The UAE weather is making everyone happy, marking the best time for tourists and residents to explore outdoor activities and events. Whether it’s trekking up a mountain or swinging into a symphony of music, there’s something exciting lined up. Check out the top 9 here:
Dubai Shopping Festival
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) celebrates its 30th anniversary until January 12, 2025, with an exciting lineup of entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include the return of the 321 Festival with iconic Arabic and South Asian performances, daily fireworks, drone shows at Bluewaters Island and JBR, and vibrant events at City Walk and Dubai Festival City Mall. Shoppers can enjoy incredible deals, and exclusive promotions, and win life-changing prizes like the DSF Amber Millionaire and DIB Visa Millionaire draws.
Dubai Marathon
Sign up for events like the Dubai Marathon, Expo City Dubai Half Marathon, or Dirtopia to stay motivated. To succeed, prepare strategically: research the event, map out your training, and set incremental goals. Use tech like fitness trackers and apps to monitor progress, while prioritizing recovery days for muscle growth and focus.
Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has announced the fourth edition of Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert, set to take place from January 4 to 12, 2025, at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve under the theme Where Stories Come to Life. This year’s festival aims to provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase diverse stories, enhancing Dubai’s status as a global cultural hub. The event will feature a wide array of activities, including films, live performances, workshops, panel discussions, public art, immersive experiences, and a family zone.
The Quoz Arts Fest
The Quoz Arts Fest, hosted by Alserkal, will return in January on the 25th and 26th, featuring live performances, public art installations, film screenings, workshops, and pop-up events. Highlights include the immersive light and sound installation Forest Dance and Path to Pure Creation by Australian artists Eness at Concrete, celebrating creative freedom. This year’s festival will feature performances by Syrian rapper and poet Omar Offendum, Tunisian singer Emel Mathlouthi, the alternative duo Yuma, and the Musaafir Music collective, a group of rising Pakistani artists.
Adventure at Hatta Wadi Hub
Hatta, known for its stunning mountainous landscape and appeal to both thrill-seekers and nature lovers, is gearing up to welcome visitors for the winter season with a fresh array of activities and upgraded accommodations. The heart of the destination, Hatta Resorts, and the Hatta Wadi Hub adventure center are set to welcome guests. New attractions for the 2025 season include a spear-throwing zone, a shooting range, and a family-friendly area designed for young children, all aimed at broadening Hatta’s offerings for visitors of all ages, from peaceful escapes to adrenaline-fueled adventures.
Majid Razavi Live
After a year-long absence, the incredibly talented Majid Razavi is returning to Dubai for an unforgettable performance. Renowned as one of the most successful and best-selling artists in Iran, Majid has captivated audiences with his unique blend of contemporary and traditional music. His return to the stage is highly anticipated by fans and music enthusiasts alike. On January 11, 2025, he will grace the Zabeel Theater with his presence, promising an evening of exceptional live music and electrifying energy. Don’t miss the chance to experience this celebrated artist in person as he once again brings his unforgettable sound to Dubai.
Lucky Ali Live
Get ready for an unforgettable night as the legendary Indian King of Pop, Lucky Ali, returns to Dubai for a live performance on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Zero Gravity, Dubai Marina. This winter fest promises a brand-new set from the Indie Pop King, offering fans a fresh experience. Tickets are available on Platinumlist.net.
Hero Dubai Desert Classic
The 36th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is fast approaching, set to take place from January 16-19, 2025, at the Emirates Golf Club. As the oldest golf tournament in the Middle East and a key event on the DP World Tour, the competition will feature top players including defending champion Rory McIlroy, who aims for a record fifth Dallah Trophy, European Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood, and two-time Major winner Jon Rahm, making his debut. Rahm, a past winner at the DP World Tour Championship, will be joined by other notable players like Akshay Bhatia, Tyrrell Hatton, Adam Scott, and Robert MacIntyre.
Green Day 2025 Live
Global rock legends Green Day are set to make their Middle East debut with a performance at Dubai’s Expo City on January 27, 2025. The concert will take place at a custom-built 30,000-capacity open-air venue, where the five-time Grammy Award-winning band—composed of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool—will treat UAE fans to a night of their biggest hits.
Credit: All above images, Instagram