When to visit Dubai?
There are many cultural events that take place in Dubai during the calendar year.
Dubai Food Festival is a culinary extravaganza typically occurring in February. This event celebrates the city’s gastronomic scene with food tastings, celebrity chef appearances, and food-related activities. Also held in February, the Dubai Jazz Festival features international and local jazz, pop, and rock artists, making it a must-attend event for music aficionados.
In July and August, Dubai Summer Surprises is a family-oriented festival with incredible sales, entertainment, and activities, designed to beat the summer heat.
Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) usually takes place in December and attracts movie enthusiasts, celebrities, and filmmakers from across the globe, screening an array of international and regional films.
Food and drink
Dubai’s cuisine reflects its multicultural population and rich heritage, offering a diverse and tantalizing culinary experience. Traditional Emirati dishes are infused with flavours of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, creating a unique blend of tastes. Signature dishes include Al Harees (slow-cooked wheat and meat), Al Machboos (spiced rice with meat or seafood), and Luqaimat (sweet, deep-fried dumplings).
Dubai’s extensive international food scene is like a gastronomic journey around the world. From gourmet dining to street food surprises, you can savour dishes from all over. Seafood, kebabs, shawarma, and mezze are widely available, along with contemporary fusion cuisine.
The city is also home to luxurious restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs, serving innovative dishes (and eye-watering price tags!), or you can dine with a view of the Burj Khalifa or in traditional Bedouin tents in the desert. Dubai’s culinary landscape truly caters to every palate and is an integral part of the city’s cultural makeup.

Things to do
Indulge in retail therapy at some of the world’s most opulent shopping malls, including the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, where you can shop for designer fashion, electronics, and unique souvenirs. For a taste of old-world Dubai, explore the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood, where wind towers and winding alleyways evoke the city’s rich heritage.
Thrill-seekers will be delighted with the city’s adventure offerings, from dune bashing in the Arabian Desert to indoor skiing at Ski Dubai. And when it’s time to relax, Dubai’s pristine beaches and luxurious resorts await.