Biggest Dubai Events to Look Forward to in 2025
Friday, 23 May 2025
Dubai is a vibrant city known for hosting spectacular events all year round. From dazzling retail festivals to
thrilling sports and entertainment experiences, there’s always something exciting happening. The year 2025 promises to
be just as action-packed, with signature celebrations like the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises
bringing unmatched energy to the city.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, get ready to mark your calendars—here are the biggest annual events in Dubai
you won’t want to miss in 2025!
Table of Contents
- Dubai Home Festival
- Dubai Fitness Challenge
- Dubai Design Week
- DP World Tour Championship
- Dubai Airshow
- Dubai Watch Week
- National Day Celebration
- Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC)
- Downtown Design Dubai
- Sole DXB
- Global Village – Season 30 Launch
- GITEX Global 2025
- Frequently asked questions
Upcoming Events in Dubai 2025
Get ready for an exciting year ahead! Here’s a list of major events expected on Dubai’s 2025 calendar. Be sure to
highlight your favourites and save the dates!
1. Dubai Home Festival
The Dubai Home Festival is the go-to event for those seeking to upgrade their home with stylish furniture and home
décor.
Highlights:
- Exclusive furniture deals and discounts
- Expert-led workshops and interior design talks
- Prizes and giveaways for festival attendees
Dates: October 2025
2. Dubai Fitness Challenge
A city-wide fitness initiative where participants are encouraged to take part in 30 minutes of exercise for 30
consecutive days.
Highlights:
- Free fitness classes and activities across the city
- Community challenges and fitness events
- Boost for Dubai’s health-conscious residents
Dates: To be announced
3. Dubai Design Week
Celebrate Dubai’s growing creative scene at this week-long event featuring design exhibitions, art installations, and
interactive sessions.
Highlights:
- Cutting-edge art exhibitions and design showcases
- Workshops and creative collaborations
- Focus on innovation and sustainability
Dates: To be announced
4. DP World Tour Championship
Top golfers compete for the championship title at this prestigious tournament held at the renowned Jumeirah Golf
Estates.
Highlights:
- Four days of elite golfing competition
- Global champions vying for the prize
- Luxury setting at the Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates
Dates: 13th to 16th November 2025
Location: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Earth Course
5. Dubai Airshow
One of the world’s leading aviation events, showcasing aircraft, innovations in aviation technology, and spectacular
flying displays.
Highlights:
- Over 1,400 exhibitors from around the globe
- Displays of more than 190 aircraft
- Aerial shows and live demonstrations
Dates: 17th to 21st November 2025
Location: Dubai World Central
6. Dubai Watch Week
A luxurious event dedicated to horology, where global watch brands display their most exquisite collections.
Highlights:
- Exclusive showcases of luxury watch brands
- Discussions and exhibitions on watchmaking
- Iconic displays from renowned timepiece creators
Dates: 19th to 23rd November 2025
Location: Dubai Mall and Burj Park
7. National Day Celebration
A vibrant celebration of the UAE’s national unity with parades, fireworks, and a festival of events that light up the
city.
Highlights:
- National Day parades and festive celebrations
- Spectacular fireworks and light shows
- Decorations across the city celebrating the UAE’s flag and heritage
Date: 2nd December 2025
8. Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC)
Dubai’s ultimate pop culture event brings together fans of comics, movies, anime, and gaming with celebrity guests,
workshops, and cosplay competitions.
Highlights:
- Meet-and-greet with global pop culture celebrities
- Cosplay competitions and fan art zones
- Exclusive merchandise and collectibles
- Interactive gaming and VR experiences
Dates: October 2025 (Exact dates to be announced)
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
9. Downtown Design Dubai
A key event during Dubai Design Week, this exhibition showcases high-end contemporary design from around the globe in
furniture, lighting, and interiors.
Highlights:
- Curated showcases from international design brands
- Networking events for interior designers and architects
- Product launches and trend insights
- Talks by global design visionaries
Dates: November 2025 (Exact dates to be announced)
Location: Dubai Design District (d3)
10. Sole DXB
A celebration of street culture, fashion, music, and sneakers, Sole DXB is one of the edgiest urban lifestyle events in the region.
Highlights:
- Live music performances and DJ sets
- Exclusive sneaker drops and fashion pop-ups
- Talks with designers, artists, and influencers
- Street basketball tournaments and interactive games
Dates: December 2025 (Exact dates to be announced)
Location: Dubai Design District (d3)
11. Global Village – Season 30 Launch
A multicultural theme park experience featuring pavilions from around the world, Global Village reopens for its 30th season with exciting shows and shopping.
Highlights:
- Cultural pavilions with global food, crafts, and goods
- Live stage shows, concerts, and performances
- Family-friendly carnival rides and attractions
- Special shows for the milestone 30th season
Dates: October 2025 to April 2026 (Exact opening date TBA)
Location: Global Village, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
12. GITEX Global 2025
One of the largest tech events in the world, GITEX Global unites innovators, startups, and global tech giants under one roof.
Highlights:
- Exhibitions from 6,000+ global tech companies
- AI, robotics, blockchain, and cybersecurity showcases
- Tech talks, startup competitions, and networking
- Launchpad for futuristic technologies
Dates: 6th to 10th October 2025
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
Dubai continues to stand as a global hub for world-class events, offering something for everyone throughout the year. From spectacular shopping festivals to thrilling sports tournaments and cultural celebrations, the city’s 2025 calendar is packed with experiences that promise to captivate both residents and visitors. Whether you’re a fan of luxury, adventure, fitness, or art, Dubai’s events will provide unforgettable memories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Mark your calendars, plan your visits, and get ready for a truly exciting year ahead in this dynamic city!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)?
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is one of Dubai’s most iconic events, offering massive discounts, exciting raffles, and family-friendly entertainment. It spans multiple malls and shopping destinations across the city and features live performances, fireworks, and drone shows. DSF runs until January 12, 2025.
Where is the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature held?
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature takes place at the InterContinental Hotel in Festival City, Dubai. It will be held from January 29 to February 3, 2025, and offers author talks, book signings, and interactive workshops.
How can I attend the Dubai Jazz Festival?
The Dubai Jazz Festival is held at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre from January 28 to 30, 2025. You can purchase tickets online through the event’s official website. Be sure to check for early-bird discounts and lineup details.
When is the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships taking place?
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships will be held from February 16 to March 1, 2025, at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Centre. This highly anticipated event features world-class tennis players competing for the championship title.
What events are part of the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)?
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is a sales and entertainment extravaganza that runs from June 27 to August 31, 2025. It includes massive retail discounts, family activities, live entertainment, and the popular mascot, Modesh, making it a great time for both shopping and fun for all ages.
