Dubai City Guide - Special Events

Shopping Festival
January-February
Sales and slashed prices.
Various shops throughout the city
Website: www.mydsf.com  

Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
Muharram (January 2008, December 2009)
Throughout the city

Dubai Desert Classic
January/February
PGA tour golf tournament
Emirates Golf Club
Website: www.dubaidesertclassic.com

Dog Show
February
The only show of its kind in the Middle East and a popular family day out.
Dubai Golf and Racing Club

Dubai Tennis Championships
February/March
Dubai Tennis Stadium
Website: www.dubaitennischampionships.com   

Dubai Summer Surprises
June-August
Summer festival aimed at shoppers and also at children.
Various venues
Website: www.mydsf.com

Ramadan
Ramadan (September-October 2008, August-September 2009)
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.
Throughout the city

Dubai Raft Race
October
Teams battle it out from their multicoloured rafts, while spectators revel in the carnival atmosphere on land.
Al-Mina Al-Siyahi

UAE Desert Challenge
October/November
The first stage of this high-profile motor sport event usually kicks off in style in Dubai,
Routes vary
Website: www.uaedesertchallenge.com
 
Eid Al-Fitr
End of Ramadan (30 Sep 2008, 20 Sep 2009)
Three-day festival.
Throughout the city

UAE Day
2 December
National day, celebrating independence from Britain.
Throughout city

Eid Al-Adha
Dhulhajj (December 2008, November 2009)
Four-day festival following the main pilgrimage to Mecca.
Throughout the city

Dubai Rugby Sevens
Early December
Popular winter event lures crowd with big-name teams and pre-, during- and post-game parties.
Dubai Exiles Rugby Club
Website: www.dubairugby7s.com