Calendar of events 2023

Expo 2020 Dubai

1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022

‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ expo2020dubai.com

Taking place on a world-class site, easily accessible by land, sea and air, Expo 2020 Dubai will offer 182 days of unmissable experiences that will inspire, educate and entertain every kind of visitor. As the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Expo 2020 Dubai will be a global celebration of culture, innovation and creativity. Welcoming more than 200 participants, from 191 countries, each with their own pavilion, as well as businesses, multilateral organisations, academic institutions and millions of visitors, it will provide opportunities to explore new ideas, form new connections and collectively tackle some of the greatest global challenges of our time. Coinciding with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, Expo 2020 Dubai will be a vibrant showcase of the very best that humankind has to offer, inviting visitors to join the making of a new world as they discover life-changing innovations that will have a meaningful, positive impact on our planet and its people.

Dubai Shopping Festival

15 December 2022 to 29 January 2023

The annual celebration of fireworks, concerts and the best retail experiences returns this year. The Dubai Shopping Festival is the ultimate shoppers’ paradise. During the festival, shops offer discounts on their merchandise, daily car raffles and prize drawings are held to win items such as gold and cars, and there is a fireworks display. There are also a range of family activities and live shows available throughout Dubai. Various locations throughout Dubai www.visitdubai.com/en/dsf

Dubai Marathon

Sunday 12 February 2023 www.dubaimarathon.org

After a break of 3 years, the Dubai Marathon will roar back onto the Middle East’s sporting calendar when the 22nd edition of the region’s oldest long-distance running event gets underway on February 12, 2023. Event organisers will also aim to ensure the Dubai Marathon as an event meets sustainability requirements without compromising its ability to produce its renowned fast times over a professionally measured course marshalled by experienced running industry experts.

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

February 19 - March 4, 2023 www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com

Including such drawcards as the Beach Canteen (showcasing the city’s best homegrown food ideas) and Taste of Dubai (which gives gastronomes the chance to try the wares of top restaurants and celebrity chefs from around the world).

Dubai Food Festival

21 April to 7 May 2023

This iteration of the popular festival will be dishing out activities that put a spotlight on the dining scene, from bespoke gourmet meals to intimate cooking showcases featuring world-famous chefs. It will also be offering up regular favourites like set price meals at Dubai Restaurant Week and immersive Foodie Experiences. Patrons will discover homegrown concepts, neighbourhood spots and value-for-money Hidden Gems, as they embark on delicious journeys through the diverse cuisines this city of over 200 nationalities has to highlight.

Various venues www.visitdubai.com/en/dff

International Boat Show

1 to 5 March 2023

The largest and most established boat show in the UAE, Dubai International Boat Show promises more of its popular attractions, including Superyachts at the Show, which showcases the finest in luxury superyachts and leisure boats from around the world. Co-located with Dive Mena Expo, the event also features the Dubai Fishing Championship and the regular Captains’ Evening for offering the chance to socialise with other nautical minded folk.

Dubai Harbour www.boatshowdubai.com

ART DUBAI

1 to 5 March 2023

This will be the 15th annual iteration of this event. Art Dubai is the largest and most well-established contemporary art fair in the region and attracts artists, collectors and art enthusiasts from all over the globe. Past festivals have featured more than 80 galleries from 34 countries, while also hosting events such as the Abraaj Group Art Prize and the Global Art Forum.

Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai www.artdubai.ae

Dubai World Cup

25 March 2023

Dubai’s biggest social and sporting event is a showcase of nine races culminating in the World Cup. Traditionally held on the last Saturday in March and with a prize pool of US$12 million, this group one flat race is one of the richest in the world. The entire meet itself is worth a staggering US$35 million, so it’s no surprise that the world’s best horses, jockeys and trainers make the annual trip to the UAE for the premium event.

Meydan Racecourse, Dubai www.dubairacingclub.com

Dubai Comedy Festival

12-22 May 2023

This camel festival sees thousands of highly trained camels compete in races in order to take home cash and other prizes for their proud owners. The races occur daily alongside sideshows and other family friendly activities. Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack, Dubai Al Ain Road www.almarmoomfestivals.ae

RAMADAN + EID

22 March to 20 April 2023(Days may vary)

The holy month of Ramadan will take place in April and May, commemorating the revelation of the Holy Quran. It will be followed by the joyous celebrations that comprise Eid in Dubai, when families across the region enjoy the Islamic festivities that mark the end of Ramadan.

Various venues www.dubaicalendar.ae

Dubai Design Week

October/November 2023

A new Hindu temple in Dubai is due to open its doors to worshippers by Diwali 2022.The temple, being constructed adjacent to the Guru Nanak Singh Darbar in the city’s Jebel Ali area, is an extension of the Sindhi Guru Darbar in Bur Dubai. The festival of lights, Diwali, has been affected by the pandemic over the last couple of years, but some traditions remain – revellers adorning their homes with diyas (earthen lamps) or candles and other accessories, and hopefully the traditional huge firework displays that light up the city skies. www.visitdubai.com