Travel Dubai, the city of glitz and glamour any part of the year to encounter a festival. This tourist hotspot attracts tourists from all over the world with their special festivals and events.
Popularly known as the Festival City, a unique blend of mosques and skyscrapers bedazzle you when you visit Dubai on business or leisure.
December 2nd of every year is celebrated as the National Festival Day when every monument is thrown open to the public amidst a lot of pomp and celebration as the citizens celebrate their independence from the colonial British Rule. Many events and functions are staged on this day as the city bustles with life.
Ramadan is a religious festival when for 30 days, the nationals in true Emerati tradition, pray and fast from dawn to dusk. Adults and children refrain from food and drink with steadfastness and the atmosphere is somber as they maintain the Islamic values. At the end of the lunar month, there is much celebration which continues for 3 whole days.
Millions of Arabs throng to Mecca the pilgrimage center every year and Eid-ul Adha or “Festival of Sacrifice” marks the end of this holy visit. Traditionally this is celebrated 70 days after Ramadan when the act of sacrifice by the prophet Ibrahim is commemorated every year.
An ideal time to visit Dubai is now when the Shopping Festival is going on. Since 1996, what started as a small retail event when traders from all over the world were encouraged to display and sell their wares, today this event has become an international business event. From all over the globe, tourists flock to Dubai to indulge in this Extravaganza. “One World, One Family, One World” is the theme. The atmosphere is heady from January 24th to February 24th as prices are slashed and discounts are astounding on all items. The activities begin with a lot of firework displays as tourists who travel Dubai enjoy the hospitality meted out at this “World of Festivals”
A Dubai tour should include a sampling of the Food Festival where mouthwatering cuisines from all over the world can be availed off. The Dubai Fashion Festival is a spectacular event where top models and the latest fashions are brought to the ramp. The Family Entertainment Festival and Shopping Malls festival as well as the Heritage and Records Breaking Festival add to the festive atmosphere. There is also a Raffles and Winning Festival and prizes are awarded on the last day with a lot of fanfare. World Cultures Festival features the best artistes and as the famous adage goes, you “shop till you drop”. The “Fringe Festival” is the epitome of visual arts, comedy, theatre and dance. The Global Village is the centre for the World Cultures Festival and open every day from 4 p.m. till midnight for the whole month.
Dubai Travel at this time is made easier by the very many discounts offered by the airlines, hotels and shops to lure tourists and holiday makers to this Shopping Festival. Visit Dubai during this time and you will not be disappointed.
Dubai Summer Surprises started in 1998 catering to children and shoppers, under the logo “Big Fun for Little Ones”. Major discounts on goods in a tax-free city draws tourists in large numbers every year to Dubai, Creative means are used to lure children and make it fun filled for them. “Modhesh” the lucky mascot for the DSS brings smiles and laughter to faces at this festival where true traditional hospitality and tireless efforts meets the happy traveler who visits Dubai at this time.
The International Film Festival is another coveted event which is hosted every year in December at Dubai Media City. A great stage for inter-cultural backgrounds, artistes from all over the globe vie for international acclaim. Travel Dubai to see the rich and famous artists and players who attend this event.
The 7th edition of the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival is all set to attract music lovers who travel Dubai to listen to the best jazz performers of international fame. Since 2003, this festival has been sponsored by some of the giant corporate companies. This year, the festival is on from February 18th to 27th when top artistes like John Blunt, Incognito and John Legend will perform. 7 Armenian bands are all set to play this year at the outdoor Amphitheatre in Dubai Media city so plan your Dubai tour early and book tickets in advance for the show.
The Rock Festival which started in 2004 has managed to go on stage every year and is now spread over 2 days. At this time tattoo artistes, hair make-over specialists, graffiti designers all add color to this event.
Festivals of Dubai could also include The Gulf Information Technology (Gitex) exhibition, The Middle East International Motor Show, Dubai tennis Championship, Dubai Rugby Sevens and the Dubai Desert Classic as all these events highlight the platforms created by them in true pomp and style.
Undeniably, this Festival City has proved to be a haven for business and tourism. Visit Dubai, a Shopper’s Paradise during any of the above mentioned festivals for the time of your life.