Dubai is kicking off the new year with a packed calendar of events for January 2025, offering everything from unbeatable shopping deals to world-class live entertainment.
Whether you’re experiencing all that the Dubai Shopping Festival has to offer citywide, enjoying the Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert Festival, or attending concerts by global stars like Jay Chou and Green Day, there’s something for everyone in Dubai. Sports enthusiasts can also enjoy thrilling events like the Dubai Marathon and golf’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic. If you plan on visiting Dubai next month, don’t miss out on these incredible events happening across the city this January.
Dubai Shopping Festival
- Date: Until January 12, 2025
- Location: Citywide
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, offering visitors unbeatable deals, family fun and endless surprises. Shoppers can enjoy incredible discounts, thrilling entertainment, A-list concerts, twice-daily drone displays and new to Dubai Shopping Festival experiences including a 12-day 18-event Auto-season and the spectacular DSF Nights every night at Dubai Festival City Mall.
The Dubai Shopping Festival will also include the live X Factor final in the closing weekend and much more.
e& MOTB
- Date: January 3-12, 2025
- Location: Dubai Design District
Dubai’s January events calendar also includes e& MOTB, Dubai Shopping Festival’s alternative shopping destination, which returns to Dubai Design District. Free to enter, it’s the perfect place to shop, eat and enjoy live entertainment.
This year’s Vibrant Neo-Vintage theme blends 50s fashion with a modern twist, featuring music, dance performances and thrilling competitions. Snap Instagram-worthy photos with retro-inspired installations and enjoy activities for all ages, including plenty of fun for kids.
The opening weekend on January 3, 2025, features an electrifying free concert with Gen Z global artists Saint Levant and Naïka. Free concerts continue on January 4 and 10. Whether shopping, dining or enjoying performances, e& MOTB promises a unique and memorable experience.
DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall
- Date: Until January 12, 2025
- Location: Dubai Festival City Mall
The January events calendar also features DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall which includes exciting activities and entertainment. Presented by talabat, enjoy live concerts featuring Hams Fikri on January 4 and Ibrahim Al Sultan on January 11.
Family-friendly performances include beloved characters like Modesh & Dana and a special meet and greet with Blippi, Bluey, Barney, Miraculous Ladybug, Mr. Bean and Strawberry Shortcake.
Food enthusiasts can explore unique offerings from SALT, The Bay by Social, Sayf, Helipad by Frozen Cherry and M’OSHI. Don’t miss the twice-daily brand-new IMAGINE shows specially curated for DSF at 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm, capped off with stunning fireworks displays by Al Zarooni Group. It’s an unforgettable celebration for all ages.
DSF Auto Season
- Date: January 1 – 12, 2025
- Location: Citywide
DSF Auto Season ignites the excitement for automotive enthusiasts with an electrifying lineup of events across Dubai in January. Explore the latest innovations and craftsmanship in the automotive industry. Engage in thrilling competitions, experience dynamic parades and connect with fellow enthusiasts at various meetups. DSF Auto Season is a must-attend for car lovers, promising unique experiences and showcasing Dubai’s vibrant automobile culture.
Hatta x DSF
- Date: Until January 5, 2025
- Location: Hatta Wadi Hub
Discover adventure at Hatta Wadi Hub with Hatta x DSF, the ultimate outdoor winter retreat. Open daily, it offers ziplining, kayaking, and live music against Dubai’s scenic landscapes. Experience spectacular weekend fireworks and taste delicious food options. Don’t miss the opportunity to test-drive Nissan cars. Hatta Wadi Hub is a blend of nature and excitement, making it a must-visit destination during DSF.
Dubai Lights
- Date: Until January 12, 2025
- Location: Bluewaters Island, Palm Nakheel Mall, Palm West Beach, Al Seef, Dubai Design District, Al Marmoom, Hatta, and City Walk
Immerse yourself this January in the artistic brilliance of Dubai Lights during DSF. Celebrating the five elements—Water, Air, Fire, Energy and Connection—these reimagined displays offer countless Insta-worthy moments. Explore innovative installations that will transform the city into a luminous wonderland. Dubai Lights invites everyone to witness their creativity, making the DSF nights truly unforgettable.
