Upcoming cultural events in Dubai
Dubai is a top destination for those who enjoy vibrant cultural celebrations. Each year, cultural events in Dubai continue to grow in scale and diversity, offering an impressive array of experiences. From musical performances and art exhibitions to film festivals and other cultural activities, the city promises an exciting lineup of world-class events to look forward to this year.
Top Upcoming Cultural Events in Dubai
There are some outstanding upcoming cultural events in Dubai. The extensive variety of events means that there is something for everyone. Whatever your art niche might be, you will not be disappointed.
Here’s a list of the top 2025 cultural events in Dubai with their pertinent details. Remember, all you need to do now is book your tickets and mark the calendar.
Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert
This is a unique film festival in Dubai where you watch short movies from artists from across the world The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture will organise the latest edition of ‘Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert’ in the heart of Al Marmoom Desert.
The event features film screenings, panel discussions, live performances, workshops and immersive public art experiences.
Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert will run a number of stories by local filmmakers celebrating life in the Gulf region. It’s a wonderful opportunity for locals to reconnect with their culture. Tourists and expats can learn a lot about the tradition and culture of the UAE by watching these films. The selection is carefully curated to suit all ages and preferences.
- Film Festival Dates: 4th to 12th January 2025
- Venue: Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Qudra Road
- Tickets: Free entry
QUOZ ARTS FEST
Another one of the top Dubai culture events, Quoz Arts Fest is attended by creative enthusiasts of the city. The 12th edition of the hugely successful event will be held at Alserkal Avenue where visitors can enjoy curated workshops, exhibitions and live musical performances.
The headline performers include Omar Offendum, a Syrian rapper, poet and storyteller, Tunisian singer-songwriter Emel Mathlouthi, Tunisian alternative duo of Sabrine Jenhani and Ramy Zoghlemi. Also making an appearance will be Musaafir Music, a collective of rising Pakistani talents and a collaboration between London-based Indian musician Sarathy Korwar and poet Zia Ahmed.
- Dates: 25th and 26th January 2025
- Venue: Alserkal Avenue
- Tickets: Single Day Pass AED 63 and Weekend Pass: AED 126
Taste of Dubai
One of the biggest food festivals of the region, Taste of Dubai will be held from 14th to 16th February 2025. Residents can try food from the top 16 Dubai restaurants, meet celebrity chefs and enjoy live music. Food is what unites people from many cultural and traditional backgrounds. At the Taste of Dubai, one can see the real spirit of Dubai.
This one of the top art and culture events Dubai, for kids with curated menus for the little ones.
- Dates: 14th to 16th February
- Venue: Media City Amphitheater
- Tickets: From AED 57
DIFC ART NIGHTS
A fusion of culture, art and entertainment, DIFC Art Nights is one of the top cultural events in Dubai. The event showcases art installations from dozens of countries. Approximately, four thousand art collectors, enthusiasts and trendsetters attend the event every season. Last year, the event had 165+ art exhibits by 100+ artists, musical performances, curated panel discussions, complimentary workshops by Al Jalila Cultural Center for Children and as many as 20 Forms of Art: Kids’ workshops at Gate Avenue.
- Dates and Venue: To be announced
Art Dubai
Art Dubai is one of the leading cultural events in Dubai. This fair celebrates the rich cultural heritage and contemporary art practices from the UAE and showcases galleries from around the world. Being one of the top cultural events in Dubai, Art Dubai is attended by many from across the country and beyond.
This year, the list of exhibitors include Aisha Alabbar Gallery, Ayyam Gallery, CARBON 12, Efie Gallery, Green Art Gallery, Leila Heller Gallery, Gallery Isabelle, Lawrie Shabibi, Meem Gallery, The Third Line, Waddington Custot and others.
- Dates: 17th to 20th April
- Venue: Madinat Jumeirah
World Art Dubai
World Art Dubai offers one of the most novel experiences of 2025. Under one roof, you will find 10,000 artworks from more than 400 artists and galleries from more than 65 countries.
Emerging artists, experimental expressionists, fine art and photography practitioners as well as pop-art icons and fashion art disrupters will be displaying their work. World Art Dubai is one of the biggest art and culture events in Dubai.
- Dates: 17th to 24th April
- Venue: Hall 1 & Za’abeel Halls 1, 2 & 3, Dubai World Trade Centre
The Speciality Food Festival
The Speciality Food Festival brings international brands to Dubai. Visitors can enjoy awesome cuisines with exquisite taste and presentation. You can also meet leading chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers and retailers during the festival. For foodies, it is about getting inspiration and new ideas for cooking. For business owners, it is a chance to connect with international artisanal and gourmet food exhibitors. This is where you can win a competitive advantage in the market.
- Dates: November 2025
- Venue: Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Al Marmoom Heritage Festival
Al Marmoom Heritage Festival aims to promote Arab culture and revive cultural memories in the hearts and minds of the audiences. Held each year, the festival is attended by thousands and appreciated by Emiratis, expats and tourists alike. It is a celebration of Emirati culture with events where the whole family can have lots of fun.
In previous years, visitors have enjoyed exciting camel races, folk shows, live concerts by Arabic artists and dance shows from Yemen, India and Africa.
- Dates: To be announced
- Venue: Al Ain Road, Al Marmoom
- Entry: Free (You may need to buy tickets for individual events)
Dubai Design Week
The six-day Dubai Design Week covers product design, multimedia, interiors, architecture and graphic design. The event is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Through different exhibitions, competitions, workshops, talks and installations, the aim is to give a creative platform to the local artist community.
Most activities are free for the public.
- Dates: To be announced
- Venue: Dubai Design District
Dubai Opera
Dubai Opera hosts a number of cultural events in Dubai throughout the year. Different concerts, musicals, orchestras and ballet performances are held at Dubai’s iconic cultural destination.
In 2025, audiences can revel and cherish performances by some of the top global artists. The list includes:
- The Limitless Orchestra: From Strauss to Zimmer
- Led Zeppelin Symphonic
- An Evening with John Cleese
- Sweeney Todd
Many such events will take place at the Dubai Opera over the coming months. Check the official website for final dates and ticket prices of all the upcoming events in Dubai Opera.
FAQS ABOUT UPCOMING CULTURAL EVENTS IN DUBAI
ARE THERE ANY FREE TO ATTEND CULTURAL EVENTS IN DUBAI?
Yes, you can find free to attend art and culture events in Dubai.
WHICH ARE THE TOP ANNUAL EVENTS IN DUBAI?
Checkout our list of the top annual events in Dubai to look forward to in 2025.
This wraps up our list of upcoming cultural events in Dubai. The event lineup for 2025 is impressive and if you are planning to visit Dubai soon, it might be wise to organise your trip around the days of your favourite artist’s performance. After all, it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Plenty of art exhibitions and performances by local and international artists will continue to woo audiences at Alserkal Avenue. You can check out the official website for more details. Plus, here’s our list of the upcoming events in Dubai that you can consider.
Subscribe to MyBayut to get regular updates about the latest events and happenings in Dubai.
