Dubai has more culture than its skyline suggests. This section covers the events, exhibitions and traditions that fill the city’s calendar: Art Dubai, the Sikka festival, opera and theatre seasons, concerts, and celebrations such as Diwali, National Day and Christmas. We also look at hidden galleries, museums most residents skip and experiences that introduce Arabic culture, with a cultural calendar to help you decide what to book first.
Sikka no longer happens in Al Fahidi, and that catches out a lot of visitors who plan a trip around the wrong neighbourhood. The 14th edition of the Sikka Art & Design Festival ran from 23 January to 1 February 2026, but Dubai Culture moved the event to Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood back in 2024. … Read more
Dubai cultural energy returns every September with a force that catches first-time visitors completely off guard, as venues fill, galleries open new shows, and the city shifts into the most exciting season on its entire calendar. Why September feels like a new beginning As summer temperatures begin to soften across the UAE in late September, … Read more
Dubai’s cultural calendar fills up fast every September, and this autumn the city has arranged one of its most varied and accessible programmes yet, with events spread across iconic venues, creative districts, and purpose-built spaces that welcome first-timers and regular visitors alike. Why September marks the start of the cultural season The rhythm of Dubai … Read more
Arabic theatre in Dubai has a secret, and summer is the best time to discover it. What most visitors miss about summer culture Most people picture Dubai in summer as a city of air-conditioned malls and empty beaches. The heat is real, but something warm and creative happens on stages across the city every year. … Read more
Dubai museums are everywhere in this city, yet most residents live for years without stepping inside a single one. The sites hiding in plain sight Walk through Al Fahidi on a quiet morning and you feel a different Dubai. Also known as Al Bastakiya, the Al Fahidi Historical District is one of the most atmospheric … Read more
Arabic culture in Dubai rewards every resident who looks beyond the city’s famous skyline, and these 6 experiences are the best place to start. Walk through Al Fahidi, the heart of old Dubai Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is one of the most rewarding places in the city to visit. The narrow lanes, sand-colored buildings, and … Read more
Art galleries in Dubai take on a life of their own in summer, offering visitors cool, inspiring spaces full of stories, textures, and ideas from artists across the region and the world. Why summer is a great time to visit Most people think Dubai slows down in summer. In reality, the city’s art galleries shift … Read more
Beach Boys Dubai is finally here, and the city’s live music scene has never had a night quite like this one. Why this concert is a first for Dubai The Beach Boys perform in Dubai for the first time, bringing their celebrated sound to Coca-Cola Arena on Thursday, 11 June 2026. The show is billed … Read more
Art Dubai will return in 2026 as the Middle East’s leading contemporary art fair, attracting collectors from around the world. The event showcases over 90 galleries from more than 40 countries across three days. This comprehensive guide helps visitors and collectors to navigate the exhibitions, purchase art and maximise their experience. Art Dubai provides a … Read more
Dubai Christmas celebrations continue to grow each year across the emirate. The city welcomes the holiday season with open arms. Indeed, Dubai hosts numerous festive events for its diverse Christian community. Therefore, residents and visitors can enjoy traditional celebrations throughout December. Where Can You Celebrate Dubai Christmas Festivities? Dubai offers various venues for Christmas celebrations … Read more