place from November 29 to December 9, 2024, and promises even more excitement, with up to 75% off on over two million books. From bestsellers and biographies to children’s literature, graphic novels, cookbooks, and much more.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Big Bad Wolf Books - UAE (@bigbadwolf.uae) This year, the sale will take place at the Sound Stages in Dubai Studio City, and...

The highly anticipated Dubai Fitness Challenge 2024 is back for its eighth edition and promising to be bigger and better than ever. This year’s challenge is calling all residents of Dubai to commit to 30 minutes of exercise every day for 30 days from October 26 to November 24, and it offers exciting events for people of all fitness levels.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dubai Fitness Challenge (@dubaifitnesschallenge) The event aims to build on last year’s impressive turnout, which saw over 35,000 residents take part in the Dubai Ride alone. This year,...

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind desert experience this winter as The Uncommon Pop-Up Cafe, making its debut at Al Marmoom from December 20, 2024, to January 12, 2025, as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). This breathtaking mirrored pop-up cafe invites guests to step into a surreal desert scene, where mirrors and lights create an enchanting atmosphere as the golden sun dips below the dunes.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Uncommon (@theuncommon.ae) Perfect for families, couples, and adventure seekers, The Uncommon combines immersive design with relaxing activities, creating a memorable oasis...

Dubai’s social calendar just got a refresh with the launch of an all-new ladies night — and it’s happening at one of the city’s most iconic spots: Wild Wadi Waterpark. Forget rooftops and dress codes. This one swaps heels for swimsuits and adds a splash of adventure. Running every second Friday from 7 PM to 11 PM until the end of September, this women-only event transforms the waterpark into a vibrant after-hours playground — exclusively for ladies and young girls.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Wild Wadi Waterpark (@wildwadiwaterpark) Here are the confirmed...

The UAE has officially entered the global top 10 for passport power. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, the UAE passport is now ranked 8th, granting its holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 countries and territories. This puts the UAE on par with Canada and Estonia, and marks a major leap from its 42nd position just over a decade ago. In fact, the UAE has seen the biggest climb of any country in that time span — rising 34 spots. The Henley Passport Index is based on how many destinations passport holders can visit without a prior visa....