With the UAE growing in stature with every passing year, the local events scene has grown by leaps and bounds as well. Whether you are a resident of the United Arab Emirates or an ex-pat living there, there’s always something fun to do in the UAE. When people think of the United Arab Emirates, they think of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. They think of desert and sand or cities with tall buildings and rich people. If you feel the same way, you need to prepare yourself to be surprised. The United Arab Emirates is home to some great festivals and cultures.
In a country like UAE which is rich in cultures, festivals are something that can make you experience its true colors. There are various festivals in UAE celebrated every year in which you can take part and enjoy its amazing moments which can really make you feel closer with the locals. In this blog, we will look at 10 festivals in the UAE that you need to attend.
About UAE and its 10 festivals
Many people know the United Arab Emirates is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but they may not be aware that they’re also one of the most powerful nations in the region. As well as fascinating architecture and a vast desert landscape, UAE is also known for its cultural amalgamation resulting from vast cosmopolitan cities and regions.
The United Arab Emirates is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and religions. It’s in the middle of the desert with an annual rainfall of just 6 inches, so it’s not difficult to imagine how important it is for these communities to live happily together. To make sure this happens; festivals are celebrated throughout the year that brings different groups of people together like never before. Make sure to read the blog till the end, as we’re highlighting some of the most noteworthy festivals in the United Arab Emirates that you’ll want to make part of your itinerary during your visit.
1. Eid in UAE
One of the most exciting religious Festival celebrations in the UAE is called Eid. It is held after Ramadan and after spending a month fasting, people celebrate and exchange gifts as well as visit friends, family members, and loved ones – some also travel to meet people they might not have been able to see for a while. Cities in the United Arab Emirates come alive during Eid with special events taking place throughout the country, making it easier than ever before to spend this time with other Muslims so they can take part in each other’s joys!.
2. National Day Festival
On December 2, 1971, the United Arab Emirates was formed from six emirates. This day is celebrated every year as National Day and festivities are held in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. NATIONAL DAY PARADE: This parade is a part of the official celebrations that take place at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The parade starts with a march led by members of the United Arab Emirates military followed by a host of other contingents representing the country’s memberships in international organizations such as the UN or Red Crescent. Many popular singers are also invited to perform during this event before the actual celebration begins..
3. Dubai Marathon
Another one of the exciting signature events to take place during UAE Festivals, the marathon has three different races. First is the 3 KMs which are sure to excite anyone who wants to try a challenge while also giving back to society at the same time because it is a charitable event. Following that is another marathon, this one being 10 KMs long, and then finally there is the all-out 50 KM, making this an event where athletes can test their limits in a competition open for all types of people who are physically fit as well as mentally sharp!.
4. United Arab Emirates Awafi festival
The Awafi festival is an annual celebration of the culture and heritage of the union. It’s mostly comprised of outdoor sports, where people unite and bring history to life by embracing their past, playing sports from generations ago, earning respect in the present day, and inspiring future generations to come by showing off what our ancestors once did for us. This makes it one of the few traditional festivals of the United Arab Emirates along with many other types of cultural events spread over a period longer than a week in such form that makes this festival authentic. Activities like sandboarding, driving in dune buggies, horseback racing, as well as camel racing, are just some to mention out of this list that attracts thousands of tourists from across the globe every year to attend and witness first hand an actual celebration for any even worth its place under the sun’s rays.
5. Dubai international film festival
Dubai has proven to be a cinema destination for film lovers from across the region and even from Europe. The Dubai International Film Festival was launched in 2004 and has presented 14 successful editions until 2016. In this colossal frame, 500 films made by Arab filmmakers were shown, as a part of other 300 complete films that were supported throughout the years at DIFF. The Dubai International Film Festival is one of the largest cultural events on the planet. The festival celebrates cinema as an art form across the seven emirates of UAE through a series of industry-related activities including exhibitions, conferences, seminars, and award shows..
6. Dubai Shopping festival
The Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the most exciting shopping events to take place in the United Arab Emirates during the summer months. The extended duration of this event makes it even more worthwhile, with deals and discounts on offer at quite literally every single leading retailer across a whole month. The beautiful weather only adds to the magic as fireworks light up each evening and travellers arrive from all over the globe..
7. Dubai International Jazz Festival
The city of Dubai welcomes thousands of music lovers of all ages to attend the Dubai Jazz Festival, a spectacle celebrating the greatest legends in popular and jazz music. The festival is known as a favorite annual celebration spot for many throughout the region including international audience members, who have traveled hundreds of miles in order to be part of this world-renowned event celebrating jazz. Legends such as Alicia Keys, Basement Jaxx, and Earth Wind & Fire have all regularly graced the stage at the annual festival. In addition to being a prime excuse for individuals from across locales to socialize, network, and let loose in typical Dubai fashion by dancing along with their favorite performers and musicians on stage, this prestigious event also raises money for conservation charities and organizations that promote better understanding between people from varying cultures..
8. Dubai World Cup
The World Series of Horse Racing, also known as the Dubai World Cup for short, is considered to be the world’s wealthiest horse race with prize money of $12 million. The 10-furlong dirt race is open only to thoroughbred horses and takes place at Meydan Race Course in Dubai. First established by Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the night has evolved into a much-desired racing event in the region and throughout the world..
9. Dubai Desert Classic
The Dubai Desert Classic is the biggest and most famous annual golfing event in UAE. Although it is one of many competitions that are held yearly on the Majlis Tour, the Dubai Desert Classic holds a special place in tourism because the tour’s top players turn up for it every year from all over the world..
10. Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
This is a truly global literary festival. Under the leadership of Ahlam Bolooki, it hosts about 250 sessions in each edition with hundreds of authors from around the world. There are workshops, readings, discussions, and lots of other things focused on children and adults alike. The organization’s focus is creating an enduring investment in talent development within the region.
With the rapid development of the UAE and the increasing number of festivals and events being held in the country, this is definitely a great time to visit the UAE and take a glimpse into the culture of the UAE. We hope you enjoyed this article about the Top 10 Festivals to attend in the United Arab Emirates. Even if you are not about to visit UAE, it’s always great to learn more about other cultures! So next time you are at a festival be sure to try some Arabic food, take in the sights and sounds, and enjoy the experience!.
