The UAE doesn’t just create skylines; it creates experiences. From record-breaking marathons in shopping malls to luxury horse racing and heritage exhibits, there is some festivity every month that combines tradition, innovation, and sheer lifestyle intrigue.
If you are putting together your 2025 calendar, here are festivals and events to make sure you are circling in bold.
Dubai Mallathon
Dubai opened the season in record-breaking fashion with the Dubai Mallathon—the largest and most colourful mall run ever.
More than 40,000 people participated in multiple locations, culminating in a show-stopping finale at Dubai Hills Mall.
Part of the city’s growing focus on wellness, the event reimagined fitness as a dynamic, city-wide experience.
The colourful, high-energy festival transformed commercial spaces into pop-up tracks and brought community fitness into the heart of Dubai’s retail and lifestyle scene. The Mallathon signifies the start of an era where wellness and the everyday lifestyle go hand in hand.
Abu Dhabi’s ADIHEX
The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition ADIHEX is coming back bigger and bolder than ever.
It will be the largest edition yet and emphasize the UAE’s heritage and aspirations.With strong national collaboration and global participation, ADIHEX is the UAE’s annual flagship for outdoor adventure. It fuses falconry and equestrian arts with pioneering sustainability and technology.
The Dubai World Cup
Dubai hosts the Dubai World Cup every March, the richest horse race in the world, with an astounding prize fund of $30 million.
Being one of the best horse races in the world, the event is not just excitement from the races on the course, but also an extravagant “fashion show” with fine dining and elite networking as part of the evening.
Beyond the thrills of the track, this prestigious event brings together the best of luxury, fashion, and high society in a glamorous celebration of both opulence and style.Expect couture dresses, statement hats, and big announcements from many luxury brands in what is often called the “Kentucky Derby of the Middle East.”
Sharjah Mass Weddings
This December, Sharjah will host its 11th annual mass wedding, an event funded and facilitated by the government, which celebrates young Emirati couples as they embark on their journey of married life.
The event evolves into a memorable cultural spectacle, where families come together to celebrate love and tradition, all set against a backdrop of vibrant music, elegant traditional attire, and a festive atmosphere that fills the air with joy!
It is not just a wedding, it is a cultural event filled with music and festivities in traditional dress and family members.
Art Dubai
Art Dubai, one of the world’s most established contemporary art fairs, once again turns the city into a canvas for all in March.
As the leading international art event in the region, it showcases emerging and established talent while highlighting Dubai’s growing influence in the global art scene. Dubai is transformed into a cultural hub of art and luxury.
Featuring 100+ galleries from all over the world, it is the world’s largest meeting place for collectors, creators, and culture.
Dubai Shopping Festival
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is still a show-stopper every year. It takes place annually, and malls and boulevards are always transformed by discounts, raffles, and entertainment.
Now in its latest edition, DSF continues to elevate the shopping and retail experience for locals and tourists alike, blending high-energy entertainment with luxury shopping in a way only Dubai can!
What makes the DSF special are the massive fireworks, fashion shows, exclusive discounts, and pop-up concerts every night, which turn shopping into an entertainment spectacle.
From arts to adventure, love to luxury, the UAE has an unforgettable festival calendar for 2025 that highlights and combines heritage, lifestyle, and innovation. Whether you are a jet-setting traveler looking for the next glamorous stop or a curious explorer interested in the local cultural offer, the Emirates has a calendar year that seems like a curated bucket list.
FAQs
What is the best festival for luxury-seeking travelers in the UAE?
The Dubai World Cup and the Dubai Shopping Festival both showcase glamour, fashion, and elite experiences beyond the main event.
What cultural event is a must-watch for a great experience of Emirati culture?
For an immersive Emirati cultural experience, a visit to the Al Dhafra Festival in the western desert is highly recommended.
Are there any festivals in the UAE that incorporate wellness into lifestyle?
Definitely! The Dubai Mallathon actually had malls as tracks, merging wellness and entertainment, proving that Dubai lifestyle is as active as it is stylish.
