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| January - February |
a charitable funding event which allows
one to take part for a small fee with the chance of winning
a hefty cash prize. There are three types of races enabling
the event to attract a wider scope of entries: the ‘fun
run’ which is only a 3km run for those who have not got
the best fitness levels, the over 15’s run which is a
10km road race and the long distance, 50km marathon which
is only suitable for 18 year olds and over.
although Dubai is well known as a shopper's paradise throughout
the year, the month of January is particularly good for
bargain hunters. Throughout January, over two million
visitors flock to Dubai for the month-long Shopping Festival,
which seems to involve every shop in the city, with concerts,
children’s entertainment, firework shows and other events
offering a welcome break from the city-wide shopping frenzy.
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| February - March |
this is the most popular golfing
event in the UEA, many of the world’s leading swingers
return every year for the chance to play for the generous
prize money. The competition is held at the famous Emirates
Golf Club and generally attracts many tourists, who particularly
enjoy the exhilaration on the final day.
this annual festival is held Dubai Media
City and appeals to many tourists who have enjoyed the
engaging line ups in the past and the warm friendly atmosphere.
Recent line ups have included, Toto, Robin Gibb, Stanley
Jordan and Jamie Callum.
this is one of the most exciting events that brings together
some of the best tennis players in the world, including
Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova. The Dubai Open is held
at the Aviation club, and the championships consist of
an ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) and a WTA
(Women’s Tennis Association). It is a fantastic opportunity
to come and watch some of the best stars, with the sun
shining down complimented by exquisite refreshments, for
a relatively low price. Prices start at around 30Dhs.
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| March - April |
Dubai Art Fair: this event has been held since 2007 at The Madinat Jumeirah. The Art fair does well to lure some of the best artists from around the world, enabling them to come and flaunt their work.
Dubai Desert Rock: this two-day event in March attracts many tourists from around the globe who appreciate music festivals. CSM, the organisers, have gathered over the recent years some of the best artists such as, The Prodigy, The Darkness, Iron Maiden and Megadeth.
Emirates World Series-Dubai World Cup: every year Dubai is home to the world's richest horse race, with a six million US dollar prize fund ensuring the presence of the world's best horses, jockeys and trainers. The action takes place at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, where state-of-the-art facilities and a superb track provide race goers with a unique and atmospheric venue at the city’s largest social event.
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| April - May |
The Bride Show: during April, Dubai plays host to the annual Bride Show, which features a variety of events centered on the theme of weddings. The event attracts hundreds of exhibitors from all over the region, with the main events being held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.
Festival of Taste: held at The Madinat Jumeirah, this is strictly dedicated to the lovers of food. It runs for a period of one week, where top global chefs come and prepare their most delicious specialties for various social events and even give tips on cooking and presentation.
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| Clothing |
Lightweight summer clothing
is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets
may be needed for the winter months, especially in the
evenings.
Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai
has a very relaxed dress code. However, care should be
taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may
be considered revealing.
At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and
bikinis are quite acceptable.
Good quality sunglasses are advised, and photo- chromatic
lenses for those who wear spectacles. Hats or some protection
for the head are advisable when in direct sunlight.
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| June - July - August |
Dubai Summer Surprises: commonly known as DSS, is represented by a life size yellow springy mascot, Modhesh, which adds comical value and is especially attractive to the younger generation. DSS was implemented in order to encourage tourists to visit at the peak of Dubai’s heat wave. The 10 weeks of DSS are divided into separate themes such as food, the arts, adventure and nature, as well as hotels in the city offering special ‘shopaholic’ packages in order to attract more guests.
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| September - October |
this annual trade fair is the largest
of its kind in the Middle East and attracts exhibitors
and shoppers from right across the region. The main fair
is located at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre
and features over 500 exhibitors spread throughout 30
international pavilions that cover every branch of the
clothing and textile industry.
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| October - November |
Desert Rhythm: this two day music festival is fairly new to Dubai. Its second fixture was only launched in 2007 and was a huge success. Artists such as Mika and Kanye West along with other famous singers introduced themselves to the UAE for the very first time.
UAE Desert Challenge: this rally is part of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup and is the last race that starts off in Abu-Dhabi and finishes in Dubai. The duration of the rally lasts for five days and is very popular with fans of fast cars and bikes.
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| November - December |
Dubai Rugby Sevens: every year, the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club plays host to the first round of the IRB Sevens Series, with 16 international teams competing over three days for the prestigious trophy. The three days of competition are accompanied by various other shows and events designed to keep visitors of all ages entertained, while those new to rugby will find the fast and furious matches a good introduction to the sport.
Dubai international film festival: this encourages independent and art-house cinema to get a better recognition from the public with special guests attracting large audiences, such as George Clooney and Morgan Freeman.
National Day Festival: Dubai's National Day Festival is an annual day of celebration to commemorate the Emirates' independence from Great Britain, with many of the city's leading monuments opening their doors to the public and putting on special events throughout the day.
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| Religious Festivals |
Oct – September, depending on the Lunar Calendar. The
Muslim festival of Ramadan lasts for a whole lunar cycle
of 30 days and is observed by Muslims all over the world.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims must refrain from
consuming anything for pleasure between the hours of sunrise
and sunset, in all forms of food, drink, cigarettes and
even sex being prohibited. Non-Muslims in Dubai are also
expected to observe the strict abstinence rules during
this time, as breaking them in public is seen as highly
offensive and disrespectful. The sighting of the moon
that signifies the end of Ramadan brings about several
days of wild celebration, with locals and visitors alike
indulging in feasts and parties across the city.
Nov – Dec,
depending on the Lunar Calendar. Due to the large expatriate
Indian community in Dubai, the festival of Diwali is also
considered to be a significant celebration throughout
the city. It is the Hindu ‘Festival of Lights’, making
sure bright lights and fireworks are spread around the
city. Indian restaurants take part in the celebration
across the city and on the streets parties are held with
traditional desserts offered.
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