The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and an array of exciting events that cater to every taste. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there’s always something happening in the UAE. Here is a comprehensive list of the most anticipated events in the UAE for 2024.
January
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
- Date: January 1, 2024
- Location: Various locations across the UAE
- Description: Spectacular fireworks, concerts, and celebrations to welcome the New Year.
Dubai Shopping Festival
- Date: December 15, 2023 – January 29, 2024
- Location: Various malls and shopping centers in Dubai
- Description: A month-long shopping extravaganza featuring discounts, promotions, and entertainment.
February
Dubai Food Festival
- Date: February 20 – March 10, 2024
- Location: Various locations in Dubai
- Description: A celebration of Dubai’s culinary scene with food tastings, cooking classes, and special events.
Gulf Food
- Date: February 19 – 23, 2024
- Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
- Description: One of the world’s largest annual food and hospitality shows.
March
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
- Date: March 1 – 9, 2024
- Location: InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City
- Description: The Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word.
Dubai International Boat Show
- Date: March 12 – 16, 2024
- Location: Dubai Harbour
- Description: A premier event showcasing luxury yachts, marine equipment, and water sports.
April
Al Gharbia Watersports Festival
- Date: April 18 – 27, 2024
- Location: Al Mirfa, Abu Dhabi
- Description: A thrilling watersports event featuring kite surfing, wakeboarding, and more.
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
- Date: April 24 – 30, 2024
- Location: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
- Description: An event for book lovers with a wide range of literary activities.
May
Ramadan Night Market
- Date: May 10 – 19, 2024
- Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
- Description: A shopping fiesta with a variety of products and entertainment during the holy month of Ramadan.
June
Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations
- Date: June 7 – 10, 2024
- Location: Various locations across the UAE
- Description: Festivities marking the end of Ramadan with family gatherings, feasts, and special prayers.
July
SummerFest Abu Dhabi
- Date: July 1 – August 31, 2024
- Location: Various locations in Abu Dhabi
- Description: A two-month-long festival with family entertainment, concerts, and activities.
August
Dubai Summer Surprises
- Date: July 1 – August 31, 2024
- Location: Various malls and shopping centers in Dubai
- Description: A summer festival offering discounts, raffles, and family fun.
September
Back to School
- Date: September 1, 2024
- Location: Various locations across the UAE
- Description: Events and promotions to prepare for the new school year.
October
Gitex Technology Week
- Date: October 6 – 10, 2024
- Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
- Description: The biggest technology event in the Middle East showcasing the latest innovations.
November
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- Date: November 22 – 24, 2024
- Location: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
- Description: The final race of the Formula 1 season with thrilling races and entertainment.
Dubai Design Week
- Date: November 11 – 16, 2024
- Location: Dubai Design District
- Description: A festival celebrating design with exhibitions, talks, and workshops.
December
National Day Celebrations
- Date: December 2, 2024
- Location: Various locations across the UAE
- Description: Celebrations marking the UAE’s National Day with parades, fireworks, and cultural activities.
Dubai International Film Festival
- Date: December 4 – 11, 2024
- Location: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
- Description: A premier film festival showcasing international and regional films.
Event Calendar Table
| Month | Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | New Year’s Eve Celebrations | January 1, 2024 | Various locations | Fireworks and celebrations. |
| Dubai Shopping Festival | Dec 15, 2023 – Jan 29, 2024 | Various malls in Dubai | Shopping discounts and entertainment. | |
| February | Dubai Food Festival | Feb 20 – Mar 10, 2024 | Various locations in Dubai | Culinary events and food tastings. |
| Gulf Food | Feb 19 – 23, 2024 | Dubai World Trade Centre | Food and hospitality show. | |
| March | Emirates Airline Festival of Literature | March 1 – 9, 2024 | InterContinental Hotel, Dubai | Literary celebrations and book readings. |
| Dubai International Boat Show | March 12 – 16, 2024 | Dubai Harbour | Luxury yachts and marine equipment showcase. | |
| April | Al Gharbia Watersports Festival | April 18 – 27, 2024 | Al Mirfa, Abu Dhabi | Watersports competitions and activities. |
| Abu Dhabi International Book Fair | April 24 – 30, 2024 | Abu Dhabi National Exhibition | Book fair with literary activities. | |
| May | Ramadan Night Market | May 10 – 19, 2024 | Dubai World Trade Centre | Shopping and entertainment during Ramadan. |
| June | Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations | June 7 – 10, 2024 | Various locations | Festivities marking the end of Ramadan. |
| July | SummerFest Abu Dhabi | July 1 – Aug 31, 2024 | Various locations in Abu Dhabi | Summer entertainment and activities. |
| August | Dubai Summer Surprises | July 1 – Aug 31, 2024 | Various malls in Dubai | Summer festival with discounts and fun. |
| September | Back to School | September 1, 2024 | Various locations | Events for the new school year. |
| October | Gitex Technology Week | October 6 – 10, 2024 | Dubai World Trade Centre | Technology and innovation showcase. |
| November | Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | November 22 – 24, 2024 | Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi | Final Formula 1 race of the season. |
| Dubai Design Week | November 11 – 16, 2024 | Dubai Design District | Design exhibitions and workshops. | |
| December | National Day Celebrations | December 2, 2024 | Various locations | Celebrations for UAE National Day. |
| Dubai International Film Festival | December 4 – 11, 2024 | Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai | International and regional film screenings. |
Conclusion
The UAE offers a dynamic calendar filled with diverse events throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in shopping, sports, food, technology, or culture, there’s always something exciting happening. Mark your calendars and make the most of these incredible events in 2024!
FAQs
- What is the Dubai Shopping Festival?
- The Dubai Shopping Festival is a month-long event offering discounts, promotions, and entertainment across various malls in Dubai.
- When is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
- The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place from November 22 to 24, 2024.
- What kind of events can I expect during the Dubai Food Festival?
- The Dubai Food Festival features food tastings, cooking classes, and special culinary events.
- Are there any major book fairs in the UAE?
- Yes, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair are two major book fairs.
- When is the UAE National Day celebrated?
- UAE National Day is celebrated on December 2 each year, with various festivities across the country.
