Dazzling Dubai ticks all the boxes for an unforgettable holiday. Glistening skyscrapers, shopping malls bigger than your local town centre, and luxurious hotels that make lounging by the pool all day long a serious option.
But with so much going on, you’ll want to explore the emirate’s exciting entertainment – with Zing, of course!
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Here’s what’s hot in Dubai for 2025:
Dubai Shopping Festival – 6th Dec 2024 – 12th Jan 2025
So the festivities have finished and the January blues are kicking in. The Dubai sunshine and a little retail therapy should help lift your mood.
Dubai Shopping Festival sees the emirate’s malls come alive with entertainment, shows and extraordinary raffles. And of course, there are some big bargains to seek out too.
This year’s 30th anniversary event promises to be the biggest yet. Make sure you leave enough space in your suitcase to bring it all back home!
Coldplay – 9th – 14 Jan
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour stops by Abu Dhabi’s 45,000-seater Zayed Sports City Stadium for four shows in January.
All the tickets have sold out at the venue, which is about an hour’s drive from Dubai.
But if you were lucky enough to get your hands on a ticket, or you’re able to buy one in the resale, it’s sure to be a spectacular show featuring the band’s biggest hits.
Dubai Marathon – 12th Jan
Avoid soggy socks and try a road run with a difference.
The Dubai Marathon starts early – at 7am for the non-elite runners – to avoid the worst of the warm weather.
There’s a full 42km course, which takes you past the iconic Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, a shorter 10km route, and a 4km fun run. Whichever option you choose… good luck!
Hero Dubai Desert Classic – 16th – 19th Jan
If a marathon sounds like too much hard work, you can always take a more relaxed approach and watch the pros in action at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic golf championship.
The event is part of the prestigious DP World Tour Rolex Series, and sees some of the world’s top golfers teeing off at the Emirates Golf Club. The winner takes home a cool $9 million cheque.
The star of the show could be Rory Mcllroy. He’ll be defending his Dallah Trophy and trying to become the first ever five-time winner of the event.
Saadiyat Nights – 25th Jan / 15th Feb
Saadiyat Island sits 500m off the coast of Abu Dhabi. With its soft sands it’s a beach lover’s paradise. But it transforms for its multi-date open-air concert series, Saadiyat Nights.
Last year saw the likes of Mariah Carey, John Legend and Alicia Keys take to the stage.
So far this year US stars include R&B legends Boyz II Men (25th January) and pop royalty Christina Aguilera (15th February).
Green Day / The Offspring – 27th Jan
Like your music a bit rockier?
Punk rock pioneers Green Day and The Offspring join forces to bring back some 90s nostalgia at Expo City Dubai.
Expect hits such as American Idiot, Basket Case, and Pretty Fly, to rock the roof off!
UNTOLD Dubai – Feb (tbc)
Last year UNTOLD Festival landed in Dubai for the first time, bringing a line-up of the world’s biggest DJs and live acts to the emirate.
The likes of Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto, Ellie Goulding, and Major Lazer moved the 185,000-strong crowd across four days at Expo City Dubai.
2025’s event promises to be even bigger, but dates, acts and details are yet to be confirmed.
Party people, watch this space!
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship – 16th Feb – 1st Mar
The world’s top tennis players promise to serve up a treat at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, in February.
The tournament is a highlight in Dubai’s sporting calendar, featuring WTA 1000 women’s and ATP 500 men’s events.
Past winners of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship include legends of the game such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Venus Williams.
Dubai World Cup – 5th Apr
Meydan Racecourse is the place to be on 5th April, as Dubai’s horse-racing season reaches its exciting climax.
With a prize purse of over $30 million on offer, you can expect some seriously competitive racing alongside all the glitz and glamour of the world’s richest race day.
The Dubai World Cup was created in 1996 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and it remains the crown jewel in Dubai’s sporting calendar.
World Art Dubai – 17th – 20th Apr
Looking for some art to brighten up your walls at home? Head over to World Art Dubai at Dubai World Trade Centre for the world’s largest contemporary retail art fair.
Over 10,000 pieces of art from over 65 countries will be on display, and if you see something you like, you can buy it! Prices start from $100 (and go all the way up to $20,000).
Live art performances, talks and workshops add a splash of colour to this creative showcase.
Middle East Film and Comic Con – 18th – 20th Apr
Get geeky at the region's biggest pop culture festival, Middle East Film and Comic Con
There will be dancing, exclusive film screenings, signing sessions and gaming tournaments at the Adnec Centre in Abu Dhabi, so grab your autograph book, controllers and cosplay costumes for this unique event.
