Dubai’s Best Events: 1000 Miglia, Japan Festival & December Nightlife Edition

Good day, Dubai.

The first week of December is when the city hits its real seasonal stride - cooler nights, packed venues, global artists flying in, and entire communities gathering around art, fitness, food, and nightlife. This week, Dubai layers a classic car rally, a Japanese cultural festival, open-water and trail races, headline concerts, theatre for families, and some of the strongest nightlife line-ups of the month - all within four days.

If you’re planning the long weekend, this is your high-signal, zero-filler guide to every event that actually matters across the city.

Let’s get straight into it.

One of the most glamorous automotive events on the planet is closing out its UAE edition this Thursday. The 1000 Miglia is not just a race - it’s a rolling museum. Expect pre-war legends, rare Ferraris and Alfa Romeos, restored Speedsters, and concours-level machines making their way across the Emirates.

As the final legs pass through Dubai, fans can watch cars glide through checkpoints, park up at showcase areas, and take part in public meet-ups. If you’re into motorsport, heritage, or photography, this is one of the most visually striking events of the year.

📅 Sunday, Nov 30 – Thursday, Dec 4
👉 Event details

On Saturday, Jameel Arts Centre transforms into a celebration of Japanese culture - and it’s easily one of the most charming winter festivals in the city. 

Expect:

📍 Jameel Arts Centre & Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park
📅 Saturday, Dec 6
👉 More info

Atlantis transforms into a four-day Arabic entertainment festival featuring some of the region’s biggest performers. This year’s edition brings a powerhouse line-up:

Expect a glamorous crowd, orchestral arrangements, emotional performances and a big-production feel that only Atlantis can pull off. Hotel packages offer special access and priority seating, making it a popular pick for staycationers.
📍 Atlantis, The Palm
📅 Thursday, Dec 4 – Sunday, Dec 7
👉 Book now

A bright, musical retelling of Rapunzel with a winter twist, this lively show at New Covent Garden Theatre combines singing, interactive storytelling, comedy and colourful characters. Designed for kids but entertaining enough for adults, it’s one of the weekend’s strongest family picks.
📅 Friday, Dec 5 – Wednesday, Dec 24
👉 Book seats

A festive interactive show where kids participate in mini challenges, cheer along quirky characters, and learn playful “baking magic.” A cute, easy family plan with strong holiday vibes.
👉 Event details
📅 Saturday, Dec 6 – Sunday, Dec 7

A warm, choir-led evening filled with classic Christmas harmonies and orchestral arrangements. Elegant, seasonal and atmospheric - a beautiful Sunday wind-down if you prefer something calmer.
📅 Sunday, Dec 7
👉 Book now

Dubai hosts one leg of this global open-water series, drawing swimmers of all levels - from elite athletes to youth competitors. Distances range from 1km to 10km, and the beachfront atmosphere is always buzzing with supporters.
📅 Saturday, Dec 6
👉 Register

A signature event for endurance athletes, featuring rugged trail routes, sunrise starts, and stunning desert terrain. Whether you’re running or watching, this is one of Dubai’s most striking outdoor fitness events.
📅 Saturday, Dec 6
👉 More info

One of the most accessible runs for families and casual athletes. Expect enthusiastic volunteers, clean route markers and a fun, community-driven atmosphere.
📅 Saturday, Dec 6
👉 Book here

A huge double-headliner bringing two of the Arab world’s most beloved voices to the same stage. Expect big production, crowd singalongs and the signature Atlantis spectacle.
📅 Friday, Dec 5
👉 Tickets

This is easily one of December’s biggest Dubai bookings. Peggy Gou brings her globally-loved blend of house, disco and techno to a high-glamour beachfront stage. Expect cinematic lighting, immersive visuals and a crowd dressed for impact.
📅 Saturday, Dec 6
👉 Book now

A large-format, multi-stage techno takeover with international DJs, deep industrial sound design and a proper rave crowd. One of the strongest underground events this month.
📅 Friday, Dec 5
👉 Tickets

A rare theatre-format electronic show blending melodic techno with atmospheric audiovisual design. Great for those who prefer an elevated concert experience over a club.
📅 Saturday, Dec 6
👉 Book now

Big MAMMA is finally touching down in Dubai, and the energy around this opening is huge. Expect:

It’s classic Big MAMMA maximalism - loud, theatrical, indulgent, and designed for long dinners.

📍 Ritz Carlton DIFC

Paradis Latin, founded in 1803 and reimagined by Gustave Eiffel, brings its cabaret magic to Dubai as Paris Paradis, an immersive dinner show with couture-level costumes, bold choreography, and theatrical staging.

📍 Business Bay

The beloved Mediterranean-style social dining concept expands to Ras Al Khaimah with:

📍 Hayat Island, RAK

Sharp, witty Russian comedy with high-energy storytelling.
📅 Saturday, Dec 6
👉 Book now

Monthly comedy night goes festive across multiple venues.
👉 See more

A theatrical retelling of Arabian tales with modern staging.
👉 Book

One of the city's most joyful December nights - community singing with a professional ensemble.
👉 Tickets

A high-glam, high-production Friday night with deep house, melodic techno, and Iris Club’s signature immersive lighting. Expect a stylish crowd and polished sets from regional and international DJs.
📍 Iris Club
👉 more info

The global rap superstar takes over BLU Dubai for one night only. Expect a full-capacity club, celebrity guests, and BLU’s massive VIP energy.
📍 BLU Dubai
👉 book now

Elegant beachfront setting, signature fire shows, percussionists, and a house-music-heavy crowd.
📍 Be Beach DXB
👉 see more

A proper Latin fiesta with reggaeton, salsa, bachata, live percussion, dancers, and high-energy DJs.
📍 Latino Live Dubai
👉 see more

Authentic Latin vibes with fiery performances, live singers, and tropical cocktails - this night has risen fast in Dubai’s nightlife rankings.
📍 La Morenita
👉 see more

A fusion of Latin house, tribal beats, and Tokyo-meets-Latin American nightlife aesthetics.
📍 Salvaje Dubai
👉 more info

A vinyl-inspired party with disco edits, house, funk, and a crowd that appreciates good curation over chaos.
📍 VNYL Hi-Fi
👉 more info

A women-led DJ lineup high above Downtown, with skyline views and deep-house grooves.
📍 CE LA VI
👉 more info

Soulful house, good cocktails, warm lighting - the perfect “I still want to go out but not too hard” Sunday.
📍 VNYL Hi-Fi
👉 more info

The famous Sunday party: tropical house, dancers, pool theatrics. One of Dubai’s most recognisable weekly events.
📍 Palm Jumeirah
👉 see more

Cosmic-deep-house Sundays with sunset rituals and a chic crowd.
📍 Surf Club
👉 more info

A calmer version of the Friday event - atmospheric, elevated, and visually beautiful.
📍 Nazcaa
👉 see more

The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix runs Dec 5–7, with practice sessions on Friday, qualifying Saturday, and the race Sunday at 5 pm.

Weekend Highlights:

For timings, weekend schedules & after-parties:
👉 See full F1 schedule
👉 After-party details

If you’re heading to Yas Island, plan for very heavy traffic after 3 pm daily.

That’s a wrap for this weekend’s guide.

If you’ve made it this far, your weekend calendar is probably packed - from classic cars and cultural festivals to headline DJs and family theatre.

If you found this useful, share it with someone who always asks, “What’s happening this weekend?”! It helps more people enjoy the city without scrolling for hours.

See you Friday for the Final Weekend Picks and updates, 

— Matthias