A trade exhibition, a favourite artist's concert, a golf tournament or a design festival can be the main reason for a Dubai trip. Here are 27 events from 15 October 2026 to 31 May 2027. Each has a short description to help you decide what interests you before opening the full guide.
For business travel, look at industry exhibitions; for a holiday, explore music, art and sport. This is a selection of significant announced events, rather than a complete programme for the coming season. Recheck dates and ticket conditions before buying.
October 2026
WETEX 2026
WETEX focuses on water, energy and environmental technology. DEWA's exhibition brings together equipment suppliers, engineers and professionals working on more efficient use of resources. Themes include renewable energy, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and sustainable cities. Choose it to find infrastructure solutions or understand the technology behind Dubai's urban projects. Professional interests matter more here than a casual sightseeing visit: identify the sectors you need in advance.
When: 20–22 October 2026. Where: Dubai World Trade Centre.
Dubai Fitness Challenge 2026
A month of movement with a simple idea: 30 minutes of activity every day for 30 days. Visitors can add sport to a holiday and take part in city events. Key dates include Dubai Ride on 1 November and Dubai Run on 22 November. The cycle event opens Sheikh Zayed Road without its usual traffic; the run offers 5 km and 10 km routes. Choose one major event or try activities you tend to put off at home.
When: 31 October–29 November 2026. Where: Various venues across Dubai.
November 2026
Gulfood Manufacturing 2026
Explore how food and drink production works, from ingredients and processing to packaging, automation and storage. Gulfood Manufacturing is relevant to technologists, manufacturers, equipment buyers and people developing food businesses. Compare different suppliers' solutions at one exhibition and discuss a specific production challenge. Do not confuse it with Gulfood: November's event is primarily about how products are made, rather than simply trading finished goods.
When: 3–5 November 2026. Where: Dubai World Trade Centre.
Dubai Design Week 2026
The festival transforms d3 into a place to explore architecture, product design and large installations. Announced for 2026 are Three Gardens and a Room, the Inherited Futures exhibition and the timber CHATAI 2.0 structure. Come for professional ideas or a walk full of unusual discoveries. Within the week, Downtown Design runs on 4–8 November and Marketplace on 7–8 November, featuring independent makers. Choose your day around exhibitions, workshops or shopping.
When: 3–8 November 2026. Where: Dubai Design District, d3.
JONY in Dubai
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JONY's solo concert suits listeners who enjoy Russian-language pop and R&B with lyrical storytelling. The arena's announcement highlights Kometa, Alleya, Titry and other familiar songs. It offers an evening with friends around melodies you know, or a chance to hear the artist on a major stage during a holiday. When choosing tickets, decide whether to stand closer to the stage or watch from a seat: the plan shows different categories.
When: 4 November 2026, 21:00. Where: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk.
Amr Diab in Dubai
Amr Diab performs with his band, combining Arabic pop, lyrical songs and dance numbers. The announcement names favourites Nour El Ein and Amarain alongside newer releases, with stage lighting and choreography. Fans can see a familiar artist; new listeners can discover Arabic pop through a large concert show. Choose it to make one evening of your trip about music and enjoy it with friends.
When: 7 November 2026, 21:00. Where: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk.
Ministry of Sound Classical at Dubai Opera
Club hits from the 1990s and beyond are performed by a 31-piece orchestra and vocalists. Ministry of Sound Classical uses orchestral arrangements to give familiar dance melodies a different sound in a concert hall. Named examples include Insomnia, Sandstorm and Right Here, Right Now. The evening may appeal to electronic music fans and anyone curious about how a live orchestra changes a familiar recording. It is a separate musical choice for 7 November, when Amr Diab also performs in the city.
When: 7 November 2026, 20:00. Where: Dubai Opera.
Automechanika Dubai 2026
An exhibition of parts, equipment and vehicle servicing technology, also relevant to fleet management specialists. Manufacturers, distributors and workshop professionals meet at Automechanika; formats include Modern Workshop, Innovation 4 Mobility and Fleet FWD. Come with specific questions about suppliers and servicing technology. In 2026, the event moves to DEC in Expo City, an important change even if you previously attended at DWTC.
When: 10–12 November 2026. Where: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City.
DP World Tour Championship 2026
The Earth Course tournament lets you watch golf on the move, following players or staying beside an interesting hole. General admission includes the 18-hole course and Championship Village, with food, merchandise and entertainment. Golf fans can follow a round as it unfolds, while newcomers can experience professional golf without television editing. Ticket+ grants access to a dedicated viewing area by the 17th hole. Focus your day on sport or alternate watching with breaks.
When: 12–15 November 2026. Where: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Earth Course.
Big 5 Global 2026
Big 5 Global brings together the construction industry: materials and technology suppliers, contractors, designers and buyers. Compare products, meet potential partners and discuss delivering projects more quickly and reliably. Sectors include concrete and cement, marble and stone, ventilation and air conditioning, and electrical and plumbing systems. Choose it for a business trip if you need to address a practical construction task or find new contacts. Identify priority product groups and a few pre-arranged meetings for a busy day.
When: 23–26 November 2026. Where: Dubai World Trade Centre.
