January Festivals
Dubai Shopping Festival: Dubai is a favourite of shoppers throughout the year, and in January in particular. Bargain hunters flock to this emirate during the month of January for the annual shopping festival, with most retail outlets participating. More than two million visitors typically come to Dubai during this time to enjoy the concerts, fireworks shows and street theatre that accompany the shopping specials. The tournament comprises the first day’s challenge match, a pro-am competition on the second day and four subsequent days of the main event. March Festivals
Emirates World Series-Dubai World Cup: every year in March, Dubai is host to the horse racing event with the world’s largest purse. Six million US dollars is at stake, ensuring the presence of the top horses, trainers and jockeys in the world. April Festivals
Bride Show: the annual Bride Show is featured at Dubai’s International Exhibition Centre each April, attracting hundreds of exhibitors from all over the Gulf region, and thousands of visitors from points even farther away. A variety of events that have bridal and wedding themes are the focus – as are sales of bridal clothing and accessories. June Festivals
Dubai Summer Surprises: is a 10-week-long festival that starts in June and is as popular as Dubai’s shopping festival held early in the year. A number of activities and concerts are scheduled during this time, spread around the city at its many shopping venues, all aimed at ensuring that shoppers have a pleasant time as they look for bargains of all sorts. September Festivals
Motexha Textile Show: is an annual trade fair held in September, which is largest of its kind in the greater Middle East region. Over 500 exhibitors and thousands of attendees and shoppers come to Dubai for this show, from countries across the region. The main fair is located in the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, divided into 30 pavilions representing the countries participating. All types of clothing and textiles are on display and are for sale here. December Festivals
National Day Festival: the emirate’s national day is celebrated in December, commemorating independence from Britain. Many of Dubai’s important buildings and monuments are opened to the public, hosting special events and staging exhibitions throughout the day. Dubai International Film Festival: Dubai has joined the trend adopted by many of the world’s cities in hosting its own festival dedicated to the best in film – both from the Arab world and internationally. The number of film screenings and quality of entrants increase each year as the festival draws more and more attention. Non-Muslims can certainly eat and drink during this period, but are expected to do so in private. The moon cycle signifying the end of Ramadan brings with it several days of feasting and celebration, with residents and visitors joining in the festivities that seem to be happening everywhere. | 
