Top Dubai events to look forward to this winter

The Race to Dubai is set to come to a thrilling conclusion at the DP World Tour play-offs, as the world's greatest golfers return to Dubai for the DP World Tour Championship, the season-ending Rolex Series event from 14-17 November. The leading 50 golfers will take to the Earth golf course at Jumeirah Golf Estates to battle it out to be crowned Race to Dubai champion, with plenty of entertainment and activities for everyone to enjoy off the course as well. General Admission tickets are free for Thursday and Friday, with weekend tickets on sale now.

The region’s coolest lifestyle and street-culture festival, Sole DXB, offers a packed schedule of live performances, DJ sets, sports tournaments, talks and workshops at Dubai Design District. The 2023 edition honoured 'Hip Hop 50', a celebration by entertainment company Mass Appeal – helmed by international rap star Nas – and saw the likes of Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Tobe Nwigne, Big Daddy Kane and DJ Shadow take to the stage. More details about the next edition will be revealed soon.

One of the region’s biggest annual athletic meets, the Dubai Marathon, starts and finishes on Umm Suqeim road, with participants being able to enjoy views of Madinat Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab while crossing Jumeirah Beach Road. Whether you are looking to go the distance on the demanding 42km course or plan to opt for the shorter 10km route, the feeling of sprinting alongside other fitness enthusiasts is one you should not miss.

Dubai Culture's flagship initiative Sikka Art & Design Festival is back with its latest edition from 31 January to 9 February. Artists from the UAE and all over the GCC come together to decorate Al Shindagha Historic District with works that speak to the future and orchestrate a visionary experience.

Having first set sail over two decades ago, the Dubai International Boat Show has earned its reputation as one of the region's most unmissable marine events. It showcases luxury superyachts and the finest leisure crafts from around the world, giving buyers, sellers and boating enthusiasts a chance to see the latest and greatest in the market. The 2025 edition will take place from 19-23 March at the massive Dubai Harbour. 

Catch Dubai's action-packed horse racing season as it hits a resounding peak of glamour and competition at the Dubai World Cup. This meet taking place at Meydan Racecourse every year is considered one of the world’s most spectacular race days, where the total prize purse, featuring six Group 1 and three Group 2 fixtures, is worth USD30.5 million. 

Whether you're expanding your art collection or just getting started, World Art Dubai is the place to be. The region's largest affordable retail art fair brings more than 4,000 works from over 300 international galleries and artists under one roof. Join collectors, connoisseurs and first-time buyers, and explore the stalls teeming with big names and rising stars at this incredible showcase.