Atif Aslam in Dubai
Atif Aslam's performance combines lyrical songs, energetic numbers and music familiar from Indian cinema. The announcement names Jeena Jeena, Pehli Nazar Mein, Dil Diyan Gallan and Aadat as an introduction to the evening's musical character. For 2026, the organiser announces an enlarged stage and Golden Circle. Fans can hear the singer live; friends who share an interest in his music can plan their Friday around a dedicated evening in Dubai.
When: 27 November 2026, 21:00. Where: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk.
Emirates Dubai 7s 2026
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A sporting and musical weekend on one site. Rugby sevens is central, alongside other competitions, food and entertainment. The festival suits groups where some people are drawn to matches and others mainly to music. Melanie C on 28 November and Jax Jones on 29 November are already announced for Beats on 2: choose a day by musical taste or stay for the full weekend. Give it time, as the programme extends beyond one match and one evening performance.
When: 27–29 November 2026. Where: The Sevens Stadium, Al Ain Road.
December 2026
Dubai Shopping Festival 2026–2027
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Dubai Shopping Festival combines a shopping season with city entertainment. The official tourism portal announces retail offers, drone shows, prize draws and family activities. If you enjoy combining walks with shopping, these dates may add a reason for a winter holiday. There is no single festival address: choose specific events and neighbourhoods from the evolving listings. Check individual activities' dates and locations closer to your trip rather than expecting the same programme every evening.
When: 4 December 2026–17 January 2027. Where: Various venues across Dubai.
Dubai Shopping Festival listings.
GITEX GLOBAL 2026
GITEX GLOBAL focuses on artificial intelligence, robotics, computing and data centres. Developers, companies, investors and technology buyers meet here. The exhibition format introduces products, while the summit discusses the industry's direction. For a business visit, decide whether supplier negotiations, new developments or conferences matter most. In 2026, the summit and exhibition take place in different centres: 7 December at DWTC and 8–11 December at DEC. Choose the relevant part of GITEX when planning.
When: Summit on 7 December; Expo on 8–11 December 2026. Where: Summit — DWTC; Expo — DEC, Expo City.
Guy Manoukian at Dubai Opera
An evening with a pianist combining Eastern melodies and contemporary arrangements. Guy Manoukian's repertoire includes his own compositions, interpretations of works by Fairouz and Abdel Halim Hafez, and jazz standards. Dubai Opera presents December's concert as his tenth appearance on its stage. Choose it to discover instrumental music from the region or spend an evening as a couple. The interest goes beyond a list of songs to the combination of melodies, piano and an individual approach to performance. The detailed programme is not yet published.
When: 11 December 2026, 20:00. Where: Dubai Opera.
January 2027
Intersec Global 2027
Intersec Global explores site protection, cyber resilience, fire technology, emergency response and workplace safety. It is relevant to professionals selecting systems and responsible for protecting people and infrastructure in practice. Announced 2027 formats include Control Room Live, with a working control-centre model, and Code Zero: Gridlock, built around an urban crisis scenario. These offer more than equipment displays: they help explain how technology and decisions should work together in a complex situation.
When: 12–14 January 2027. Where: Dubai World Trade Centre.
Swan Lake on Ice at Dubai Opera
Swan Lake's story and Tchaikovsky's music move onto stage ice. Imperial Ice Stars present a production with 24 skaters, lifts, costumes and special effects, combining skating, ballet choreography and circus elements. Choose it for a different theatrical approach to a familiar work. Families should check age requirements for their chosen performance first. Matinee and evening options let you fit it into a family day or a night at the theatre.
When: 14–17 January 2027. Where: Dubai Opera.
Dubai Marathon 2027
One Sunday brings a 42.195 km marathon, a 10 km race and a 4 km Fun Run. Come for a personal goal, choose a shorter shared run or support someone close to you. Select a distance around your preparation and make the start your day's priority. Participants must arrive earlier: bibs are issued on 13–16 January at The Agenda, with no collection on race day. Supporters should arrange a post-finish meeting in advance, accounting for road closures.
When: 17 January 2027. Where: Umm Sequim Road / Al Sufouh, depending on distance.
AEEDC Dubai 2027
AEEDC combines a dental exhibition and scientific conferences. Clinicians can explore industry approaches and developments; clinic owners and suppliers can meet manufacturers and business partners. The programme includes orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and Dental Business Hub meetings. Choose around your professional purpose: stand visits and conference learning are distinct parts of the event, and your access type needs to match why you are attending.
When: 19–21 January 2027. Where: Dubai World Trade Centre.
Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2027
Golf on the Majlis Course and competition for the Dallah Trophy form the sporting core of Dubai Desert Classic. Dating from 1989, it is part of the Rolex Series. The organiser also announces music, family entertainment and food, so groups with varying interest in golf can alternate watching with breaks. To see how the tournament is decided, choose the final day, 24 January; another day can suit a first introduction. This is Emirates Golf Club; November's DP World Tour Championship uses a different course.
When: 21–24 January 2027. Where: Emirates Golf Club, Majlis Course.
