Upcoming Dubai events to look forward to in January 2025
Are you looking for exciting upcoming events in Dubai? With a long list of activities, concerts and festivities, this month’s calendar has something for everyone. Let’s look at the best upcoming events in Dubai for January 2025.
DUBAI EVENTS: POPULAR MUSICAL SHOWS IN January 2025
Zemfira live
Kicking off the year with a bang, the Russian pop-rock sensation Zemfira will grace the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on 7th January. Known for her chart-topping hits and captivating performances, expect to hear her iconic songs such as No Chance, Traffic and Goodbye.
- Tickets: AED 295 – AED 695
- Date: 7th January 2025
- Timings: Doors open: 06:30 pm | Show starts: 08:00 pm
- Location: Coca-Cola Arena
Lucky Ali live at Winter Music Fest
Lucky Ali, the beloved king of 90s Bollywood pop, will perform at Zero Gravity on January 18th as part of the Winter Music Fest Season 3. Fans will be treated to his soulful voice and timeless hits, such as O Sanam and Safarnama. His return promises to be just as unforgettable as the festival’s first edition, with tickets expected to sell out fast.
- Tickets: AED 125 – AED 4,000
- Date: 18th January 2025
- Timings: 08:00 pm – 03:00 pm
- Location: Zero Gravity
Metro Boomin Live
Prepare for an electrifying night as Grammy-nominated producer and DJ Metro Boomin takes over Coca-Cola Arena on 24th January. Metro’s influence in the hip-hop scene is undeniable with chart-topping albums and collaborations with music icons.
- Tickets: AED 199 – AED 599
- Date: 24th January 2025
- Timings: Doors open: 06:30 pm | Show starts: 08:00 pm
- Location: Coca-Cola Arena
Green Day live
Green Day, the globally renowned rock band, will make their Middle Eastern debut at Expo City Dubai on 27th January. With over 75 million records sold worldwide, Green Day is synonymous with punk rock excellence. This is a must-attend event for anyone who loves the rebellious spirit of rock music.
- Tickets: AED 445 – AED 3,000
- Date: 27th January 2025
- Timings: 06:00 pm
- Location: Expo City Dubai
Other notable music events happening in Dubai in January 2025 include:
- The Yemenis Orchestra live at Dubai Opera on 23rd January 2025
- Steve Aoki live at Barasti on 25th January 2025
- CAS live at Coca-Cola Arena on 31st January 2025
SPORTS EVENTS IN JANUARY 2025
Dubai Marathon
Ready to challenge yourself? The Dubai Marathon, one of the city’s most prestigious sports events, will take place on January 12, 2025. From elite runners tackling the full 42km to families enjoying the 4km fun run, there is something for everyone.
The atmosphere is electric, with thousands of participants and spectators gathered at the starting point along Umm Suqeim Road. Don’t miss the chance to push your limits and compete for impressive prizes.
- Tickets: AED 183.65 – AED 550.95
- Date: 12th January 2025
- Timings:
- Marathon Elite: 06:00 am
- Marathon Masses: 07:00 am
- 10km Road Race: 08:15 am
- 4km Fun Run: 10:00 am
Hero Dubai Desert Classic
Golf fans, mark your calendars for 16th-19th January as the Emirates Golf Club hosts the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Part of the prestigious Rolex Series, the tournament brings top-tier golf to Dubai, with stunning views of the Majlis course. When you’re not watching the action, enjoy delicious food from local vendors and take part in family-friendly activities.
- Tickets: Free
- Date: 16th January – 19th January 2025
- Location: Emirates Golf Club
Dubai Racing Carnival
Get ready for an adrenaline rush at the Dubai Racing Carnival! Taking place at Meydan Racecourse, this event promises thrilling races with the world’s top jockeys and horses competing head-to-head. Racing fans, don’t miss this chance to see live action with the grand finale happening on 5th April 2025.
- Tickets: From AED 5
- Date: Till 5th April 2025
- Time: 05:30 pm
- Location: Meydan Racecourse
Dubai Basketball Club
International basketball is coming to Dubai! Witness the debut of Dubai Basketball Club in the ABA League at the iconic Coca-Cola Arena.
This is a landmark moment for Dubai. The city’s first international sports franchise will face off against top European teams, including Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and more. Led by Coach Jurica Golemac, the talented team will play 15 matches in a thrilling season.
- Tickets: AED 75 – AED 1,100
- Date: Please check the venue’s official website for the latest matches
- Location: Coca-Cola Arena
COMEDY SHOWS
The Laughter Factory
The Laughter Factory is back with a new stand-up comedy location and a lineup of top-tier comedians. Throughout January, you can catch Harry Stachini, Daisy Earl, Yash Bhardwaj and Sreevatsa Praveen performing at various venues around the city.
- Tickets: AED 160 – AED 250
- Date & Location:
- 10th January 2025, The Agenda
- 11th January 2025, Vintage Grand Hotel
- 17th January 2025, Radisson Hotel DAMAC Hills
- 18th January 2025, Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
- Time: 08:30 pm
Comedy Mixtape Fest live
For a comedy experience like no other, don’t miss the Comedy Mixtape Fest on 19th January at Dubai World Trade Centre. With a powerhouse South Asian comedy lineup, including Anubhav Singh Bassi, Harsh Gujral, Samay Raina and more, the festival guarantees an evening of diverse and entertaining humour.
