DUBAI CALENDAR – JANUARY 2017

Dubai Shopping Festival 2017

26 December - 28 January 2017

Celebrating its 22nd anniversary in 2017, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is the largest shopping and entertainment extravaganza in the Middle East and the longest running festival of its kind. Along with unbeatable deals, DSF is home to Guinness World Records, celebrity performances and plenty of amazing events from fashion flash mobs to live raffle drawings with prizes that include cash and even cars not to forget the hallmark fireworks.

New Year Dubai 2017

31 December 2016         

Dubai has long been known as a top global destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations. In 2014, it broke the world-record for the largest and longest fireworks display, and plans are underway to make this year’s celebrations even more exciting. With multiple fireworks displays and festive activities taking place throughout the Emirate, your 2017 will be off to an action-packed and cheerful start whether you’re celebrating with friends or family.

Maya Diab and Fares Karam Live

31 December - 01 January 2017; Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection

Still looking for the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration? Head to the Habtoor Grand Resort to see two of Lebanon’s best-known singers perform their top hits. Maya Diab, the Middle East’s sweetheart, who is known for her humanitarian work, effortless sense of style, and catchy tunes, will share the stage with Fares Karam, whose dabke beats are sure to get the crowd dancing.

Start 2017 off with great music and a festive ambiance in one of Dubai’s most glamorous beachside resorts. Book your tickets now to be sure you don’t miss out.

Leonid Agutin Live in Dubai

04 January 2017 Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Start the new year with a bit of Russian flair at this gala concert featuring one of Russia’s most highly acclaimed musicians, Leonid Agutin, and an Esperanto band. For the first time in Dubai, the musician, poet, and songwriter will perform his greatest hits along with a selection of brand new material. Preceded by Evgeniy Morozov’s quartet, the concert will be held in a luxurious tent with a clear view of one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, the Burj Al Arab. The gala event will also include a diamond fashion show, a raffle draw, and more.

Lubov Uspenskaya at Burj Al Arab

06 January - 07 January 2017Burj Al Arab, Al Falak Ballroom, 27th floor

To celebrate the Russian holiday season in style, head to the Al Falak Ballroom of the ultra-luxury Burj Al Arab hotel for two nights of exclusive gala events. Both evenings open with a cocktail reception, where guests will enjoy live music from the accomplished musicians of Evgeniy Morozov’s Quartet. The reception will be followed by a lavish dinner from the Burj Al Arab’s culinary team, after which the Queen of Russian Chanson Lubov Uspenskaya will take the stage. Known around the world as one of the finest singers in the “City Romance” genre, she will perform her best hits which are sure to delight all in attendance.

Ballet Grand Gala 2017

06 January - 07 January 2017; Madinat Theatre

Dubai-based ballet fans are in for a treat as some of the world’s most renowned ballet dancers take to the stage. The Ballet Grand Gala 2017 will star Dorothée Gilbert and First Soloists Hugo Marchand and Hannah O'Neill, joined by ten additional dancers from the Paris Opera National Ballet, including Paul Marque, who won a gold medal in the 2016 Varna International Ballet Competition.

The dance stars will perform a classic repertoire including Romeo and Juliette by Rudolf Nureyev, La Sylphide and Le Corsaire, Flames of Paris, as well as a few neoclassical creations, including Donizetti by Manuel Legris and Thais. Audience members both young and old are sure to be enchanted by the exquisite dance moves. Only three performances will take place, so be sure to book your ticket quickly.

Carpet Oasis

29 December - 15 January 2017; Dubai World Trade Centre

Under the umbrella of the Dubai Shopping Festival, the 22nd edition of the Carpet Oasis exhibition is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Celebrating the rich tradition of carpets and tapestries, which are central to the artistic heritage of Dubai and the larger region, the exhibition will provide a comprehensive selection of carpets from Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, China, India and Kashmir at competitive prices for re-export and domestic use. The theme of this year’s exhibition is “The Texture of Creativity,” and visitors are sure to draw inspiration from the exquisite products on display.

