Happy Monday, Dubai!
Dubai is stepping into full showtime mode this week - with Pitbull hitting the stage, major concerts rolling in, festivals opening across the city, and night markets glowing back to life. From Hatta’s mountain festivities to Garden Glow’s return and fresh cultural happenings everywhere you turn, it’s one of those weeks where Dubai feels like a nonstop celebration.
Here’s everything big landing in the city over the next few days.
THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS
World’s tallest hotel opens in Dubai
Dubai has added another record to its skyline with the opening of the Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection - now officially the tallest hotel in the world at 377 metres (1,237 feet) and 82 floors, overtaking the previous title holder, Gevora Hotel, by more than 20 metres.
Located in the heart of Dubai Marina, Ciel offers sweeping views of Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai skyline, and the Arabian Gulf, establishing itself as a new architectural landmark and a major hospitality draw. The hotel features 1,004 rooms and suites, eight dining venues, a sky-high observation deck on level 81, and one of the world’s highest outdoor infinity pools perched on level 76.
The previous record holder, Gevora Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, stood at 356 metres - meaning Dubai once again surpasses its own benchmark. This opening adds significant momentum to the city’s peak winter tourism season and sets the stage for a new wave of sky-high dining, entertainment, and hospitality experiences.
Dubai opens Farmers’ Souq with a drone show - a new cultural weekend hub emerges
Dubai has officially launched the Farmers’ Souq, debuting with a stunning drone show dedicated to UAE farmers. The event marks the start of a new weekly community experience built around local produce, food stalls, pop-ups, family zones, and cultural performances.
Expect it to quickly become a winter weekend hotspot, similar to Al Seef’s seasonal markets and Time Out Market-style outdoor activations.
Why this matters for the week:
A brand-new outdoor event space for residents
A major addition to the city’s winter market circuit
More food stalls, homegrown vendors, and family experiences on the calendar
Strong tourist draw as peak visitor season ramps up
Ghamran Camp launches - a new desert events destination curated by Sheikh Hamdan
This week also marks the arrival of Ghamran Camp, Sheikh Hamdan’s newly launched desert experience designed to revive traditional outdoor culture while providing a premium winter escape.
Expect guided night experiences, astronomy circles, cultural storytelling, live-fire cooking, and curated desert activities - all designed to anchor Dubai’s outdoor-event identity.
Why this matters for the week:
A major new desert venue for winter events
Likely to host seasonal gatherings, cultural nights, and immersive stargazing sessions
Expands Dubai’s growing ecosystem of experiential outdoor attractions
Hatta Festival 2025 officially opens - family events, performances, markets & more
One of Dubai’s biggest winter-season family events, the Hatta Festival, opened this week with an expanded lineup:
outdoor workshops
artisanal markets
live performances
mountain activities
food zones
community-led cultural shows
As Dubai positions Hatta as a mountain-culture hub, the festival is quickly becoming a yearly essential for families and weekend travellers.
Why this matters for the week:
A staple winter festival is now in full swing
More family-friendly activity options for weeknight and weekend planning
Boosts demand for Hatta’s trails, lodges, and adventure circuits
Dubai Garden Glow returns - bigger, brighter, and now officially a winter essential
One of Dubai’s most visited seasonal attractions is back. Dubai Garden Glow reopened this week with new installations, expanded themed areas, and upgraded entertainment zones.
It remains one of the strongest evening attractions for families, especially midweek.
Why this matters:
A major nighttime event option for families
Boosts Zabeel Park’s winter footfall
Strong social-media moments through January
MAJOR EVENTS THIS WEEK
Faraj Suleiman Live - An Evening of Modern Arabic Composition
A moving night of piano-led storytelling, contemporary Arabic melodies, and orchestral arrangements from one of the region’s standout composers.
📅 Monday, Dec 8
📍 Dubai Opera
👉 Get tickets for Faraj Suleiman Live
Why go: A refined cultural evening for lovers of instrumental and modern Arabic music.
Sumariyat Live - Gulf Heritage Meets Modern Sound
A cultural performance blending traditional Gulf rhythms with modern instrumentation, offering a soulful and heritage-rich musical experience.
📅 Tuesday, Dec 9
📍 Dubai Opera
👉 Discover Sumariyat Live
Why go: A unique showcase of regional identity through music.
Automechanika Dubai - The Middle East’s Largest Automotive Showcase
A massive multi-day exhibition spotlighting global automotive brands, EV innovation, aftermarket tech, supplier showcases, and live demos.
📅 Tuesday, Dec 9 - Thursday, Dec 11
📍 Dubai World Trade Centre
👉 Explore Automechanika Dubai
Why go: The biggest automotive event in the region for industry professionals and enthusiasts.
