Top 10 Festivals in UAE

Here is the list of top festivals in UAE that will be celebrated in 2024.  Apart from all the common festivals the nations share, every country has some specific festivals. The city lightens up in celebration and brings all the diverse people together at one place or another. These festivals are a great time, even for tourists to explore the nation when it’s vibrant and emanates cultural significance. The same is true for a country like the UAE which has several festivals that welcome the locals and the tourists into their city. Let’s explore the top 10 festivals that garner attention and are best for planning a trip.

Discover Top Festival in UAE !

1. Islamic New Year

In our first list of Festivals in United Arab Emirates, this festival comes on the top. The Hijri Calendar or the Lunar Islamic Calendar determines all the Islamic festivals and the Islamic New Year is also known as Al-Hijra. The one certain thing is that it is celebrated the next month of Ramadan, the first month and the first day of the calendar and Muharram respectively.

Well, as compared to other festivals which are generally loud (in a good way celebration), an Islamic New Year is more of a peaceful celebration. On this day, every working institution is closed and people take this day for self-reflecting, putting all the negativity behind and starting the new year with resolutions. It is also a dry day throughout the city.

2. National Day Festival

Unity has always been celebrated and this national day came into effect in 1977 when the 7 Emirates came together, got nationalized and formed the United Arab Emirates that we know today. Every building especially the ones with the National Importance is lit up with a fireworks show in the evening. This festival is usually celebrated in the month of December. So if you are planning to visit during this month then don’t miss our New Year Dubai package that has lots of things for you.

This celebration is an amazing time for availing attractive offers and participate in the events that are taking place all over the city. There are entertainment shows at The Burj Khalifa, Global Village, La Mer Beach and many more famous monuments in Dubai. Set your bags and get ready to celebrate in Dubai!

3. Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha

Beginning with Eid Al Fitr, it is a celebration surrounded by a feast to unleash as soon as the people sight the new moon. The whole family meets up on this auspicious day i.e., the first day of the month of Shawwal in the 10th month of Lunar Islamic Calendar. It is a joyful day filled with loved ones’ laughter, new dresses, traditional greetings, well wishes and gifts.

On the other hand, the Festival of Sacrifice which is Eid Al Adha is the holier celebration. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the Lunar calendar’s last month. It is said that the people take up the pilgrimage to Hajj in the same month. The festival of sacrifice is named so because of Ibrahim’s sacrifice of his son as a testament to his loyalty to God. hence, on this day, people sacrifice a sheep to God as an honor.

4. Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif

The birthdays are always a call of celebration and Mawad al-Nabi al-Sharif is Prophet Muhammad’s birthday celebration. He is celebrated as the final messenger to be sent by God who spread the Abrahamic faith to the rest of the world which also includes the non-Muslims. He is also considered as the founder of Islam. Not only in Dubai but this day is celebrated worldwide and is a public holiday.

You will witness the open-air celebrations plus the parades that are a sign of their love and deviation from the prophet. Like any other normal birthday celebration, there is a cake-sharing ritual with a big feast for all irrespective of religion. As a respect and tribute to him, it is also a dry day throughout the city.

5. International Jazz Festival

In this era, it is very rare to find an anti-music lover. Well, this is almost everyone’s dream come true. There is nothing like music that connects people to their deepest core and enjoy it like it shakens your every being. Anyone and everyone who likes Jazz and Pop, this festival is for you! An International Jazz Festival invites all the music legends to a common ground where they play their beats to all the participants. The common ground here is the Dubai Media Amphitheatre where the UAE locals and tourists gather to have the night of their life!

6. Awafi Festival

Awafi festival is the celebration of the nations’ union and to keep the traditions alive, there is a range of events and competitions arranged in the desert of Ras Al Khaimah. It is perfect for everyone but more so for the adventurers. People say this is the most attractive event where they explore the sand dunes in their vehicles, may that be a 4×4 SUV or a quad bike, the fun is unparalleled. Apart from these adventures, there are exhibitions, food courts, stalls and many more things for this day. It is a mixture of the city’s heritage, culture and adventure– posing as a perfect vacation!

7. Dubai Shopping Festival

Get your bags ready shopaholics- the Dubai Shopping Festival is here to make your bank balance nil! It is paired with the new year festive where each shopping center in the city is crowded with festive discounts. This festival does not commence in any one place, the whole city beams with the amazing discounts it has to offer to the locals and tourists alike.

Doesn’t matter what you want to buy, is it fashionable attire, home appliances or cooking utensils, you can grab anything and everything at a discounted price- a kick for all the shopaholics! 

8. Dubai World Cup

If you are thinking of cricket, then let us tell you that it isn’t in this case. Dubai World Cup is associated with the World Series of Richest Horse Racing with the prize money raising the bar to $12 million! They call it richest for a reason and now you may have your eye bulged up but we recommend booking your tickets for this World Cup. This festival aka the world cup has been taking place since 1996 with eight thoroughbred horses. It is always held on March’s last Saturday.

Another race, a Purebred Arabian race is held annually at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai and offers a total of $35 million. Do not miss your chance, it will be a sight to behold!

9. Dubai International Film Festival

This film festival brings all the cinema lovers together to the place along with the producers, directors and A-line Hollywood stars. As per 2022 data, there have been 14 successful editions and after a break, it commenced again in 2022. As the name suggests, this event’s motto is to promote local filmmakers and bring engagements and they have successfully bought over 500 Arab films. If you are a global cinema lover, we would say, book the ticket right away.

10. Emirates Airline Literature Festival

Among all the festivals, literature is never left behind. Since the year 2009, Dubai has been celebrating the Emirates Airline Literature Festival at the Intercontinental Hotel each year. It has grown so much that every year, it admits over 50,000 people. There are more than 200 sections dedicated to the limitless literature. Famous personalities gather here to interact with the public and help to provide a deeper insight into the world of literature.

Conclusion

Among all these festivals, let’s not miss the remarkable New Year celebration that enlightens the city as well as the locals and tourists. We know how enticing each festival is, therefore, make your plan now to be a part of these festivals and get a first-hand experience. Dubai is much more than its modern monuments and attractions, it’s time for you to explore.