Bastian Baker in Dubai

28 January 2017; Madinat Theatre

Bastian Baker brings his unique mix of pop-folk with a Swiss twist to Dubai for one night only. Baker has dazzled crowds at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Paleo Festival, Francofolies de la Rochelle and at the Olympia of Paris, and has toured internationally throughout Japan, Russia, USA, England, Germany, France, Belgium and Canada. His moving performances stem from his lifelong passion for music; he has been composing since his teenage years.

Baker has opened for music giants Bryan Adams, Mark Lanegan, Johnny Hallyday and Elton John, and now fans in Dubai can see the 2016 Swiss Music Award winner live at the Madinat Theatre. Baker performs in the UAE as part of Swiss Art Gate UAE’s ninth edition of Swiss Days.

Al WASLA Music Festival in Dubai

20 January - 21 January 2017 Media City Ampitheatre

If you enjoy Arabic music but are tired of the mainstream songs on the radio, or if you simply are interested in an alternative beat, the Al WASLA Music Festival is the perfect event for you. Featuring both established and rising talent, the festival includes local and regional artists such as Mashrou Leila from Lebanon, Jadal from Jordan, Emel Mathlouthi and Salhi from Tunisia, Souad Massi from Algeria, Abri and the Funk Radius from the UAE and Neobyrd from Egypt. This full day of concerts will bring diverse music genres from the dynamic Middle Eastern music scene all in one day.

Whether you prefer rock, soul, electronic or jazz tunes, there will be something for everyone at Al WASLA. A variety of delicious eats and a festive atmosphere will complete the experience, making this a day in the park you won’t want to miss. The festival is open to those aged 18 and over.

Hankook 24H Dubai 2017

12 January - 14 January 2017

This is a 24 hour endurance race that pits drivers against time and each other to last through the entire race. Held at the Autodrome, Dubai Motorcity for the first time back in 2006, it has since, been hosted each year with this being the 12th series. A wide variety of ‘tin top’ touring cars, GTs and 24H-Specials (e.g. silhouette cars) are eligible to race, from ‘hot hatchbacks’ up to proper GT3 machinery and purpose-built race cars.

Cairo Sound Music Festival

13 January 2017

Have you ever wondered how traditional Egyptian musical rhythm fused with world music sounds? Find out on January 13 by heading to Cairo Sound Music Festival to hear popular Egyptian performers playing jazz, reggae, rock and house in their distinctive traditional style. It will include performances by prominent artists Cairokee, Sharmoofers, Massar Egbari, Khaled Hussein and Moustafa Ghazal.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

13 January - 15 January 2017; Centrepoint Theatre

Many of us grew up reading Eric Carle’s story The Very Hungry Caterpillar. First published in 1969 and selling over 41 million copies globally, the book has enchanted generations of children with its iconic images and educational storyline.  

The classic story is now appearing onstage, conveyed through an adorable cast of puppets who will faithfully enact four of Carle’s stories: The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The performance is sure to delight Dubai’s young audiences and will be enjoyed by those still young at heart as well.

Meydan Races January 14

14 January 2017

Catch all the action live with the world's equestrian elite. Join this exciting race night that is part of the Racing Calendar at Dubai Racing Club. Running from November until the ‘big day’ itself, these races let you get right up to the course and feel the ground shake as the horses thunder past.
Enjoy VIP hospitality with perfect views of the track when you choose stay packages that also combine cuisine and horseracing.

CATS

16 January - 28 January 2017

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning musical and one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, CATS has enchanted over 73 million people in more than 300 cities around the world. Adapted from ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’ by TS Eliot, it tells the story of the Jellicle Cats and the adventures they face while assembling for the Jellicle Ball. It features an award-winning musical score, including the song ‘Memory.’

Elton John Live

20 January 2017

Renowned musician Elton John returns to Dubai as part of his Crazy Wonderful Night Tour on January 20 at the Autism Rocks Arena. With an impressive 38 gold, 27 platinum albums and multi-platinum albums, he continues to hold the record for the biggest selling single of all time, Candle in the Wind. Never failing to deliver, he provides a selection of his greatest hits as well as a bunch of tracks from some of his older albums.