Dubai Basketball Vs FC Bayern Munich
A high-energy basketball series featuring global teams, competitive matchups, and an electrifying arena atmosphere.
📅 Friday, 12 Dec
📍 Dubai
👉 Select Tickets
Why go: A dynamic sporting highlight perfect for midweek or weekend plans.
DSF Nights: Mahmoud El Esseily & Nader Hamdy
Two celebrated Arab artists take the stage for a special DSF performance filled with live music, vocals, and festive-season energy.
📅 Saturday, 13 Dec
📍 Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall
👉 Buy Tickets Early
Why go: A festive-season concert with uplifting energy.
Pitbull Live in Dubai - Mr. Worldwide Returns
Pitbull brings his chart-topping hits and unmistakable stage presence back to Dubai for a one-night-only arena show.
📅 Sunday, 14 Dec
📍 Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
👉 Get Tickets to Pitbull Live
Why go: A major winter concert full of high-energy hits.
SOLEDXB - Fashion, Design & Culture Festival
Dubai’s premier street-culture festival featuring global brands, creative workshops, fashion showcases, music sets, and art pop-ups.
📅 Friday, 12 Dec - Sunday, 14 Dec
📍 Dubai Design District
👉 Discover SOLEDXB
Why go: One of Dubai’s most anticipated design and fashion events of the year.
Dream Dinner Show - Theatre Meets Fine Dining
An immersive spectacle combining live performers, acrobatics, dance and choreography - all woven into a fine-dining experience.
📅 Sunday, 07 Dec - Wednesday, 11 Feb
📍 Dream Dinner Show Dubai
👉 Discover Dream Dinner Show
Why go: A high-end theatrical dining experience perfect for celebrations.
Doors Dubai Mall - Seasonal Entertainment Experiences
Doors celebrates the festive season with special menus, luxury dining, and waterfront performances at Dubai Mall.
📅 Ongoing
📍 Dubai Mall Waterfront
👉 Explore Doors Dubai Mall Experiences
Why go: Premium dining with winter-exclusive entertainment.
NIGHTLIFE THIS WEEK
Monday, Dec 8
Cocktail Night
A laid-back evening of curated cocktails and upbeat lounge vibes.
📍 Dubai
👉 View Cocktail Night
Coucou Opulence
A glamorous night with rooftop energy, refined drinks, and skyline views.
📍 Dubai
👉 Explore Coucou Opulence
Tuesday, Dec 9
Las Chicas Night
A lively ladies’ night featuring Spanish tapas, cocktails, and upbeat Latin tracks.
📍 Lola Taberna Española
👉 Discover Las Chicas Night
Vida Loca
A high-energy Latin night with reggaeton, live entertainment, and dance-floor moments.
📍 Dubai
👉 Explore Vida Loca
Bâoli Circle
A chic, elevated night with signature Bâoli beats and refined Asian-inspired ambience.
📍 Bâoli Dubai
👉 Discover Bâoli Circle
Bliss Lounge Live
Beachfront beats, sunset ambience, and relaxed midweek energy.
📍 Bliss Lounge, JBR
👉 View Bliss Lounge Live
Ku Bu Gentlemen’s Night
A sophisticated evening with tailored drinks and live performances.
📍 Ku Bu Dubai
👉 Learn More About Gentlemen’s Night
Wednesday, Dec 10
Pretty in Pink
A bold midweek party with pink-themed décor, performances, and vibrant house music.
📍 Dubai
👉 Discover Pretty in Pink
Bla Bla Wilder Wednesday
An energetic midweek party with open-air vibes, live acts, and big crowd energy.
📍 Bla Bla Dubai
👉 Explore Wilder Wednesday
Velvet Sax
A live saxophone night paired with deep house and premium lounge ambience.
📍 Dubai
👉 Discover Velvet Sax
Oculto
A mysterious, darker house-music night with immersive lighting and elevated beats.
📍 Dubai
👉 Explore Oculto
Bla Bla Muchas Margaritas
A fun, flavour-packed margarita night paired with upbeat music and beachfront vibes.
📍 Bla Bla Dubai
👉 Discover Muchas Margaritas
WEATHER THIS WEEK
Partly cloudy with cooler mornings and mild afternoons.
- Temperatures will sit between the low and mid-20s°C - ideal for outdoor markets, concerts, open-air festivals, and nighttime events.
That’s all for our Monday edition.
We’ll be back on Wednesday with The Weekend Guide, packed with what to book across Dubai’s biggest nights, brunches, concerts, and cultural highlights.
Until then, enjoy the week ahead!
— Matthias