Drone Shows
- Date: Until January 12, 2025
- Location: Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR
Emarat presents a breathtaking drone show, blending tradition with modernity over iconic oceanfront locations. Watch 1,000 drones create dynamic 2D and 3D formations set to powerful music at 8 pm and 10 pm. On January 11, a spectacular firework-drone extravaganza is set to captivate Dubai, combining skydiving stunts, pyrotechnics and cutting-edge technology. This unforgettable show highlights Dubai’s legacy and brilliance, leaving audiences in awe.
DSF Fireworks
- Date: Until January 12, 2025
- Location: Dubai Festival City Mall and Hatta
Enjoy dazzling fireworks displays during DSF. Until January 12, experience nightly shows at 9 pm at Dubai Festival City Mall, sponsored by Al Zarooni Group. In Hatta, fireworks light up serene Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm until January 5. These spectacular displays create memorable moments, celebrating the essence of DSF and lighting up Dubai’s skies with excitement and vibrant colors.
ARTE MUSEUM Dubai
- Date: Until January 12, 2025
- Location: Dubai Mall
Dubai’s January events calendar also includes a breathtaking fusion of art, technology, and nature at ARTE MUSEUM Dubai, the city’s newest cultural treasure. Situated in Dubai Mall, this 2,800sqm gallery invites you on an extraordinary journey through 14 mesmerizing zones, all themed around the concept of ‘Eternal Nature.’ Elevate your museum experience during the Dubai Shopping Festival, with an exclusive ‘buy two, get one free’ offer on adult tickets.
Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert Festival
- Date: January 3-12, 2025
- Location: Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve
The Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert Festival returns to Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve. The fourth edition by Dubai Culture features film screenings, interactive workshops, panel discussions with global talent and educational sessions for budding filmmakers. Enjoy family-friendly activities and a competition spotlighting directors from the UAE and MENA region, with 50,000 attendees expected.
Quoz Arts Fest
- Date: January 25-26, 2025
- Location: Alserkal Avenue
Dubai’s January events calendar features the 12th edition of the Quoz Arts Fest at Alserkal Avenue which promises exciting artistic surprises. Enjoy curated workshops, exhibitions and live performances by Syrian rapper Omar Offendum and Tunisian singer-songwriter Emel Mathlouthi, blending tradition with modernity.
Sikka Art & Design Festival
- Date: January 31 – February 9, 2025
- Location: Al Shindagha Historic District
Dubai Culture’s flagship Sikka Art & Design Festival is back with its latest edition. Artists from the UAE and all over the GCC come together to decorate Al Shindagha Historic District with works that speak to the future and orchestrate a visionary experience. The festival comes alive each year through exhibitions, installations, poetry nights, musical performances, workshops and thought-provoking films.
AHPC League
- Date: January 4-11, 2025
- Location: Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
Dubai’s January events calendar will also feature some high-stakes polo action during the AHPC League. Played at 4-6 goal handicap, this five-day tournament welcomes aspiring players and seasoned teams from across the region to battle it out on the vibrant lawns of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. This occasion is a favorite among Dubai’s equestrian enthusiasts. Dress up to the nines or enjoy a casual day out – the AHPC League is designed to be a day spent with loved ones.
Dubai Marathon
- Date: January 12, 2025
- Location: Umm Suqeim
One of the region’s biggest annual athletic meets, the Dubai Marathon, starts and finishes on Umm Suqeim Street, with participants being able to enjoy views of Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Burj Al Arab while crossing Jumeirah Road. Whether you are looking to go the distance on the demanding 42km course or plan to opt for the shorter 10km route, the feeling of sprinting alongside other fitness enthusiasts is one you should not miss. There is also a family-friendly 4km fun run open to participants of all ages.
Hero Dubai Desert Classic
- Date: January 16-19, 2025
- Location: Majlis Course, Emirates Golf Club
Golf enthusiasts can head to the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, part of the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series. This year’s world-class field will include double Major champion Jon Rahm, European Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood, and defending champion Rory McIlroy, who will aim to become the first four-time winner of the event. Enjoy tasty bites from food trucks and family-friendly activities alongside the thrilling golfing action.
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Silver Cup
- Date: January 16 – February 1, 2025
- Location: Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
Dubai’s January events calendar also features the Silver Cup which is returning for its 14th edition at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, featuring six elite teams in a thrilling 20-goal handicap tournament. Combining high-stakes sport with world-class entertainment and fashion, it’s an event not to miss. Enjoy the matches with family-friendly polo picnics or indulge in a lavish brunch overlooking the field.