World Health Expo Dubai 2027 (WHX, formerly Arab Health)
World Health Expo, formerly Arab Health, focuses on healthcare and professional technology. It connects equipment suppliers, clinicians, healthcare executives and laboratory specialists. In 2027, it is split across two centres: DEC covers medical equipment, radiology, rehabilitation and infrastructure; DWTC covers laboratories, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and other areas. Identify your relevant section first, as it affects sessions and journeys. A business team can use one trip for several different professional meetings.
When: 25–28 January 2027. Where: Dubai Exhibition Centre and Dubai World Trade Centre.
February 2027
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2027
Two weeks of tennis combine a women's WTA 1000 and a men's ATP 500. Matches take place at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Garhoud, whose centre court seats 5,000. Choose it if you want to focus on the game: from your seat, you see each full rally and the players' movement. Start by choosing the women's or men's event, then explore sessions. Check the current entry list for 2027 players, and leave time after matches for dinner with friends.
When: 14–27 February 2027. Where: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Garhoud.
March 2027
Gulfood 2027
Gulfood brings together international food and drink trade: manufacturers, distributors, retailers, hotels and restaurants. Visitors source products, compare offers and negotiate supply. Categories range from dairy and drinks to meat and grains. Food businesses can combine market exploration with partner meetings. In 2027, the event spans DWTC and DEC; divide the categories and meetings you need between days in advance.
When: 15–19 March 2027. Where: Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre.
Dubai World Cup 2027
Meydan's major race day brings together international teams, horses and jockeys. Nine races are announced for 2027, including the Group 1 Dubai World Cup. Racing enthusiasts may make it the purpose of a trip; newcomers can discover the racecourse during a major occasion. Do not try to understand everything at once: start with the programme and a few races that interest you. Choose a spectator category around how you want to spend the day, and check your area's dress rules.
When: 27 March 2027. Where: Meydan Racecourse.
April 2027
Art Dubai 2027
This art fair at Madinat Jumeirah introduces artists and galleries from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and beyond. Five 2027 sections cover contemporary art, modernism, new solo projects, digital works and large pieces beyond the stands. You need not plan to buy: look, compare and ask questions. Choose 9–11 April to visit; 7–8 April are preview days. A few memorable encounters can be more rewarding than rushing around the entire fair.
When: 9–11 April 2027; previews on 7–8 April. Where: Madinat Jumeirah.
May 2027
Arabian Travel Market 2027 (ATM)
Arabian Travel Market is a business exhibition for tourism and travel. It connects buyers, suppliers, travel brands and technology companies, while professional sessions explore changing traveller habits and the industry's future. Travel Tech focuses on AI, payments, connectivity and other digital solutions. It suits business trips by travel company owners, trip organisers and hotel teams. Specific partnerships are often ATM's value, while technology demonstrations help you consider changes to your own product or service.
When: 3–6 May 2027. Where: Dubai World Trade Centre.
Middle East Energy 2027
Middle East Energy examines how electricity is generated, transmitted, used more efficiently and stored. These are its four 2027 sectors: Generation, Transmission & Distribution, Efficiency and Storage. Engineers, suppliers and equipment buyers can compare solutions from generation and grids to batteries and demand management. Choose it if energy or infrastructure is the focus of your business trip. In 2027, the exhibition moves to DEC, so the familiar address from previous editions no longer applies.
When: 11–13 May 2027. Where: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City.
Transfers during your trip
If flying in for an exhibition or concert, plan the whole journey: airport to hotel, then to the event and back afterwards. Couples, families and teams can discuss journeys together in advance rather than arrange every departure at the last minute.
For arrivals at Dubai International Airport, see the DXB transfers catalogue. To arrange travel from your hotel to an event and back, discuss your plans with Hola Taxi. Include dates, hotel, event name and passenger numbers. Cost, whether the journey can be provided and route details need confirmation when you enquire.
Spend free days exploring Dubai attractions. If this is your first visit, begin with our city travel guide.
Sources
Facts checked on 15 October 2026. Dates and descriptions were checked against organisers, venues and the official tourism portal. Detailed links also appear in the individual event guides.
- WETEX 2026.
- Dubai Fitness Challenge 2026.
- Gulfood Manufacturing 2026.
- Dubai Design Week 2026.
- JONY in Dubai.
- Amr Diab in Dubai.
- Ministry of Sound Classical at Dubai Opera.
- Automechanika Dubai 2026.
- DP World Tour Championship 2026.
- Big 5 Global 2026.
- Atif Aslam in Dubai.
- Emirates Dubai 7s 2026.
- Dubai Shopping Festival 2026–2027.
- GITEX GLOBAL 2026.
- Guy Manoukian at Dubai Opera.
- Intersec Global 2027.
- Swan Lake on Ice at Dubai Opera.
- Dubai Marathon 2027.
- AEEDC Dubai 2027.
- Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2027.
- World Health Expo Dubai 2027 (WHX, formerly Arab Health).
- Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2027.
- Gulfood 2027.
- Dubai World Cup 2027.
- Art Dubai 2027.
- Arabian Travel Market 2027 (ATM).
- Middle East Energy 2027.
- Big 5 Global — product sectors.