Top annual events in Dubai to look forward to in 2025
Dubai is a bustling social hub with exceptional retail, sports and entertainment experiences taking place every single month of the year. Extravagant events in Dubai are the norm, and 2025 will be no different. From fabulous promotions and raffles at the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) to a treasure chest of exciting Dubai Summer Surprises, there are plenty of upcoming events in Dubai for residents and visitors to look forward to.
So, without further ado, let’s get to our list of the biggest annual events in Dubai that guarantee a world of fun for everyone in 2025!
LIST OF UPCOMING EVENTS IN DUBAI 2025
Here are some of the anticipated happenings in the Dubai events calendar 2025. Don’t forget to mark your favourites on the annual events calendar.
DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL
With incredible discounts and sales across major brands, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) secures the top spot on our list of Dubai’s biggest events happening in Dubai this year. The emirate is known for being a shopper’s paradise, and DSF turns every shopper’s dream of discounted prices into reality at their favourite stores across all of the best malls in Dubai. This is one of Dubai’s most anticipated annual festivals, as it sees hundreds of visitors from other emirates and around the world. Apart from bargains, shoppers can look forward to a range of family-friendly events, concerts, fireworks, drone shows and more.
DSF has already started, so now is the best time for some much-needed retail therapy.
- Dates: Until 12th January 2025
EMIRATES AIRLINE FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE
One of the world’s leading international literary festivals, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, is set to return for its 2025 edition. Tickets are on sale now on the event’s official website. Book three sessions and get a 15% discount on each ticket!
- Dates: 29th January to 3rd February 2025
- Location: InterContinental Hotel, Festival City
DUBAI JAZZ FESTIVAL
Held at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, the Dubai Jazz Festival is among the most highly anticipated annual Dubai events in 2025. The event has previously seen musical legends such as Duran Duran, John Legend, Ricky Martin, and Mariah Carey perform their biggest hits in Dubai. You can be sure it will be an incredible event with lots of star power.
- Dates and location: January 28th to 30th, 2025
HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is all set to return this year from 16th January. This event will see golfing greats compete across four days for a chance to win the Rolex Series USD 9M prize fund. Tickets are on sale now.
The annual event is held at the Emirates Golf Club and attracts a global audience every year. The yearly tournament has been part of the European Tour schedule since 1989. It is now rated as one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world.
- Dates: 16th to 19th January 2025
- Location: Emirates Golf Club, Majlis Course
World of Coffee 2025
The premier coffee trade show is a draw for fans of caffeinated beverages, UAE-based coffee businesses and those who want to break into the business.
- Date: 10th, 11th and 12th February 2025
DUBAI DUTY FREE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
This one is for all tennis lovers visiting and living in Dubai! The Dubai Duty Free Championships is one of Dubai’s most eagerly anticipated annual sporting events. It has brought some of the biggest tennis superstars to compete in the desert.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has been taking place for over 20 years. Held during the cooler months (February/March), the event allows tennis fanatics to watch their favourite players in action at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Centre.
- Dates: 16th February to 1st March, 2025
- Location: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Centre
TASTE OF DUBAI
To all the foodies out there, this is one of the annual festivals in Dubai that should be on your calendar. Taste of Dubai 2025 visitors can enjoy dining at some of the most incredible restaurants and enjoy exceptional discounted deals. The best part is that you can enjoy your food with a backdrop of live music.
- Dates: 14th to 16th February, 2025
DUBAI WORLD CUP
The next feature on our list of the largest yearly events in Dubai is the Dubai World Cup. Held for the first time in 1996, this annual horse racing event has become one of the biggest annual sports events in Dubai. Not to mention that it is counted as one of the most prestigious horse races on the planet.
For fans of the sport, this is the chance to see the best thoroughbreds battle it out for the grand prize. Furthermore, the event is well-known for its hat competition. Ladies attending the event compete by wearing the most unique hats.
- Date: Final race on 5th April 2025
- Location: Meydan Racecourse
DUBAI SUMMER SURPRISES
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is a sales extravaganza that takes place right after schools close for the summer break. It’s one of the anticipated events in Dubai 2025. Parents get to take advantage of unbelievable deals on clothes, accessories, electronics, and ‘back to school’ discounts on school supplies. Sporting its ever-popular mascot, Modesh, the DSS holds numerous activities for kids, ensuring entertainment for the whole family.
Several hotels, restaurants and major malls participate in DSS every year.
- Dates: 27th June to August 31st 2025
- Locations: Vary
Dubai Home Festival
The year 2025 will mark the sixth edition of the Dubai Home Festival (DHF). Get ready to adorn your home with beautiful furniture from local brands. Last year’s edition was a resounding success with expert-led events, some lucky winners and more. Stay tuned for details about the 2025 edition.
- Dates: October 2025
DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE
Introduced by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Fitness Challenge has gained immense popularity since its inaugural edition in 2017. The event aims to challenge residents to opt for a healthier lifestyle by participating in 30 minutes of exercise for 30 consecutive days. The city becomes a playground for fitness enthusiasts as free fitness classes take place across the emirate.
- Dates: To be announced
DUBAI DESIGN WEEK
Our next feature is among the popular annual events in Dubai as well. Design Week is a celebration of Dubai’s creative community through art events, installations and exhibitions across the city. Dubai Design Week is an event that all art fans should look forward to.
- Dates: To be announced
DP World Tour Championship
Watch champion golfers in action at the DP World Tour Championship. The event will be making its run in Dubai from the 13th of November 2025. Head to the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates for all the action!
- Date: 13th to 16th November
- Location: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Earth Course
Dubai Airshow
Prepare to look skywards! One of the most anticipated annual events in Dubai will be making a comeback in 2025. The Dubai Airshow will take place at a purpose-built venue at Dubai World Central.
The show’s upcoming edition will include over 1,400 exhibitors hailing from 98 countries. Adding to the allure will be more than 190 aircrafts that will be on display for all to admire. Stay for the aerial flights!
- Date: 17th to 21st November, 2025
- Location: Dubai World Central
Dubai Watch Week
The seventh edition of Dubai Watch Week is expected to be as popular as ever. The watch fair is among the world’s largest with several exclusive and luxury brands on display.
Dubai Watch Week 2025 will be taking place in Burj Park and Dubai Mall.
- Date: 19th to 23rd November, 2025
- Location: Dubai Mall and Burj Park
NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION
Our final feature among the anticipated annual celebrations in Dubai is the UAE National Day, which falls on 2nd December. The event, one of many in the UAE events calendar 2025, celebrates the country’s union and is a yearly festival in Dubai, where the city is lit up with decorations that feature the colours of the UAE’s flag. Expect parades, fireworks and other events!
- Date: 2nd December 2025
FAQS ABOUT ANNUAL EVENTS IN DUBAI
WHAT OTHER EVENTS CAN I LOOK FORWARD TO?
Some of the other yearly events in Dubai include the GITEX Shopper, Arab Fashion Week, Sikka Art Fest, Al Qouz Art Fest and Art Dubai. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is another one of the annual events in the UAE that gets a lot of attention.
WHEN WILL THE DATES OF THE REMAINING EVENTS BE ANNOUNCED?
With the social calendar filled with all these recurring events in Dubai, you can find something great to look forward to almost every month. Plenty of exciting art events in Dubai will happen in 2025.
WHAT ARE THE BEST FREE ACTIVITIES IN DUBAI?
From beaches to old souks, there are many free things to do in Dubai.
Looking for other essential UAE 2025 info? Check out our up-to-date post on the public holidays in UAE for 2025.
Which of these annual events in Dubai do you find most interesting? Let us know in the comments section below.
