What's on
From the closing round of the Formula 1 season to the camel festivals of Al Dhafra and the Sharjah book fair — in one place instead of seven.
November
One of the largest book fairs in the world by footfall, with a fortnight of readings, translation deals and children's programming.
Entry to the fair is free. The programme of talks and workshops is open to fair visitors.
November to March
A months-long heritage and culture festival in Al Wathba, with national pavilions, souks and a nightly fireworks record attempt or two.
Entry to the festival grounds is free. Individual rides, shows and food inside are paid at the stand.
November to March
The mountain's own season: trail running, via ferrata, the zipline and cold enough nights for a fire at the top.
The summit road and the viewing platforms are free. The zipline, the via ferrata and the sledder are ticketed activities.
September to November
When visibility on the Gulf of Oman is at its best and the water is still warm. Turtles on almost every dive.
Dives and snorkelling trips are sold by licensed operators, and a certification card is checked before a dive.
Moves with the lunar calendar
Both Eids bring fireworks, family programming and extended hours. Dates follow the moon, so confirm before you commit flights.
The public programme — fireworks, markets and open-air concerts — is free. Nothing needs booking except a table.
| Event | Window | Emirate | Category | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Shopping Festival | December to January | Dubai | Shopping & city | Mixed |
| Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | Early December | Abu Dhabi | Sport | Ticketed |
| Sharjah International Book Fair | November | Sharjah | Culture | Free |
| Dubai World Cup | Late March | Dubai | Sport | Ticketed |
| Sheikh Zayed Festival | November to March | Abu Dhabi | Heritage | Free |
| Al Dhafra Festival | December | Abu Dhabi | Heritage | Free |
| Liwa Date Festival | July | Abu Dhabi | Food & farming | Free |
| Sharjah Light Festival | February | Sharjah | Arts | Free |
| Sharjah Biennial | Spring, every other year | Sharjah | Arts | Free |
| Jebel Jais season | November to March | Ras Al Khaimah | Adventure | Mixed |
| East coast diving season | September to November | Fujairah | Nature | Ticketed |
| Eid across the emirates | Moves with the lunar calendar | All emirates | National | Free |
Festivals tied to the lunar calendar move each year and are re-confirmed annually.
For organisers
One form for all seven emirates. The automated check runs before anybody reads the submission — coordinates inside the country, both names in their own scripts, a month window rather than a fixed date — and then the emirate's approval decides publication.