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Dubai looks like a sparkling diamond during festive seasons because it is the time when the entire city lights up in colors of enthusiasm and fervor. As Dubai is a land of different cultures, it hosts a wide variety of festivals and events. People from across the globe visit the desert city to savor its splendors during festivities. Dubai witnesses dozens of celebrations every month. Here, we list down the most significant ones that one should not miss out on during your visit to Dubai in December. Read on and learn about the most awaited festivals and events in Dubai in December.
Most-Awaited Festivals and Events in Dubai in December
1. The National Day Festival
Commemorating the formal nationalization of the United Arab Emirates which happened in the year 1971, National Day is one of the significant events in Dubai. Grand celebrations are held across the Emirates and people are drenched in colors of patriotism. It is the day when locals wear UAE colors, decorate their houses, and share loads of happiness. Hotels, resorts, and other public places get adorned with national flags and beautiful lights.
What to Look Forward to?
- Enjoy dazzling fireworks over the skyscrapers of Dubai.
- Savor beautiful dance shows and wonderful car rallies.
- Partake in the exuberance of heritage villages set across the city.
- Indulge in shopping as malls and other complexes give great discounts on purchases.
Festival Dates: 2 December
Festival Venue: Across the Country
2. Dubai Shopping Festival
A carnival-like no other, the Dubai Shopping Festival, also called DSF, is the quintessential celebration for all the shopaholics. It is one of the most awaited events as people from across the world flock to Dubai to witness its beauty, go on a shopping spree and take part in its liveliness.
What to Look Forward to?
- Explore all the splendidly-decorated shopping malls and complexes of Dubai.
- Grab steal deals on your favorite items and avail of great discounts.
- Catch music concerts and live shows at Dubai Opera and Global Village.
- Savor authentic Arabic cuisine at Burj Park.
- Watch incredible fireworks and have beachside entertainment.
- Partake in lucky draw competitions and win great prizes.
Festival Dates: December – February
Festival Venue(s): Dubai Mall, Global Village, Gold Souk, Al Rigga Street, Mall of the Emirates, and more.
3. Dubai International Film Festival
If you crave brilliant cinema and have a strong affinity towards motion pictures, photography, and writing, then the Dubai International Film Festival is all you got to attend. It is a great gathering for the movie buffs as it is here world-famous filmmakers and writers from all around the world come together. It is one of the largest film festivals in the Arabic region, attended by thousands of people.
What to Look Forward to?
- Watch critically-acclaimed international as well as regional feature films.
- Enjoy world premieres of numerous documentaries and short films.
- Laze in open-air theatres and enjoy great shows.
- Attend workshops on the importance of cinematography and how to excel in it.
Festival Dates: Varies
4. New Year’s Eve
The New Year’s Eve in Dubai is celebrated with great zeal and zest. The entire city is decorated with beautiful lights, ranging from shopping complexes to public places and government buildings to restaurants and cafes. Epic New Year parties take place and the striking Burj Khalifa fireworks steal the show. People dress up in vibrant colors and enjoy the high-spiritedness of Dubai.
What to Look Forward to?
- Indulge in dhow cruise dinner as you enjoy shimmering waves of the sea.
- Gaze upon wonderful sky illuminated by dazzling fireworks.
- Visit malls and party hubs and soak up their ebullience.
Festival Dates: 31 December
Festival Location: Across Dubai
5. Dubai International Coffee and Tea Festival
Dubai International Coffee and Tea Festival is one of the leading expos in the Middle East. That’s the reason it has gained popularity across the world. Various exhibitions showcase different kinds of coffee and tea and help visitors learn about their use in daily life and how they serve as immune-boosting or health-affecting agents. New concepts and ideas for coffee and tea businesses are launched. The festival serves as a great platform for entrepreneurs.
What to Look Forward to?
- Learn about coffee and tea and their significance in detail.
- Savor different flavors of the beverages.
- Take advantage of this industry-focused platform to learn about business.
Festival Dates: Varies
Festival Venue: Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre
6. The Christmas Eve
Christmas in Dubai is another major festival. Though the city is a part of the Islamic world, it is inhabited by people of all castes, religions, and colors. Hence, celebrating Christmas in Dubai is always like celebrating it at your home. There is no dearth of cheeriness as every street and shopping complex is full of pep. Excitement lingers across the city and elation dominates it.
What to Look Forward to?
- Enjoy Christmas beach parties.
- Attend mass prayers and Christmas carols at churches.
- Feel those winter vibes at the incredible Ski Resort Dubai.
- Shop all the Christmas delights at the wonderfully-decorated malls and shopping complexes.
- Feast on flavorsome turkey and other authentic festive delicacies.
Festival Dates: 25 December
Festival Venue: Across Dubai (Majorly Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and more)
Recommended Reads: 15 Most Awesome Festivals and Events in Dubai 2021 How to celebrate National Day in Dubai, UAE? 10 Places for a Quick Getaway from The UAE
