World City Guide

Special Events

Shopping Festival, sales and slashed prices, Jan-Feb, various shops throughout the city
Dog Show, the only show of its kind in the Middle East and a popular family day out, Feb, Dubai Golf and Racing Club
Dubai Tennis Championships, Feb, Dubai Tennis Stadium
Eid Al-Adha, four-day festival following the main pilgrimage to Mecca, Dhulhajj (Jan until 2006), throughout the city
Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year), Muharram (Feb until 2006), throughout the city
Dubai Summer Surprises, summer festival aimed at shoppers and also at children, Jun-Aug, various venues
Dubai Raft Race, teams battle it out from their multicoloured rafts, while spectators revel in the carnival atmosphere on land, Oct, Al-Mina Al-Siyahi
Ramadan, during the month of Muslim fasting, bars and pubs close and restaurants stop serving alcohol and even non-Muslims must not eat, drink or smoke on the street, Ramadan (Oct until 2006), throughout the city
UAE Desert Challenge, the first stage of this high-profile motor sport event usually kicks off in style in Dubai, Nov, routes vary
Eid Al-Fitr, three-day festival, end of Ramadan (Oct until 2006), throughout the city
UAE Day, national day, celebrating independence from Britain, 2 Dec, throughout city
Dubai Rugby Sevens, popular winter event lures crowd with big-name teams and pre-, during- and post-game parties, early Dec, Dubai Exiles Rugby Club