Festivals & Events you can't miss on Your UAE Trip
Adesua Emmanuel 19 July
Dubai International Film Festival
Depending on the time of the year you visit, you can participate in the Dubai International Film Festival. This festival attracts many people from different parts of the world. Professionals in the film industry from Europe and other locations troop in for this event yearly. It's always an occasion to enjoy the several films produced in the Arab country. With over 14 editions, this festival doesn't seem to be ending soon. However, it's not available throughout the year. If you are opportune to visit UAE in the last few days of January or in the first few days of February, you'll be able to witness and enjoy the festival, which lasts for a week. Before you travel to UAE, especially around late January or early February, do well to check out the dates to have a lovely experience.
UAE Awafi Festival
From the early weeks of January to late in the month, the famous UAE Awafi Festival is a top event to look forward to. It's a celebration of culture and unity, and many people turn up to make it interesting. So many activities are planned for the festival. For example, outdoor activities such as dune climbing are interesting entertainments of the day. This type of competition involves people coming together with different improvised vehicles to scale some of the tallest dunes in the desert area.
Additionally, other events such as art exhibitions, village shows, and many more are featured during the festival. While you may not be able to participate, you can be a spectator to the day's various activities. Usually, there are many mini activities to partake in and enjoy during the festival.
Dubai Marathon
Talk about beneficial events, and the Dubai marathon is a good example. Usually, the marathon can take place at different times of the year. In 2022, it will be held sometime in December. Many people widely embrace this Marathon. In fact, people come from around the world to participate. It's a charity sports event that only requires a small fee to participate. The Dubai marathon has different categories. It has the 3 km segment, the 10 km segment, and the 50 km. You can choose to participate in any category based on preference or capability. However, you don't have to participate, and you can simply be a bystander and enjoy the atmosphere -- cheering on the runners as they give it their all. Since this marathon attracts many people across the world, it's an excellent avenue to socialize and meet people of different races and cultures.
National Day Festival
Since the United Arab Emirates was formed in the 1970s after the coming together of 6 Emirates, there has been a national day since then. The 2nd of December each year has served as the day to celebrate the National day. Abu Dhabi and Dubai celebrate this day together, and many activities are lined up for this special event. First of the many things to witness is the official parade called the National Day Parade, in a big stadium. The parade features military men in the country supported by others representing countries supporting the UAE. Some international bodies join the celebration as a sign of respect. One of the most important aspects of the celebration is to look forward to seeing the singers' performance. Usually, singers perform before the event starts. You can enjoy all of these combined activities and other side attractions at the event.
Dubai Jazz Festival
Dubai Jazz festival is a big music event that attracts many people from different parts of the world. This annual event welcomes people from different continents -- both professionals and amateurs. Tons of internationally-recognized people and legends in the US grace the occasion. They come to help plan the event -- providing their insight and adding to the buzz around the festival. Professional jazz musicians are invited to perform while those in the audience can sing and dance along with their favorite artists. This festival is also an avenue to raise support for charity organizations -- so don't go empty-handed -- your little contribution will go a long way. Besides, the jazz festival is a way to foster unity among people of different cultures. Overall, apart from the music, the festival allows you to socialize and meet new people who share your interests.
Shopping Festival
The shopping festival is held at the end of the year. Sometimes in the middle of the month in December, the shopping festival commences. It's an open invitation to everyone across the world. During this period, shops in UAE will offer good deals and discount offers to buyers. You can take to the streets of Dubai and visit the numerous stores available. If you wish to add to your collection of fashion wear, or you may simply want to change your collections. Whatever the case, the shopping festival is always an opportunity to buy what you need. And the reduction in price doesn't affect the quality of the items you want to purchase. All items, from fashion articles, to home items and anything you can think of, are in good condition. The festival is just an opportunity for buyers to get end-of-the-year deals.
Eid
Eid marks the end of Ramadan. It's a popular celebration that is observed in many countries. Due to the dominant religion in UAE, Eid is a typical festival that millions look forward to. It's a happy time marked by generous giving and lots of other happy moments. If you are a Muslim, this period is not strange to you, and hence you'll understand how lovely the celebration can be. And if you're not, this period which usually falls between late April and early May, is always an interesting and joyful period. You can participate in a number of organized events that will take place throughout the country. The locals will be out in public and having a nice time. You can partake in whatever is fun and enjoy the moment. If you've been hoping to go on religion tourism, here's an opportunity to explore and enjoy.
Dubai Desert Classic
Dubai desert classic is a popular golf event that targets many people from Europe and beyond. It's an event you don't miss when you're in the UAE. If you love golf, then make sure to find out about the precise date for the event so you can participate. Even if you are not a fan of golf, the festival allows mingling with people from different parts of the world. Besides, all top golfers in the country attend this event which has price money worth about $3 million. It's definitely one of the biggest sporting events in the UAE. So check out the date for the next event and prepare to attend. If it falls in January, you're in for a treat as there are a couple of events that fall in this part of the year.
Festival of Literature
The Festival of literature is an international event fast becoming highly revered in the UAE. It comprises reading, poetry, and writing of all sorts. The goal of the event is to help build writers within the country. And to help create a culture of literature which can help build interest in new individuals, both young and old. The festival has about 250 sessions that involve numerous intellectual activities. If you fancy literature, you will enjoy the program and benefit maximally. Who knows? You may even get to participate.
UAE is an interesting place to be. As you plan your vacation, you can take the time to choose which of these events you'd like to enjoy and plan also to visit top sites in the country.
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