Top annual events in Dubai to look forward to in 2024
Dubai is a bustling social hub with exceptional retail, sports and entertainment experiences taking place every single month of the year. Extravagant Dubai annual events are the norm, and 2024 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 events for Dubai residents and visitors to look forward to.
So, without further ado, let’s get to our list of the biggest Dubai annual events that guarantee a world of fun for everyone in 2024!
LIST OF DUBAI ANNUAL EVENTS 2024
Here are some of Dubai’s top events of 2024. 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 annual events. 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 the most anticipated annual festivals in Dubai, 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 kicked off, so now is the best time for some much-needed retail therapy.
- Dates: Until 14th January 2024
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 2024 edition. Tickets are on sale now on the event’s official website. Book three sessions and get a 15% discount on each ticket!
- Dates: 31st January to 6th February 2024
- 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 2023. The event has previously seen musical legends such as Duran Duran, John Legend, Ricky Martin, and Mariah Carey perform their biggest hits in Dubai. We haven’t heard about this year’s line-up and event dates just yet, but you can be sure that it will be an incredible event with lots of star power.
- Dates and location: To be announced
HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is all set to return this year from 18th 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: 18th to 21st January 2024
- Location: Emirates Golf Club, Majlis Course
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 the most eagerly anticipated annual sporting events in Dubai. It has brought some of the biggest tennis superstars to compete in the desert.
Held under the patronage of H.H. 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 more than 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: 18th February to 2nd March 2024
- Location: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Centre
DUBAI FOOD FESTIVAL
To all the foodies out there, this is one of the annual festivals in Dubai that should be on your calendar. Dubai Food Festival 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. If you fancy yourself as a chef, there is a chance to polish your skills with comprehensive workshops and cooking shows scheduled at the event. Visitors also get to try out cuisine cooked by globally renowned chefs.
- Dates: To be announced
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: 30th March 2024
- 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. Parents get to take advantage of unbelievable deals on clothes, accessories, electronics, as well as ‘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.
Like every year, several hotels, restaurants and major malls will participate in DSS.
- Dates: To be announced
- Locations: Vary
Dubai Home Festival
The year 2024 will mark the sixth edition of the Dubai Home Festival (DHF). Get ready to adorn your home with beautiful furniture by 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 2024 edition.
- Dates: To be announced
DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE
Introduced by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, the Dubai Fitness Challenge has gained immense popularity since its inaugural edition in 2017. The event’s purpose is 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
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 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!
The 52nd National Day festivities in Expo City were a massive hit. Expect National Day 2024 to be just as spectacular!
- Date: 2nd December 2024
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 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.
WHAT ARE THE BEST FREE ACTIVITIES IN DUBAI?
From beaches to old souks, there are a lot of free things to do in Dubai.
Looking for other essential UAE 2023 info? Check out our up-to-date post on the public holidays in UAE for 2024.
Which of these Dubai annual events do you find most interesting? Let us know in the comments section below.
