Dubai’s official event platform has unveiled an exciting lineup of activities that the city will host throughout January 2026, featuring concerts by world-renowned artists, as well as various sports competitions alongside artistic and cultural experiences.
Some of the key events scheduled for the start of the new year include the thrilling activities of the 31st Dubai Shopping Festival and the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic Golf Championship, among other unique experiences taking place in Dubai throughout January.
Shopping Events
Dubai Shopping Festival
● Date: Until January 11, 2026
● Location: Various places across the emirate
● Details: The Dubai Shopping Festival continues into the new year with an array of vibrant promotional offers, raffles, valuable prizes, and unique experiences available citywide. The last 11 days of the festival will feature spectacular drone shows by Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), fireworks displays, and the &e Festival Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall.
Artistic and Cultural Events
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
● Date: January 21 – 27, 2026
● Location: InterContinental Dubai Festival City Hotel
● Details: The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the largest event in the region dedicated to the celebration of both written and spoken words. It offers attendees of all ages the chance to interact with internationally acclaimed authors and local talents, attend literary discussions, participate in workshops, and engage in interactive activities designed to inspire readers and writers alike.
Sikka Art and Design Festival
● Date: January 23 – February 1, 2026
● Location: Al Shindagha Historic District
● Details: The 14th edition of the Sikka Art and Design Festival returns to transform the historic Al Shindagha district into a vibrant hub for emerging talents from the UAE and GCC. Organized by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, this creative festival showcases various visual art pieces, live performances, and workshops that bolster Dubai’s status as a global cultural capital.
Al Quoz Arts Festival
● Date: January 24 – 25, 2026
● Location: Alserkal Avenue
● Details: The annual Al Quoz Arts Festival kicks off in Alserkal Avenue, presenting a diverse program of art exhibitions, live performances, and creative surprises. The festival also includes numerous family-friendly activities and food trucks, providing an ideal environment for families to enjoy their time together, and pets are welcome too.
Community Events
Season of Wasil 2025 – 2026
● Date: Until May 2, 2026
● Location: Wasil Square, Expo City Dubai
● Details: The Season of Wasil in Expo City Dubai, themed “Celebrating Every Occasion,” features a variety of cultural festivals, family activities, and community experiences. The six-month-long event includes anticipated happenings such as the “Ramadan Quarter” and new festivals like the Harvest Festival – A Celebration of the Night.
Sports Events
Dubai Racing Carnival
● Date: Every Friday in January 2026
● Location: Meydan Racecourse
● Details: The Dubai Racing Carnival resumes the 2025-2026 racing season with a packed program of excitement and competition, occurring every Friday night at Meydan Racecourse, featuring special races including “Fashion Friday” on January 23, 2026. The carnival will culminate in the Dubai World Cup on March 28, 2026.
Hood to Coast Dubai Race
● Date: January 10, 2026
● Location: Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
● Details: One of the world’s most famous relay races returns to Dubai, held in the breathtaking Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, where teams will face challenging relay stages designed to test their endurance, strength, and determination.
Dubai Silver Cup Polo Championship
● Date: January 10 – 24, 2026
● Location: Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
● Details: The Dubai Silver Cup Polo Championship is one of the most prestigious annual polo tournaments in Dubai, featuring thrilling competition among six of the world’s top teams in the “20 handicap” category, allowing attendees to enjoy exciting matches and a vibrant atmosphere over the weekend.
Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026
● Date: January 11, 2026
● Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
● Details: The 23rd edition of the Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon allows participants to take in the stunning scenery of Dubai’s historic neighborhoods while racing along a 21-kilometer course.
Dubai Invitational Golf Championship
● Date: January 15 – 18, 2026
● Location: Dubai Creek Resort
● Details: The inaugural Dubai Invitational Championship debuts as part of the DP World Tour over four thrilling days, featuring strong competition from world number two Rory McIlroy alongside top professionals and global entrepreneurs. The event also includes a variety of entertainment activities for visitors.
Hero Dubai Desert Classic Championship
● Date: January 22 – 25, 2026
● Location: Emirates Golf Club
● Details: The Hero Dubai Desert Classic, one of the highlights of the Rolex Series on the DP World Tour, returns for its 37th edition, featuring Rory McIlroy, a five-time major champion celebrating 20 years since his first appearance in the tournament. Attendees can expect various entertainment offerings and food stalls in the championship village.
Dubai Racing Carnival: Fashion Friday
● Date: January 23, 2026
● Location: Meydan Racecourse
● Details: “Fashion Friday” is part of the Dubai Racing Carnival, bringing together fashion enthusiasts to witness the horse races leading up to the Dubai World Cup.
Live Entertainment Events
Leonid Agutin Concert
● Date: January 2, 2026
● Location: Dubai Opera
● Details: Audiences will have the chance to enjoy a performance by Leonid Agutin, one of the most renowned and influential artists in contemporary music, as he takes the stage at Dubai Opera. Agutin is celebrated for his impactful music that blends pop, funk, and rock.
Miami Band & Aydh Concert
● Date: January 3, 2026
● Location: Coca-Cola Arena
● Details: The Kuwait-based band Miami will hold a concert at Coca-Cola Arena for one night only featuring popular artist Aydh Yousef. The band, known for its hits like “Sugar Extra” and “They Lived,” includes four members.
