Upcoming cultural events in Dubai
- Film in the Desert
- Ramadan Trunk Show
- DIFC Art Nights
- Art Dubai
- World Art Dubai
- Speciality Food Festival
- Marmoom Heritage Festival
- Live Our Heritage Festival
- Dubai Design Week
- Taste of Dubai
- Dubai Opera
Dubai is one of the best places to be in the world if you love cultural celebrations. There’s no denying that with each passing year, cultural events in Dubai are getting bigger and better. Both in terms of variety and magnitude, there is an upward surge. Be it musical events, art shows, film festivals or any other cultural activity, there are some major events and world-class performances 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 2020 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 movies under open skies in the desert. 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 first edition of ‘Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert’ in the heart of Al Marmoom Desert. The event will be held in collaboration with Cinema Akil and host four days of film screenings for movie and art buffs.
Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert will run stories by local filmmakers celebrating life in the Gulf region. It would be 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 7th March 2020
Films list:
- 4th March: To My Dear with Love (07:30 pm to 07:50 pm), Dunya’s Day (08:00 pm to 08:20 pm) and Sharp Tools (08:30 pm to 10:00 pm)
- 5th March: Emirati Shorts Selection II (07:00 pm to 07:55 pm) and Lion of the Desert (08:05 pm to 11:00 pm)
- 6th March: Emirati Shorts Selection I (07:00 pm to 07:40 pm), Theeb (07:50 pm to 09:30 pm) and Mad Max: The Road Warrior (09:40 pm to 11:00 pm)
- 7th March: You Will Die At Twenty (06:45 pm to 08:25 pm), Mimosa (08:35 pm to 10:05 pm) and The Letter Writer (10:30 pm)
Venue: Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road – Al Marmoom
Tickets: Free entry
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. The latest exhibition from Dubai’s most prestigious galleries including Cuadro Fine Art Gallery, Christies, Sothebys Art, Opera Gallery, Tabari Art Space, Sconci Gallery, The Empty Quarter and the Farjam Collection are part of the show.
Dates and Time:
- 23rd March from 06:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- 24th March from 06:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Venue: Gate Village and Gate Avenue
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. The International Art Fair was scheduled for the end of March, but due to concerns regarding coronavirus in the UAE, the event has been postponed.
However, art lovers still have a reason to be happy as the management has decided to offer the platform to the local and regional artists. This year, the program has been tailored for the local cultural community. Local galleries, Campus Art Dubai, Global Art Forum will be part of this Art Dubai’s extended programme.
- Dates: 25th to 28th March
- Venue: Madinat Jumeirah
World Art Dubai
World Art Dubai offers one of the most novel experiences of 2020. Under one roof, you will find unique art activations, live performances and curated art talks. Four hundred artists from over 150 countries will showcase their talent for an expected 10,000 strong audience. Visitors can buy art pieces they fall in love with. Artworks worth over $4 million were sold last year.
Dates and Time:
- 8th April from 02:00 pm to 09:00 pm
- 9th April from 02:00 pm to 09:00 pm
- 10th April from 02:00 pm to 09:00 pm
- 11th April from 02:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Venue: Hall 1 and 2, Dubai World Trade Centre
The Speciality Food Festival
The Speciality Food Festival brings as many as 1,200 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 three-day 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: 6th to 8th April 2020
- Venue: Halls 1 & 3, Trade Centre Arena and Sheikh Saeed, Dubai World Trade Centre
Al Marmoom Heritage Festival
Al Marmoom Heritage Festival aims to promote the 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.
For a week, you can enjoy exciting camel races, folk shows, live concerts by Arabic artists and dance shows from Yemen, India and Africa. Last year, the Year of Tolerance Folklore Band show was the highlight of the festival.
- Dates: 17th April to 22nd April 2020
- Venue: Al Marmoom
- Entry: Free
Live Our Heritage Festival
The 10th edition of the “Live our Heritage Festival” continues at the Global Village. It is an event which looks at the legacy and customs of people of the emirate. Visitors can, among other things, go back to age with national folk songs, be a part of heritage workshops and watch a live showcase of traditional crafts.
- Dates: Until 4th April 2020
- Timings: 04:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Venue: Global Village, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road
- Entry: Free
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: 9th to 14th November 2020
- Venue: Dubai Design District
Taste of Dubai
One of the biggest food festivals of the region, Taste of Dubai will be held from 9th to 12th December 2020. Residents can try food from the best global 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.
Food is a massive part of any culture. Such food festivals introduce us to different cultures and broaden our taste palate. Hence it is no surprise that Taste of Dubai is one of the most celebrated cultural events in Dubai.
- Dates: 9th to 12th December 2020
- Tickets: Standard Ticket AED 65 | VIP Ticket AED 110
- Venue: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
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 2020, audiences can revel and cherish performances by some of the top global artists. Fans of pop-rock can attend the concert of Latin Pop music legends Gipsy Kings by André Reyes. Egyptian star mezzo-soprano, Farrah El Dibany will definitely leave the audience captivated with her mastery.
Viewing the Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata will be an emotional roller-coaster. The mix of opera, ballet and music will move you. Fans of Italian crossover violinist Luca Ciarla will have a night to relish as the legendary artist joins hands with internationally renowned pianist Amira Fouad.
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.
This wraps up our list of upcoming cultural events in Dubai. The event lineup for 2020 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.
Similarly, some of the world’s top musicians will also be performing in Dubai. Mark your calendars so you can buy tickets for your favourite upcoming concerts in Dubai.
Plenty of art exhibitions and performances by local and international artists will continue to woo audiences at Al Serkal Avenue. You can check out the official website for more details.
Those interested in exploring arts and musical artworks can visit Jameel Arts Centre.
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