Top 10 Annual Events in Dubai 2024

When it comes to leisure, Dubai never disappoints. This emirate always has something for everyone. 2024 has been a great year and a lot has to follow with numerous festivals and entertaining events. 

From international concerts to regional shopping festivals, there is a heap of festivities in the city. Dubai’s annual summer festivals and sporting events are the catch for the residents and visitors. Scroll down to explore the best events in Dubai happening in 2024!

• Summer Surprises
• Film Festival
• International Boat Show
• Shopping Festival
• National Day Festival
• Emirates Airline Festival Of Literature
• Automechanika Dubai
• Taste of Dubai Festival
• Sleep Expo Middle East 2024
• Dubai Marathon
• FAQs

Top Annual Events in Dubai 

Dubai’s event calendar is full of festivities, including concerts, exhibitions, food festivals, and much more. Here’s a list of the top annual events in Dubai, including those that have passed but will return in 2025.

1. Summer Surprises

The annual Dubai Summer Surprises is a highly anticipated summer festival. Its 27th Edition ran from June 28 to September 1, 2024. This 65-day annual festival offers a variety of experiences for residents and visitors to enjoy with friends and family, including: 

• World-class Shopping
• Entertainment shows
• Dining experiences
• Fun activities 

The event primarily exhibits Dubai’s summer as one of the best times to explore the city. Don’t worry if you missed it this year, it will be back in 2025 with more exciting experiences.

Scheduled on

June 28 to September 1, 2024

Location 

The Outlet Village, Dubai, UAE

2. Dubai International Film Festival

The International Film Festival in Dubai is the region’s premier cinematic event. It showcased a variety of international and regional films from January 31 to February 6, 2024. 

Additionally, DIFF provides a global forum for cultural exchange, artistic innovation, and storytelling. The event offers:

• Red-carpet premieres
• Industry workshops
• Panel discussions
• Networking opportunities for filmmakers and professionals

Scheduled on

31st January to 6th February, 2024

Location

Madinat Arena, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

3. Dubai International Boat Show

At the end of February 2024, the Dubai International Boat Show brought together yachting enthusiasts and marine industry professionals. It is the leading marine leisure event in the Middle East. The exhibition featured:

• International Yachting Brands
• Luxury Lifestyle Companies
• Marine Equipment Manufacturers

Scheduled on

February 27 to March 3, 2024

Location

Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE

4. Dubai Shopping Festival

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is a month-long celebration that increases excitement about shopping. Scheduled at the end of December 2024, DSF offers discounts, live performances and entertainment throughout the city.

Key Highlights

• Retail promotions
• Live performances by singers and dancers
• Pyrotechnics shows

Scheduled on

December 6, 2024 to Jan 12, 2025

Location

Held across Dubai

5. National Day Festival

The most happening event in Dubai, UAE National Day, is annually celebrated on December 2nd. This event marks the merging of seven Emirates into the United Arab Emirates. 

Visitors can learn about the country’s history and achievements while having fun. This significant festival features: 

• Large parties
• Parades
• Fireworks display
• Cultural shows
• Traditional dances
• Educational activities

Scheduled on

December 2, 2024

Location

It is celebrated throughout Dubai.

6. Emirates Airline Festival Of Literature

At the end of January 2024, the International Literature Festival brought together renowned authors and aspiring writers for workshops, readings, and discussions. It is one of Dubai’s annual events, which features:

• 250 Sessions
• Writing Workshops
• Readings
• Conversations
• Activities for Children and Adults

The festival aims to develop future writers and encourage talent within the country. 

Scheduled on

31st January to 6th February, 2024

Location

Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, UAE

7. Automechanika Dubai

The 21st Edition of Automechanika is a must-attend for automotive enthusiasts. It will take place from 10th to 12th December, 2024. This event features over 2,200 exhibitors and 17 halls. The largest gathering of the automotive aftermarket industry in the MENA region will attract around 52,000 visitors from over 160 countries.

Scheduled on

10th to 12th December, 2024

Location

Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE

8. Taste of Dubai Festival

Every year in February, Taste of Dubai showcases 16 of the city’s top restaurants and brings excitement to the foodies. The festival offers guests the chance to:

• Learn Chef Skills
• Create Recipes
• Try New BBQ Tricks 
• Attend Numerous Culinary Workshops

Scheduled on

23rd to 25th February, 2024 

Location

Skydive Dubai, Al Seyahi Street, Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE

9. Sleep Expo Middle East 2024

The 5th edition of Sleep Expo Middle East was held from 10th to 12th September 2024. The exhibition features leading brands and emerging sleep and bedding market players from the Middle East and Africa.  

Besides that, the dedicated Sleep Expo ME Conference held during the event provided a powerful platform for the industry.

Scheduled on

10th to 12th September, 2024

Location

Sheikh Saeed Hall 1 & 2 & Trade Centre Arena, DWTC, Dubai, UAE

10. Dubai Marathon

The UAE Festival hosts a charity marathon with three races at a low entry fee. Participants of all ages and fitness levels compete in a test of strength and endurance before the Madinat Jumeirah. These races are of: 

• 3 km
• 10 km
• 50 km 

Although this year’s event has passed, runners can look forward to it in 2025.

Scheduled on

5th to 7th January, 2024

Location

Umm Suqeim Road opposite the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

FAQs

Whether you are a resident or a tourist, there are many amazing festivals in Dubai across 2024 that you can’t miss. With numerous exciting events in Dubai 2024, get the chance to spend some fun time with your family and friends.   
Besides this, you can also check out Dubai Events: BIM on Property Finder’s blog.

Share