Thomas Anders Concert
● Date: January 3, 2026
● Location: Dubai Opera
● Details: Thomas Anders will perform an exciting live show at Dubai Opera, reviving classic hits from over 40 years in the music industry, achieving record sales exceeding 125 million units for iconic songs such as “Brother Louie” and “Cheri, Cheri Lady.”
The Amusement City
● Date: January 3, 2026
● Location: Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Center
● Details: This theatrical musical draws inspiration from childhood memories, telling the story of two young people visiting an abandoned amusement park that once bustled with life and joy.
Khalid Abdul Rahman Live Concert
● Date: January 4, 2026
● Location: Dubai Opera
● Details: Saudi artist Khalid Abdul Rahman, known as “Makhawee Al-Lail,” will perform at Dubai Opera. His music has enjoyed remarkable success across generations in the Arab world, known for classical hits like “You Taught Me Your Love” and “Prevented Without Schedule.”
Till Lindemann Live Concert
● Date: January 4, 2026
● Location: Coca-Cola Arena
● Details: The legendary frontman of Rammstein takes the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on his solo tour, Meine Welt, presenting a live rock music concert that combines music and art.
Majid Al Mohandis Concert
● Date: January 9, 2026
● Location: Coca-Cola Arena
● Details: Dubai will host a musical evening with popular artist Majid Al Mohandis, featuring many of his beautiful songs, including “Give Me Time” and “I Began to Be Good.”
Anirudh Ravichander Concert
● Date: January 11, 2026
● Location: Coca-Cola Arena
● Details: Composer and pop star Anirudh Ravichander is set to perform live at Coca-Cola Arena, known for his songs in South Asian music loved by generations of fans.
Mohamed Mounir & Wegz Concert
● Date: January 17, 2026
● Location: Coca-Cola Arena
● Details: The duo of Egyptian star Mohamed Mounir and rapper Wegz will perform a live concert at Coca-Cola Arena, providing fans with a chance to enjoy their exquisite songs and dynamic stage presence, blending rap, trap, folk, and festival music.
ActivateMe Festival
● Date: January 17 – 18, 2026
● Location: Dubai Silicon Oasis
● Details: This interactive family festival hosted at Dubai Silicon Oasis promotes a healthy and active lifestyle, allowing attendees of all ages to discover a unique mix of traditional and electronic sports, music, and more.
Zakir Khan Live Show
● Date: January 21, 2026
● Location: Dubai Opera
● Details: Indian comedian Zakir Khan presents a live show that transforms everyday life moments into heartwarming laughter.
Rob Beckett
● Date: January 22, 2026
● Location: Dubai Opera
● Details: Beloved British comedian Rob Beckett returns to the Dubai Opera stage with his new stand-up comedy routine that promises laughter through wit, spontaneity, and sharp intelligence.
LANY Concert
● Date: January 23, 2026
● Location: Coca-Cola Arena
● Details: LANY, the famous American alternative pop band, performs in Dubai during their world tour, showcasing their beloved tracks including “I Love You So Bad” and “Malibu Nights” among various others.
Tom Odell Concert
● Date: January 24, 2026
● Location: Coca-Cola Arena
● Details: British artist Tom Odell, known for his soulful and impactful lyrics, will offer a remarkable concert experience in Dubai, featuring some of his most notable works like “Another Love” and others.
Dream Theater Concert
● Date: January 26, 2026
● Location: Coca-Cola Arena
● Details: Iconic progressive metal band Dream Theater presents an extraordinary live performance, celebrating over 40 years of musical innovation. This special show allows the audience to enjoy their greatest hits such as “Pull Me Under,” “Metropolis – Part I: The Miracle and the Sleeper,” and “As I Am,” among many others.
WICKED Musical
● Date: January 28 – February 15, 2026
● Location: Dubai Opera
● Details: Limited performances of the successful global musical WICKED will take place at Dubai Opera, delivering an enchanting theatre experience that tells the tale of an unexpected friendship between two women in “Oz,” complemented by stunning live performances and over 350 meticulously crafted costumes.
Air Supply Concert
● Date: January 30, 2026
● Location: Coca-Cola Arena
● Details: Celebrating 50 years of their artistic journey, Air Supply will deliver a nostalgic musical evening featuring Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock performing their iconic hits such as “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” and “Making Love Out of Nothing at All.”
Rishab Sharma Concert
● Date: January 31, 2026
● Location: Coca-Cola Arena
● Details: Global sitar player Rishab Sharma will host a tranquil concert titled “Sitar for Mental Health,” blending traditional classical strings with modern electronic rhythms. Following successful sold-out shows in New York and London, this performance aims to offer a meditative experience designed to calm the mind and enhance inner peace.
Ministry of Sound 35 Dubai Party
● Date: January 31, 2026
● Location: Ain Dubai Plaza
● Details: The Ministry of Sound 35 tour arrives in Dubai, bringing with it 35 years of dance music history during a lively festival extending from day to night.
Restaurants and Cafés
Dubai Burger Festival
● Date: January 8 – 11, 2026
● Location: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
● Details: The Dubai Burger Festival is part of the Dubai Shopping Festival, assembling an array of prominent local and international brands in the largest burger festival in the region. Established local names like Pickle and High Joint will compete alongside reputable global brands such as Black Bear and La Pera Bar for the title of “Best Burger in Dubai.”