7 plans. One weekend. Zero excuses to stay home… Here are the best things to do in Dubai
From food festivals and a throwback concert to scenic runs, glowing landmarks and an upgraded beach, this weekend in Dubai is stacked. Whether you’re in the mood to eat, move, dance or simply wander somewhere beautiful, these are the 7 things to do in Dubai this weekend you’ll want to add in your diary.
Head to Abu Dhabi for the region’s biggest wellness festival
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Wellness lovers, this one’s worth the road trip. Kayan Wellness Festival returns for its second edition with a three-day escape dedicated to mind, body and soul. Set on Fahid Island, the festival brings together global wellness experts and local practitioners for inspiring talks, movement sessions, meditation, breathwork and hands-on workshops.
Expect eight immersive zones to explore as the day unfolds, from high-energy fitness and somatic practices to sound healing, creative experiences, longevity-focused talks and a feel-good market packed with wellness brands and nourishing bites. There’s even a dedicated kids’ zone, making it a genuinely family-friendly wellbeing weekend.
When: February 6 to 8
Where: Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi
Contact: kayanwellnessfestival.com
Discover Sharjah in a whole new light at the Sharjah Light Festival
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Sharjah’s most iconic landmarks are set to shine as the Sharjah Light Festival returns, lighting up mosques, heritage buildings and cultural sites with breathtaking projection mapping, music and visual storytelling. Each installation blends cutting-edge creativity with Emirati heritage, turning the city into an open-air art gallery after dark. Ideal for families, photographers and culture lovers, and yes, it’s completely free.
When: February 5 to 23
Where: Various locations across Sharjah
Contact: sharjahlightfestival.ae
Dine your way around the world at Taste of Dubai
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Foodies, this one’s calling your name. Taste of Dubai is back with three delicious days of top-notch dining, live entertainment and interactive culinary fun. Graze your way through bites from some of Dubai’s best restaurants, catch celebrity chefs doing what they do best, and sign up for masterclasses to level up your kitchen game. Add live music, pop-up bars and a buzzing festival atmosphere, and you’ve got a weekend well spent.
When: February 6 to 8
Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Contact: tasteofdubaifestival.co
Make a weekend road trip for the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival
If you’re craving a culture fix beyond the city, this is your sign. Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival takes over the historic Al Jazirah Al Hamra village, blending centuries-old architecture with contemporary creativity. Running under the theme Civilisations, this final weekend is your last chance to explore immersive installations, painting, sculpture, music and live performances — all centred around culture, community and storytelling. A perfect excuse to swap Dubai’s skyline for a scenic art-filled escape.
When: Until February 8 (final weekend)
Where: Al Jazirah Al Hamra
Contact: rakart.ae
Throw it back hard at REW!ND Festival
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Ready for a serious nostalgia hit? REW!ND Festival lands for one night only, serving up wall-to-wall bangers from the ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s. Expect iconic performances from Marc Almond, Go West, Nik Kershaw and Jason Donovan, plus singalong anthems that’ll have the whole crowd belting every lyric. Add food trucks, themed bars and full-on retro energy, and you’ve got a feel-good night out written all over it. Dig out the vintage fits — it’s time to dance like it’s 1999.
When: February 7
Where: Bla Bla Dubai, JBR
Contact: dubai.platinumlist.net
Lace up for the iconic Burj2Burj run
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One of the city’s most scenic races is back. Burj2Burj takes runners on a stunning point-to-point route from Burj Khalifa to Burj Al Arab, serving up unbeatable skyline and sea views along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or taking on a new challenge, the buzzing atmosphere, cheering crowds and celebratory finish make this a proper Dubai bucket-list race.
When: February 8
Where: Jumeirah Emirates Towers to Sunset Beach
Contact: burj2burj.com
Take a seaside stroll at the new Jumeirah 1 Beach
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Dubai’s beachfront scene just got a fresh upgrade. Jumeirah 1 Beach opens from February, bringing wide pedestrian walkways, new jogging and cycling tracks, landscaped green spaces and uninterrupted sea views. Whether you’re in the mood for a morning walk, a golden-hour wander or a laid-back weekend by the water, this new stretch is made for easy coastal living.
When: From February
Where: Jumeirah 1, Dubai
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