HSBC SVNS – 30th Nov – 1st Dec
The annual rugby sevens tournament has long been one of Dubai’s most popular events.
This year, following the huge success of rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics, 12 men’s and women’s teams from around the world face-off at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai.
All the action takes place across three days, with local artists, live bands, DJs and an international headliner performing on the Saturday and Sunday.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – 4th – 7th Dec
The 2025 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix makes its annual pit stop at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
It will be the final race of the 24-race season, so there could be a lot on the line as the drivers and constructors battle it out for the chequered flag one last time.
And it’s not just about the racing. Heavyweight musicians perform at Etihad Park across the four day event. In 2024, headliners included Maroon 5, Muse and Eminem.
Dubai Food Festival – date tbc
Dubai gets even more delicious during the annual food festival, where the emirate’s eateries and restaurants serve up special menus, offers and foodie experiences.
No dates have been confirmed yet, but the 2024 edition was spread across 23 days, from April to May.
There’s something for every budget, so you can experience new cuisine from around the world. Plus, get handy in the kitchen with cooking classes and meal masterclasses from top chefs.
The best of Dubai
Besides a jam-packed schedule of events throughout the year, Dubai has an impressive line-up of attractions and landmarks to keep the whole family entertained.
Got a head for heights? Dubai goes big with everything it does!
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and the Dubai Fountain looks beautiful at night.
The Burj Al Arab is one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks and offers stunning panoramic views from its Skyview Lounge. Book in advance to enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea here.
The Dubai Frame, which is 150m tall, and the Dubai Wheel, at 250m high, both dominate the skyline at opposite ends of the emirate.
If you like your views with a side dish of adrenaline, check out Sky Edge Walk. Alternatively, give the slightly less scary glass slide a go. Or the much calmer 360° observation deck.
Xline Dubai Marina is the world’s longest urban zipline and whizzes you across the Marina. Whoosh!
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, Skydive Dubai offers you the chance to parachute out of a plane high above the iconic Palm Islands.
And relax…
Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden.
Next door is Dubai Butterfly Garden, which is home to over 15,000 butterflies.
At Dubai Garden Glow, in Zabeel Park, you’ll discover giant illuminated installations. There’s also an ice park showcasing impressive frozen sculptures.
If that’s not cool enough, there’s also a dinosaur park here! With over 120 animatronic dinos.
For a glimpse at what lies ahead, head over the Museum of the Future.
Family fun…
Dubai has forged a reputation as one of the world’s top theme park destinations.
Thrillseekers can ride rollercoasters inside at IMG Worlds of Adventure, which features Marvel and Cartoon Network zones.
MOTIONGATE is the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the Middle East
With lots to feed their imagination, LEGOLAND Dubai is a firm family favourite.
And cool off at the LEGOLAND Water Park.
A bit further afield, at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, you’ll find four more thrilling theme parks – Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and Ferrari World
Other family favourites include Dubai’s popular waterparks, Aquaventure World (at Atlantis The Palm hotel) and Wild Wadi (close to the Burj Al Arab).
The Dubai Mall has the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
The Mall of the Emirates has Ski Dubai – an indoor ski and snowboard resort with penguins!
If you prefer sand to snow there’s lots of options for fun days out, including desert safaris, quad biking, sandboarding, hot-air balloon flights, and camel rides.
5 Dubai travel hacks
Keep an eye out for the new taxi air service – mooted to start picking up and dropping off passengers from as early as December 2025. The air taxis will open at four locations – near Dubai International Airport, the Downtown area, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, and whizz customers to vertiports (vertical airports), where a car service will complete the final part of the journey.
If you’ve done your research and already have an idea of what you want to do in Dubai, it may be worth buying a Dubai Pass. This will help you save up to 60% on some of the biggest attractions – from Dubai tours and dhow cruises to waterparks and theme parks.
Hop online and search for Dubai discount codes from the likes of Groupon – you could bag a bargain. And pick up a copy of The Entertainer from a local supermarket, or download the app for 595 AED (£125) for lots of special offers and 2-for-1s on popular attractions. You can use the free trial to unlock two special offers.
Looking to unwind with a cocktail or two, or catch a match at the local bar? Look out for happy hours, where you can enjoy 2-4-1s on drinks.
Use the Metro. It’s one of the cheapest ways to get around Dubai and stops at all the major malls, as well as Dubai International Airport and the Marina. Pick up a Silver NoI card for cheaper fares and a 1,000 AED top-up limit.
