All the events in Dubai in January 2026

Dubai Calendar, the city’s official event listings platform, is kicking off the new year with an exceptional line-up of events throughout January 2026, featuring electrifying live concerts by globally renowned artists, unmissable world-class sporting events, and an impressive selection of arts and culture experiences.

Dubai Calendar – January 2026

From the continuation of the 31st edition of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) to the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament, January in Dubai promises unrivalled excitement and unforgettable moments for both residents and visitors.

Dubai Shopping Festival

• Date: Until 11 January 2026

• Location: Citywide

• About: DSF continues into the New Year with a host of unbeatable retail offers, raffles and one-of-a-kind experiences across the city. Highlights in the final 11 days of the festival include the DSF Drones Show presented by Emarat, DSF Fireworks Nights, and the e& DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall.

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

• Date: 21–27 January 2026

• Location: InterContinental Dubai Festival City

• About: The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the region’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, bringing together world-class authors and local talent. Visitors of all ages can dive into a packed programme of literary debates, masterclasses, and hands-on workshops designed to inspire readers and writers alike.

Sikka Art & Design Festival

• Date: 23 January–1 February 2026

• Location: Al Shindagha Historic District

• About: The Sikka Art & Design Festival returns for its 14th edition, transforming the Al Shindagha Historic District into a vibrant hub for emerging UAE and GCC talent. Organised by Dubai Culture, this creative celebration features a mix of art installations, live performances, and workshops that reinforce Dubai’s position as a global cultural capital.

Quoz Arts Fest

• Date: 24–25 January 2026

• Location: Alserkal Avenue

• About: The annual Quoz Arts Fest at Alserkal Avenue offers an exciting weekend of eclectic art galleries, live shows, and creative surprises. It’s the perfect family day out, complete with food trucks, activities for the kids, and even a dog-friendly atmosphere.

Al Wasl Season

• Date: Until 2 May 2026

• Location: Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai

• About: This six-month celebration at Expo City Dubai features cultural festivals, family events and community experiences under the theme “One Destination, Every Celebration”. Running until 2 May, the programme includes returning favourites such as Hai Ramadan, alongside new additions like the Harvest Festival-Hag Al Laila edition.

Dubai Racing Carnival

• Date: Every Friday in January 2026

• Location: Meydan Racecourse

• About: Continuing the 2025–2026 racing season, the Dubai Racing Carnival heads into the New Year with a line up of competitive fun every Friday night at Meydan Racecourse, with feature races including “Fashion Friday” on 23 January 2026. The Carnival is part of the build-up to the Dubai World Cup on 28 March 2026.

Hood to Coast Dubai

• Date: 10 January 2026

• Location: Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve

• About: One of the world’s most iconic relay races makes a return to Dubai at Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve. The race will see teams go head to head to compete in a series of challenging relay segments that tests endurance, strength and grit.

Silver Cup

• Date: 10–24 January 2026

• Location: Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club

• About: As part of Dubai’s prestigious annual polo calendar, the Silver Cup will see six of the world’s best teams face off in a 20-goal handicap. Whether you’re a polo enthusiast or a group of friends looking for an afternoon of weekend fun, there’s something for everyone.

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026

• Date: 11 January 2026

• Location: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

• About: Kick-start the New Year with the 23rd edition of the Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon. Enjoy iconic views of Old Dubai as running enthusiasts race around the 21km course.

Dubai Invitational

• Date: 15–18 January 2026

• Location: Dubai Creek Resort

• About: The inaugural edition of Dubai Invitational, a DP World Tour golf event, will take place over four action-packed days at Dubai Creek Resort with World No.2 Rory Mcllroy up against other internationally recognised pro players, global business leaders and celebrities as well as a host of entertainment options for visitors to enjoy.

Hero Dubai Desert Classic

• Date: 22–25 January 2026

• Location: Majlis Course, Emirates Golf Club

• About: The Hero Dubai Desert Classic, part of the DP World Tour’s premier Rolex Series, returns for its 37th edition. It will be a special tournament for five-time major winner Rory Mcllroy as it marks 20 years since his first appearance at the event. Off the course, spectators can expect a line-up of entertainment and popular food vendors in the tournament village.

Dubai Racing Carnival: Fashion Friday

• Date: 23 January 2026

• Location: Meydan Racecourse

• About: Fashion Friday, a much-awaited feature meeting in the Dubai Racing Carnival, will see fashionistas pulling out all the stops as they watch the racing in style in preparation for the Dubai World Cup contest.

• Leonid Agutin live
  2 January 2026 | Dubai Opera

• Miami Band & Ayed
  3 January 2026 | Coca-Cola Arena

• Thomas Anders live
  3 January 2026 | Dubai Opera

• Entertainment City
  3 January 2026 | Sheikh Rashid Hall, World Trade Centre

• Khalid Abdulrahman live
  4 January 2026 | Dubai Opera

• Till Lindemann
  4 January 2026 | Coca-Cola Arena

• Majid Al Mohandis
  9 January 2026 | Coca-Cola Arena

• Anirudh live
  11 January 2026 | Coca-Cola Arena

• Mounir & Wegz
  17 January 2026 | Coca-Cola Arena

• ActivateMe™ Festival
  17–18 January 2026 | Dubai Silicon Oasis

• Zakir Khan live
  21 January 2026 | Dubai Opera

• Rob Beckett
  22 January 2026 | Dubai Opera

• Lany – Soft World Tour
  23 January 2026 | Coca-Cola Arena

• Tom Odell
  24 January 2026 | Coca-Cola Arena

• Dream Theater live
  26 January 2026 | Coca-Cola Arena

• WICKED – The Musical
  28 January–15 February 2026 | Dubai Opera

• Air Supply
  30 January 2026 | Coca-Cola Arena

• Rishab Rikhiram Sharma live
  31 January 2026 | Coca-Cola Arena

• Ministry of Sound 35 Dubai
  31 January 2026 | Ain Dubai Plaza

Dubai Burger Championship

• Date: 8–11 January 2026

• Location: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre

• About: Taking place during Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), the Dubai Burger Championship will bring together top homegrown favorites and global legends for the region’s biggest burger festival. Watch local icons like Pickl and High Joint face off against international heavyweights like Black Bear and La Birra Bar to compete for the ultimate title of “Dubai’s Best Burger.”

Dubai Calendar allows residents and tourists to discover all the events, festivals and experiences Dubai has to offer. For more information, please visit: www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar.

tanvir@dubainewsweek.com