Upcoming Events in Dubai: What’s Happening Next in the City
Dubai is a city where something is always happening. From global festivals and international concerts to major exhibitions and cultural celebrations, upcoming events in Dubai attract millions of visitors every year. Whether you are planning a trip months in advance or looking for what’s happening in Dubai soon, knowing which events are coming up helps you plan better and get the most out of your time.
This guide highlights major upcoming Dubai events that take place every year, along with seasonal highlights and event categories. As part of a complete Dubai events guide, this page focuses on what’s next — helping tourists and residents stay informed about events in Dubai today, this week, this weekend, and beyond.
How to Use This Upcoming Events Guide
Dubai events are mostly annual or recurring, which makes planning easier. Instead of listing one-off dates that expire quickly, this guide focuses on:
- Events that repeat every year
- Events with predictable seasons
- Events announced months in advance
This makes the guide useful for 2026 and future years, while still supporting live updates.
Major Upcoming Festivals in Dubai
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)
What it is:
A city-wide shopping and entertainment festival.
When it usually happens:
January – February
Why it’s important:
- Massive retail discounts
- Concerts, fireworks, family shows
- One of the biggest festivals in Dubai
Good for: Tourists, families, shoppers
Dubai Food Festival
What it is:
A celebration of Dubai’s restaurant and food scene.
When it usually happens:
February – March
Why it matters:
- Restaurant deals
- Food pop-ups and events
- Chef appearances
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)
What it is:
Dubai’s main summer festival focused on indoor entertainment and shopping.
When it usually happens:
June – August
Why it’s popular:
- Summer discounts
- Family-friendly events
- Indoor activities during hot months
UAE National Day Celebrations
What it is:
Country-wide celebrations for UAE National Day.
When it happens:
Early December
Why it matters:
- Fireworks
- Cultural performances
City-wide events
Upcoming Concerts in Dubai
Dubai is a regular stop for global music tours, making concerts in Dubai one of the most searched event types.
Common concert venues:
- Coca-Cola Arena.
- Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.
- Expo City Dubai.
- Atlantis The Palm.
What to expect:
- International pop & rock artists.
- EDM and DJ performances.
- Arabic and regional stars.
Concert announcements are usually released weeks or months in advance, making this a key category for upcoming events in Dubai.
Upcoming Exhibitions in Dubai
Dubai is one of the world’s leading exhibition destinations, hosting global trade shows every year.
Major recurring exhibitions:
- GITEX Global – Technology
- Arab Health – Healthcare
- Arabian Travel Market (ATM) – Tourism
- The Big 5 – Construction
Where they happen:
Dubai World Trade Centre, Expo City Dubai
These exhibitions attract professionals from around the world and are a major driver of business tourism.
Sports & International Events Coming Up
Dubai hosts high-profile sports events every year that draw international audiences.
Major sports events include:
- Dubai World Cup (horse racing).
- Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
- Dubai Marathon.
- DP World Tour Championship (Golf).
These events are especially popular with visitors planning trips around specific dates.
Cultural & Art Events to Watch For
Dubai also hosts important cultural and creative events that appear regularly on the events calendar.
Notable examples:
- Art Dubai.
- Dubai Design Week.
- Museum exhibitions at Expo City and Alserkal Avenue.
These events appeal to travelers interested in culture, art, and creative industries.
Dubai Events Today, This Week & This Weekend
Many people search for events based on timing rather than category.
This guide connects directly with:
- Dubai events today
- Dubai events this week
- Dubai events this weekend
These pages focus on short-term planning and last-minute activities.
Using the Dubai Events Calendar
The Dubai events calendar helps users track:
- Upcoming festivals
- Concert announcements
- Exhibition dates
- Seasonal events
Checking the calendar regularly is the best way to stay updated on things happening in Dubai.
How to Plan Around Upcoming Dubai Events
If you plan to attend upcoming events in Dubai:
- Book hotels early during major festivals
- Stay near event venues when possible
- Secure tickets in advance for concerts
- Check transport access and schedules
This is where Dubai events connect directly with hotels, transport, and restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the biggest upcoming events in Dubai?
Major upcoming events include Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Food Festival, GITEX Global, Art Dubai, and international concerts.
Does Dubai have events all year?
Yes. Dubai hosts events year-round, with peak activity from November to March and indoor events during summer.
Where can I check upcoming events in Dubai?
Upcoming events can be found through curated Dubai events calendars and event listing pages updated regularly.
Are upcoming Dubai events suitable for tourists?
Yes. Most Dubai events are designed for international visitors and offer clear information, safety, and English support.
Do upcoming events in Dubai require booking?
Many major events, especially concerts and exhibitions, require advance booking due to high demand.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s event scene never slows down. With a packed schedule of festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events, upcoming events in Dubai shape the city’s tourism and lifestyle year after year. This guide is built to help you stay ahead — whether you are planning months in advance or looking for what’s happening next in Dubai.