The Bellamy Brothers in Dubai

20 January 2017

For the very first time, American country music duo Howard and David Bellamy will delight Dubai audiences with their pop country tunes on their 40th Anniversary World Tour. They hold fourteen No. 1 singles in the USA, and also the record for the most duo nominations in both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association Awards. Some of their most well-known songs include ‘Let Your Love Flow,’ and ‘Redneck Girl.’

Inmotion and Special Elements

27 January 2017Madinat Theatre

If you thought a yo-yo was a simple toy for children, think again. Swiss performers Ivo Studer and Jan Schmutz, known as Inmotion, will demonstrate what extreme yo-yo mastery looks like. In a creative performance displaying speed, creativity and impressive dexterity, their throws, catches and other tricks will captivate and delight audience members. Inmotion was awarded the 2012 World and European Yo-Yo Championship title.

Hip hop crew Special Elements first wowed viewers in their native Switzerland, where they won the Swiss Hip Hop Championship and were finalists on Switzerland’s Got Talent. Now their urban vibes are coming to Dubai. The group’s motto is ‘Push it to the next level,’ which they illustrate though their daring and ever-evolving dance moves.

Inmotion and Special Elements perform in the UAE as part of Swiss Art Gate UAE’s ninth edition of Swiss Days.

Global Village 2016-2017

01 November - 08 April 2017 Global Village

Global Village is the largest seasonal cultural extravaganza in the region that offers visitors an amazing array of festivals, shopping and entertainment in an open-air theme park.
This entertainment and shopping destination is open from November through to April and hosts over 70 participating countries presented in over 36 pavilions, with more than 50 fun rides and 26 restaurants offering food from around the world.
Check back soon to find out more about the ticket prices, timings and more.

Ripe Market at Zabeel Park

21 October - 31 May 2017 Gate 2

Surrounded by the warm, inviting gardens of Zabeel Park, what better way to spend your Friday morning than picking fresh, organic, local fruits and veggies from the Ripe Organic Stall? Celebrate local talents as you sip fresh coconut water, with over 100 local passionate businesses including the best chefs, artisans, designers, jewellers entertainers and musicians in town. You can even buy handmade art and engage in a cooking class, while the kids take advantage of the petting zoo.

Camel Races 20-21 January

Al Marmoum Camel Racetrack

Check out one of Dubai’s quintessential sporting activities - an outing to the camel races! Watch as some of the emirate’s most prized camels take to the track. This is a great way to get a taste of Emirati heritage and tradition. Races take place twice daily every Friday and Saturday from December to February.

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2017

20 January 2017; Dubai Police Academy, Umm Suqeim

Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this event is considered as one of the first sporting events on the city's calendar, occurring this time in early January and taking advantage of the cooler winter temperatures. The Dubai Marathon has become bigger and better each year, attracting many local and global sponsors.

Ironman 2017

27 January 2017; Jumeirah Beach

There is a little more to test the strength and endurance of an athlete than an Ironman challenge. Encompassing swimming, cycling and running, an Ironman pushes athletes to give their all, both on land and in water. Dubai’s 70.3 Ironman race will begin next to the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, with athletes completing the swimming portion at Jumeirah public beach. They’ll continue the cycling segment into the desert, where they’ll be surrounded by majestic sand dunes. The race will conclude back at Jumeirah beach, where three laps around the 7km running trail will end at the general grand stand. This is an important opportunity for athletes, as the Dubai Ironman will offer 35 qualifying slots for the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship. Whether you’d like to participate in the race, volunteer, or simply attend and cheer on the athletes, this is a great event to bring the community together.

Dubai Tour

31 January - 04 February 2017; Dubai International Marine Club

The greatest cycling race comes back to Dubai with new, more difficult features. For the first time, the race will be comprised of five different stages, which will test the limits of your athletic abilities. This ultimate challenge is a total of 865km- 194km more than last year. If you love a challenge and want to take part in something special, this one-of-a-kind race is for you.