Dubai aims to be bigger and better every year. During its off-peak summer season, which spans from May to August, the city experiences boiling temperatures, often exceeding 42°C (107°F). Despite the heat, a series of exciting events are all set to take place in Dubai in the summer of 2024. If you are planning to explore the most highly anticipated events this summer, these five events are not to be missed.
Dubai's annual shopping and entertainment festival, Dubai Summer Surprises, will come back from 28th June to 1st September 2024. The 65-day event will be full of exciting shopping deals, family entertainment, and much more.
Dubai Summer Surprises came into the picture in 1998 as a six-week extravaganza. The aim was to boost tourism during the off-peak season of summer. Over the years, Dubai Summer Surprises has grown into the city's most iconic and popular festival. Major highlights of the event are:
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is a dream come true for shopping lovers. During the festival, prices drop significantly in Dubai's famous malls on clothes, furniture, gift items, and the latest gadgets. That's not all! You can enjoy fun pop-up events, special dining offers, and live concerts. One of the best parts is Summer Restaurant Week, where you can try delicious food from different continents of the world. If you plan a weekend getaway, DSS offers awesome discounts at top hotels.
Guess what? An exciting lineup of musicians is ready to mesmerise listeners with their magical voices. Some of the big names and events are:
Internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter James Blunt will perform on 24th May at Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk. So, get ready to sing "You are Beautiful" along with the legend himself. James Blunt is on his new album tour, "Who We Used To Be," so catch him in Dubai for a memorable night.
Good news for Indian and Pakistani fans: Sufi legend Abida Parveen will also perform at Coca-Cola Arena on 25th May. Abida Parveen is known for her amazing voice and moving performances that touch the soul. It will be a night of deep feelings and incredible music you won't want to miss.
Helen Ward-Jackson is coming to the Theatre by QE2 in Dubai on June 28th and 29th. She is known for her amazing Adele Tribute Show, which she performs worldwide. She will sing all of Adele's biggest hits from her albums "19," "21," "25," and "30." You can also listen to her singing cover songs from Adele's favourite artists.
A famous South Korean music festival, Waterbomb Festival, will take place for the first time in Dubai at The Waterfront, Dubai Festival City, on June 7th and 8th. Korean hip-hop fans are in for a treat, as they can see EDM, K-pop, CL, Big Naughty, and K-rap perform at the summer party.
Eid Al Adha 2024 will start from the 17th until the 19th of June. So, it is going to be a long weekend for the residents of Dubai and the rest of the UAE. Eid Al Adha is the biggest event for Muslims that remembers Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail on Allah's command. It is a time for Muslims to thank Allah for his kindness and love and to share their blessings with others. The streets and buildings are decorated with bright lights, and the sky is filled with amazing fireworks. This holiday is known as the "Feast of Sacrifice," where Muslims celebrate with their families by inviting them to a feast. It occurs yearly on the tenth day of the lunar month, Dhulhijjah.
The 33rd Al Gaffal Long Distance Race will start from 11th May to 19th May. It is super popular and a big part of traditional water sports in Dubai. You can watch over 100 skilled boat captains sail 60ft dhows from Sir Bu Na'air to Dubai. The event shows the importance of the sea in shaping society, culture, and the city's economy. You can also enjoy an exhibition by Mustafa Al Fardan at the Al Gaffal Village Tent near the famous Burj Al Arab.
This one is for the kids. The Gruffalo's Child is a play based on the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. It tells the story of Gruffalo's Child, who ignores warnings about the Big Bad Mouse, sneaking into the deep, dark wood on a windy night. She embarks on a snowy path and encounters mysterious creatures, wondering if the Big Bad Mouse exists. To seek the answer, visit Theatre by QE2 on May 18th and 19th and experience the play, full of thrills and adventure.
Although it is summer in Dubai, and the temperature can go up to 42 degrees centigrade, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. The summer is the best time to avail of off-season shopping discounts and attend concerts and other events at cheaper tickets. So, grab the opportunity to experience more for less by embracing all that Dubai offers this summer.