From fashion festivals to mesmerizing entertainment, see what's happening in Dubai this season.
From fashion festivals to mesmerizing entertainment, see what's happening in Dubai this season.
Dubai Shopping Festival December 26th to January 28th
Where the world comes to shop
From 26 December to 27 January, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) brings a month-long extravaganza that transforms the city with pop-up fashion shows, fireworks displays, mega-sales and so much more. Head to Market OTB at Burj Park to pick up cool items from emerging designers and learn celebrity makeup tips and tricks. With a jam-packed calendar of events and awesome raffles, there's something for everyone at this year’s DSF.
Check out our list of must-see DSF events:
- 12-Hour Sale: One of Dubai's best sales takes place from 12pm to 12am on 26 December, offering shoppers additional discounts on already marked down sale prices across six of Dubai's favorite malls.
- Market Outside the Box: Market OTB brings over 80 local and international emerging brands to a fresh outdoor retail environment at Burj Park. Beneath the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, Market OTB also features an awesome line-up of homegrown food truck concepts and non-stop entertainment.
- Dubai’s Ripe Market: Throughout Dubai’s cooler months, Ripe Markets take place every weekend all over Dubai, including at Zabeel Park and Al Barsha Pond Park. Market stalls sell everything from jewelry and art to clothes and children’s toys. Make sure to taste some homemade treats from the live cooking stalls, and enjoy the laid-back vibes created by live music from local artists.
- Fireworks displays: Dubai comes alive at night and DSF adds even more magic with a series of spectacular fireworks displays every weekend at different locations, including The Beach at JBR and Dubai Creek.
Dubai's Newest Developments
Beachside charm at La Mer
Beachside charm at La Mer is Dubai’s newest beachfront address, La Mer, is a fine addition to the city’s urban beach cred. The inspirational destination features wide open spaces with palm tree-lined boulevards, graffiti art murals and laidback beachside charm. Surrounded by almost 2.5km of relaxing sandy beaches and located near some of the city’s modern landmarks, La Mer is Dubai's newest address to eat, play and unwind.
Creekside heritage at Al Seef
Creekside heritage at Al Seef The new Al Seef development is situated along the iconic Dubai Creek, making its mark on Dubai’s bustling heritage district. Beautiful traditions combine with modern designs at this new destination, as the city showcases an inspiring partnership between its proud past and bright future. The 2.5 million square foot development will eventually feature souks, shops, dining options, accommodations and more.
La Perle by Dragone
Featuring gravity-defying acrobatics and aerial stunts, La Perle by Dragone is the region’s first permanent theater show with an impressive 450 performances a year.
Located along the Dubai Water Canal in Al Habtoor City, La Perle takes place inside a 1,300-seat theatre, designed especially to provide an immersive experience. This is achieved thanks to its hi-tech “aqua-stage,” which is filled with 2.7 million liters of water and has the ability to transform from an aquatic stage to a dry platform as needed.
Dubai's Hottest Hotels
Jumeirah Al Naseem
Jumeirah Al Naseem is one of Dubai's most popular new hotels. Located on the beautiful Madinat Jumeirah property and situated alongside Dubai's iconic sail-shaped property, the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Al Naseem's breathtaking views are a must-see. Featuring restaurants like the first international outpost of the famous Ferragamo estate, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro to the chill New York transplant Black Tap, this property is rife with things to do and adorned with the Arabesque chic style for which Jumeirah is famous.
Insider Tips:
- Jumeirah Al Naseem is home to one of Dubai's hidden gem beach clubs, Summersalt
- Discover a different side of Dubai with a visit to the property's turtle rehabilitation sanctuary
- Hit up the rooftop at Ambar on Wednesday for happy hour specials and an epic sunset view
Rixos Premium Dubai
Rixos Premium Dubai has opened its doors on the shores of Dubai’s thriving beach district, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). The cool new hotel overlooks the beautiful Arabian Gulf, and the world’s largest Ferris wheel, Ain Dubai. It's home to one of Dubai's favorite night spots, Lock, Stock & Barrel, and is a stone's throw from two of Dubai’s most walkable neighborhoods like Dubai Marina and, of course, JBR itself.
Insider Tips:
- Rixos Premium Dubai's Azure Beach club is one of Dubai's newest; it's even equipped with an Instagrammable inflatable unicorn!
- JBR is home to some of Dubai's best nightlife, like Ramusake, Tribeca and Stereo Arcade
- Many of JBR's rooftop locales feature an amazing view of The Palm's unique shape (we recommend going for sunset)