Some of the main Islamic religious holidays include: Eid al-Adha, commemorating the Pilgrimage; Eid al-Fitr, following the end of Ramadan; the Islamic New Year; Lailat al-Mi'raj, the day of the Ascension of the Prophet; and the Prophet's Birthday. January Festivals
Dubai's Marathon: is held each year in January, when the weather conditions are the most amenable to this kind of outdoor exertion. The marathon route makes a circuit of the city, passing by many of Dubai’s major landmarks. February Festivals
Dubai Tennis Championships: draw many top international male and female players to the impressive facility and the US$1 million in prizes. The tournament includes men's ATP Tour events and also Women's WTA Tour events, in singles and doubles competitions. March Festivals
Emirates World Series - Dubai World Cup: features a group-one race for horses four years of age and older, with a purse totalling an amazing US$6 million – with US$3.6 million of it going to the winner. Desert Rock Festival: is hosted at the Dubai Country Club, and now lasts for two full days. International performers who have participated in past festivals have included The Bravery, Incubus, In Flames, Iron Maiden, Junkyard Groove, Robert Plant, Prodigy, and Stone Sour. April Festivals
Red Bull Air Race Series: spectacular competitions of stunt flying attract fearless pilots from around the globe. They manoeuvre their craft at speeds of around 350mph through low-lying, inflatable ‘air gates’, mesmerising the thousands of spectators who attend this annual event. The venue changes with each race in the series. There are numerous activities, competitions – and even courses – on offer during this time, ensuring something for everyone in the family. October Festivals
Camel racing: is not just for the tourists, and in fact is a serious part of the racing scene in the UAE. Dubai's racetrack, for example, is packed with spectators during the winter season, particularly October. Camel owners are typically sheiks; with jockeys often youngsters – in fact, some are as young as six years old. December Festivals
Laylat-al-Qadr - the Night of Power: late in the fasting month of Ramadan, it is said that the prophet Mohammad was visited at night by the angel Gabriel, who made his first of many revelations that would eventually provide the basis for the Q'uran. For Muslims around the world, this night is the holiest of the year, and is also considered a night of forgiveness. Faithful Muslims believe they will have their sins forgiven by Allah if they spend the night in prayer, and that they will experience an easier death. For an entire month, merchandise from jewellery to designer fashions, and carpets to electronics are deeply discounted. Numerous cultural events are scheduled during this time to keep the non-shoppers in the family pleasantly occupied. No Fixed Date
Ramadan: lasts for 30 days, and its start date is set by the lunar calendar – September or October, typically. Consumption of food and drink is prohibited between dawn and dusk each day of this fasting month. The Islamic faithful eat only during the night-time hours for the duration of Ramadan. Friends and family members exchange gifts; music and dancing is the order of the day; and women decorate their hands with henna designs, creating intricate patterns. Entire communities are brought together, with celebrations carrying on until late into the night. | 
