Top 10 Things to Do in Dubai This Winter (November 2026 – January 2027)

November 14, 2026

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The 10 best things to do in Dubai this winter: Global Village, Dubai Run, the Dubai 7s, Eid Al Etihad and Dubai Shopping Festival, with dates and prices.

Updated 14 November 2026. The cool season is back, and Dubai’s calendar is packed from now until mid-January. Here are the 10 best things to do in Dubai this winter, with dates, prices where they’ve been published, and what to book ahead.

1. Global Village Season 31

Global Village opened its 31st season on 14 October 2026 under the theme “A More Wonderful World”, and it runs until May 2027. This season has 29 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, with Sri Lanka getting its own stand-alone pavilion for the first time. Gates open 4pm to midnight Sunday to Wednesday, and until 1am on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays. Go hungry: the street food is half the reason to visit.

2. Dubai Fitness Challenge (until 29 November)

The 10th Dubai Fitness Challenge runs from 31 October to 29 November 2026. The idea is simple: 30 minutes of activity a day for 30 days. Registration is free at dubaifitnesschallenge.com, and there are three free Fitness Villages plus more than 23 Community Fitness Hubs offering classes across the city.

3. Run Sheikh Zayed Road at Dubai Run (22 November)

Once a year, Dubai’s main highway closes so the whole city can run on it. Dubai Run takes place on Sunday 22 November 2026 from 6.30am, with 5km and 10km routes. It’s free, but you need to register and collect your bib from the 30×30 Fitness Village at Zabeel Park.

4. Close the month with Dubai Yoga (29 November)

The final day of the Fitness Challenge, Sunday 29 November, is Dubai Yoga, a mass outdoor session that is the gentlest way to finish the 30 days.

5. Watch the DP World Tour Championship (12–15 November)

The season-ending golf tournament of the DP World Tour is on this weekend on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Visit Dubai lists tickets from AED 55, so it’s an affordable day out even if you don’t follow golf.

6. Emirates Dubai 7s (27–29 November)

The Emirates Dubai 7s returns to The Sevens Stadium on Al Ain Road and opens the 2026/27 HSBC SVNS rugby series. This year there are six sports on the programme, including Gaelic football for the first time, plus live music and the biggest Kids’ Zone the event has had. Friday tickets start from AED 75 (children under 15 go free on Friday), and Saturday and Sunday passes from AED 455.

7. Celebrate Eid Al Etihad (2–3 December)

The UAE marks its 55th National Day, Eid Al Etihad, on 2 December 2026, with a public holiday expected on 2 and 3 December (Wednesday and Thursday). Expect flags across the city, family events and fireworks. Check official announcements for final holiday dates.

8. Shop and watch fireworks at Dubai Shopping Festival (4 December – 17 January)

The 32nd Dubai Shopping Festival runs for 45 days from 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027, with sales across the city’s malls, concerts, raffles and fireworks. New this edition: the etisalat Beach Canteen at Sunset Beach.

9. See Trevor Noah live at Dubai Opera (25–26 November)

Comedian Trevor Noah plays Dubai Opera on 25 and 26 November, the same week as the Sevens, which makes it one of the busiest entertainment weeks of the year. Book early.

10. Get outdoors while it’s cool

Winter is the only time of year when a desert safari, a beach day or a walk through Al Fahidi is comfortable at midday. For ideas, see our Top 10 Places to Visit in Dubai, the full list of 53 Best Things to Do in Dubai, and 10 famous Dubai foods to try along the way.