- Tickets: AED 275 – AED 350
- Date: 19th January 2025
- Time: 05:30 pm
- Location: Sheikh Saeed Hall no. 1, Dubai World Trade Centre
OTHER SHOWS AND DUBAI EVENTS JANUARY 2025
Hatta Winter Festival 2025
The Winter Festival at Hatta has returned. If you are interested in arts, fitness, culture or outdoor activities, the Dubai highlands provide a beautiful setting for a day in the great outdoors.
The event offers a creative and photographic walk, bringing together artists, photographers and creators to capture the beautiful Hatta landscapes through their lenses. Those who enjoy physical activity can participate in outdoor spin bike classes, HIT workouts and yoga. Riding enthusiasts can partake in horse-riding experiences organised in partnership with Yaazar Cafe.
The most affordable option for those looking to travel from Dubai to Hatta is the Hatta Express bus!
- Date: Till 5th January 2025
- Timings: Weekdays: 04:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Weekends: 01:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Location: Hatta
Dubai Shopping Festival
Kick off the holiday season with the 30th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Running until 12 January 2025, DSF transforms the city into a shopper’s paradise. Every day is exciting, with unbeatable deals, live concerts and thrilling family activities.
The festival promises a whirlwind of celebrations, highlighting Dubai’s renowned retail and entertainment scene.
- Tickets: As per the activity
- Date: Till 12th January 2025
DSF Drones Show
Watch as the night skies of Dubai come alive with the DSF Drones Show. This breathtaking spectacle features 1,000 drones synchronised in captivating performances, accompanied by stunning compositions. Hosted every evening during the Dubai Shopping Festival, the show offers a visual and auditory feast at Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR.
- Tickets: Free
- Date: Till 12th January 2025
- Timings: 08:00 pm | 10:00 pm
- Location: Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR
FamilyBeatz
Get ready for an unforgettable family-friendly event at FamilyBeatz, set at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Emirates Golf Club. Perfect for kids and parents alike, this lively fiesta promises three hours of non-stop fun.
The event offers plenty of fun activities, such as face painting and crafts. Plus, indulge in a delicious spread of food that will keep everyone fuelled up for the fun!
- Tickets & Location:
- Al Habtoor Polo Resort: AED 120 |Free for kids 9 and under
- Emirates Golf Club: Free
- Date: 12th January 2025 and 17th January 2025
- Timings: 03:00 pm – 06:00 pm
Quoz Arts Fest
Quoz Arts Fest is a vibrant weekend of art, music and culture that breathes life into Dubai. Held at Alserkal Avenue, the event showcases regional artists, live performances and hands-on workshops. Visitors can also explore art installations, shop at bustling markets or enjoy regional flavours at food stalls.
- Tickets: AED 63 per day (Entry is free for 18 & Under Pass students and senior citizens)
- Dates: 25th January – 26th January 2025
- Location: Alserkal Avenue
- Timings: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
SIKKA ART AND DESIGN FESTIVAL
The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority proudly presents the 13th edition of the Sikka Art and Design Festival in Dubai. The 2025 festival celebrates the richness of visual arts, theatre, music and film through various curated events.
Visitors can participate in interactive workshops, enjoy poetry evenings and savour delectable treats from local F&B concepts.
- Tickets: Free
- Dates: 31st January 2025 – 9th February 2025
- Location: Al Shindagha Historical Neighbourhood
- Timings: Subject to the date
- Contact: sikkartandesign.com, @sikkaplatform (Instagram)
Pluma Show
Pluma is a heartwarming tale of a young girl dreaming of flight. Through the enchanting medium of the circus, this story unfolds with breathtaking aerial acrobatics and captivating storytelling. Prepare to be amazed as world-class trapeze artists perform daring stunts that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
- Tickets: AED 95 – AED 375
- Timings:
- Thursday: 07:00 pm to 09:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 05:00 pm to 07:00 pm | 07:30 pm to 09:30 pm
- Sunday: 05:00 pm to 07:00 pm
- Location: Pluma Circus Tent, Dubai Festival City Mall
La Perle by Dragone
Witness a spectacle unlike any other at La Perle, the region’s permanent resident show. This innovative aqua theatre combines stunning choreography with heart-stopping stunts, leaving audiences in awe. La Perle’s world-class performers will have you on the edge of your seat, with feats ranging from breathtaking aerial acrobatics to gravity-defying dives.
- Tickets: AED 369 – AED 909
- Date: Wednesday to Sunday
- Timings: 06:30 pm – 08:00 pm | 09:00 pm – 10:30 pm
- Location: La Perle
FAQS ABOUT UPCOMING DUBAI EVENTS January 2025 AND MORE
WHICH ART EVENTS ARE HAPPENING IN DUBAI 2025?
From World Art Dubai to thought-provoking art exhibitions, here is a list of upcoming art events in Dubai.
WHAT ARE THE OTHER CONCERTS HAPPENING IN DUBAI AND ABU DHABI?
From international music legends to emerging artists, here’s the complete list of upcoming concerts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for 2025 you can’t miss!
That concludes our guide to the upcoming events in January 2025 in Dubai. We hope you have a great time at any of the biggest events in Dubai you attend. If you plan to visit the capital, several events in Abu Dhabi may tickle your fancy, too.
Like annual events in Dubai, many festivals are happening in Abu Dhabi this year. Whatever your passion, our guide to the annual events in Abu Dhabi has you covered!
Let us know about your experiences in the comments section below.
