Events in the UAE

The UAE has an eventful calendar all year round. The country receives several thousand visitors around the year. Global Village is a big draw. Expo 2020 is forecasted to be the UAE’s biggest event. It will be held from 1 October 2021 to 31 March April 2022 in the Dubai South district, adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport. The UAE has several permanent exhibition spaces such as Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo Centre Sharjah.

Variety of events

Shopping festivals around the year distinguish the shopping experience in the UAE. Discounts and bargains are an important feature of these festivals. The UAE also hosts arts and culture events that are of great importance across the world. Ministry of Culture and Youth promotes the cultural sector in the UAE.

In addition, several big budget international sports and leisure competitions, tournaments and events involving high prize money are held in the UAE. The UAE is also a hub for trade shows, conferences and exhibitions.

Events are held in all emirates. Click on the respective icons alongside to check details about the events or view the list of events in the UAE (Word file, 200 KB). Meanwhile, below are some of the important events that will be held in the UAE.

21 Feb

Gulfood Exhibition

DWTC- SHEIKH MAKTOUM HALL, SHEIKH RASHID HALL, SHEIKH SAEED HALL 1 - 3, TRADE CENTRE ARENA, ZA'ABEEL HALL 1 - 3 Sunday, 21 February, 2021, 12:00 AM Gulfood Exhibition Website

21 Feb

International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX)

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre - ADNEC, Abu Dhabi Sunday, 21 February, 2021, 12:00 AM International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) Website

21 Feb

Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX)

ADNEC Marina Sunday, 21 February, 2021, 12:00 AM Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) Website

09 Mar

Dubai Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition (DUPHAT)

DWTC- HALL 3 - 8, SHEIKH MAKTOUM HALL, SHEIKH RASHID HALL Tuesday, 09 March, 2021, 12:00 AM Dubai Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition (DUPHAT) Website

09 Mar

Dubai International Boat Show

Dubai Harbour Tuesday, 09 March, 2021, 2:00 PM Dubai International Boat Show Website

15 Mar

Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition

DWTC Monday, 15 March, 2021, 12:00 AM Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition Website

15 Mar

International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Technologies (GHGT 15)

Khalifa University - Abu Dhabi Monday, 15 March, 2021, 12:00 AM International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Technologies (GHGT 15) Website

06 Apr

Ramadan Majlis

DWTC- HALL 5 - 6 Tuesday, 06 April, 2021, 12:00 AM Ramadan Majlis Website

16 May

Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

DWTC- AL MULTAQUA BALLROOM, HALL 1 - 6, SHEIKH SAEED HALL 1 - 3, TRADE CENTRE ARENA Sunday, 16 May, 2021, 12:00 AM Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Website

24 May

DWTC- Hall 5-8 Monday, 24 May, 2021, 12:00 AM Website

24 May

Paperworld Middle East

DWTC- HALL 3 - 4 Monday, 24 May, 2021, 12:00 AM Paperworld Middle East Website

31 May

Workspace at Index

DWTC- ZA'ABEEL HALL 3 Monday, 31 May, 2021, 12:00 AM Workspace at Index Website

World’s Coolest Winter

Explore the hidden gems of the seven emirates, rediscover the UAE’s landmarks, reconnect with nature and share your experiences on social media platforms.

Learn more

Expo 2020 postponed to 2021

Expo 2020 has been postponed to 2021. It will be held from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. Expo 2020 Dubai will retain its name, committing to host an exceptional event that will celebrate humanity’s resilience and creativity including major technological advances in the fields of medicine and science.

Learn more

Dubai Shopping Festival (2020-21)

Do not miss Dubai’s annual mega event, ‘Dubai Shopping Festival’ from 17 December 2020 to 30 January 2021. The festival will feature city-wide incredible retail deals, stunning light and fireworks shows, raffle draws, live entertainment at malls and extra special celebrations on New Year's Eve.

Learn more

Global Village

Global Village is a venue, a destination for family entertainment. It offers facilities and options for shopping, dining, recreation and amusement. It is open from November to April every year.

Learn more

UAE Nation Brand

People all over the world voted for the ‘7 Lines’ design to be the UAE’s logo for the next 50 years. The logo represents the seven emirates and the seven founding fathers, and complements the slogan ‘Make it Happen’. The UAE Government calls on all entities to use this logo in their initiatives and events to convey the UAE’s story to the world.

Learn more

Seeds of the Union

The theme of the UAE’s 49th National Day is ‘Seeds of the Union’. A stunning live show of the same name will be performed in Abu Dhabi. The narrative of the show revolves around the growth of a seed into a flower, mirroring the journey of the UAE in the last 49 years. Watch ‘Seeds of the Union’ live on national television channels.

Learn more

Wahat Al Karama

Wahat Al Karama is home to a permanent memorial to the UAE’s brave soldiers and other Emiratis who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the nation. It is open to public who wish to pay homage to those heroes, daily from 9 am to 10 pm. Access is free of charge.

Learn more

Need help?

If you need help, kindly contact: