Dubai's Top Weekend Picks: DSF, Major Concerts & Super Moon

Good day, Dubai!

The first weekend of December arrives with the city running at full seasonal pace - cooler evenings, the launch of the Dubai Shopping Festival, family-friendly theatre, cultural festivals, big fitness events, and one of the best sky moments of the year. 

Whether you're planning a packed weekend or just want the top-tier picks, this is your high-signal, zero-filler guide to what actually matters across Dubai from December 5–7.

Let’s get started.

More details to follow below!

DSF officially kicks off on Friday, December 5, turning malls, outdoor plazas, and beachfront districts into festive hubs with major sales, live shows, raffles, and seasonal entertainment.

What to expect across the opening weekend:

📅 Fri Dec 05 – Sun Jan 11
👉 Explore the full DSF programme

Why go: DSF transforms ordinary outings into full-on festive experiences.

Dubai will witness the Cold Moon, the final supermoon of the year, on Friday evening. It’s expected to be especially clear and bright due to favourable atmospheric conditions.

📍Top viewing spots:
JBR • Kite Beach • Palm West Beach • Jaddaf Waterfront • Hatta • Love Lakes

📅 Friday, Dec 5
👉 Learn more about the Cold Moon event

Why go: The next supermoon won’t appear until mid-2026.

This charming cultural event brings taiko drumming, traditional dance, origami workshops, calligraphy stations, Japanese street food, indie artists, zine stalls and film screenings to Jaddaf Waterfront.

📅 Saturday, Dec 6 | 1:30 PM - 8:30 PM
📍Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park, Jameel Arts Centre
👉 Discover the Japan Festival details

Why go: A vibrant, family-friendly cultural outing with strong community engagement.

A winter-themed pop-up with live entertainment, festive décor, roaming characters, food stalls, photo spots and children's activities.

📅 Sat 06 Dec - Wed 31 Dec
👉 Explore the Winter City experience
📍Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai

Why go: A cheerful, low-effort plan ideal for families.

An interactive theatrical experience filled with singing, comedy and holiday flair.

📅 Fri 05 Dec - Wed 24 Dec
👉 Book your seats for Rapunzel
📍The New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates

Why go: A lively indoor plan perfect for the festive build-up.

Young audiences join “baking challenges,” interact with characters and take part in festive, comedic segments.

📅 Sat 06 Dec - Sun 07 Dec
📍Theatre by QE2
👉 Secure your seats for the Elf Bake-Off

Why go: One of the most popular family shows this month.

A warm, atmospheric choir performance with classic seasonal arrangements, ideal for a peaceful Sunday wind-down.

📅 Fri 05 Dec | Doors: 19:15, Start: 20:00
📍Playhouse Studio Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
👉 View the concert information

Why go: A refined, elegant way to end the weekend.

Swimmers of all levels take on distances from 1km to 10km in a buzzing beachfront setting.

📅 Sat, Dec 6 - Sun, Dec 7
👉 Register for Oceanman Dubai

Why go: A top community sporting event with great atmosphere.

A scenic sunrise run across dramatic dune terrain - a staple of Dubai’s winter fitness season.

📅 5-7 December 2025
📍Hatta Wadi Hub, UAE
👉 Explore the Ultra Trail race details

Why go: One of the most visually stunning races of the season.

The updated BurJuman features brighter interiors, expanded dining terraces, redesigned circulation pathways, and a more contemporary visual identity, part of its plan to reposition itself as a modern lifestyle hub.

👉 Learn more about BurJuman’s transformation

The UAE’s new VAT system promises simplified documentation, extended refund timelines, and a smoother digital portal - major improvements businesses should begin preparing for now.

👉 Read the VAT update overview

The global wellness, longevity and performance conference returns next week with experts covering biohacking tech, metabolic health, cognitive optimisation and more.

👉 View the Biohack Summit details

A huge double-headliner closes out the week at Atlantis, bringing two of the Arab world’s most loved performers to one stage. Expect orchestral arrangements, emotional ballads, crowd sing-alongs, and all the theatrical production value Atlantis is known for.

📅 Friday, Dec 5 | Doors: 19:00, Start: 20:00
📍Asateer, Atlantis The Palm
👉 View Nancy Ajram & Adam concert details

Why go: One of the strongest Arabic music nights this month.

A glamorous evening of powerhouse vocals returns for another edition of the long-running Stars on Board musical showcase. Beautiful staging, elegant atmosphere, and a refined weekend concert option.

📅 Sat Dec 6, 7:00 PM Till 11:59 PM
📍Asateer, Atlantis The Palm
👉 Stars on Board programme

Why go: A standout experience for fans of classic Arabic vocals.

A theatre-format electronic performance combining melodic techno with atmospheric visuals - perfect for those who prefer an elevated alternative to a club night.

📅 Fri, December 5, 2025 at 8:30 PM
👉 Book seats for Armin Zareei

Why go: A refined electronic set in an intimate venue.

One of the most anticipated bookings of December. Expect high-fashion crowds, cinematic lighting, immersive visuals, and Peggy’s signature blend of house, disco, and groove-driven techno.

📅 Sat 06 Dec 2025 | 19:00 - 03:00
📍Five Luxe JBR
👉 Explore the Peggy Gou event details

Why go: One of the top nightlife events of December - guaranteed full house.

The global grime icon returns with a high-energy performance, crowd anthems and one of the most hyped atmospheres of the weekend.

📅 Sat, Dec 6 | Doors: 22:00
👉 View the Skepta night details

Why go: A huge performance for hip-hop and grime fans.

A stylish rooftop plan with house and electronic blends, skyline views and a more laidback but still energetic crowd.

📅 Sat, Dec 6
👉 View Robin Schulz event details

Why go: A chic alternative for those seeking music + views.

A fully immersive dining experience where guests try to crack a theatrical whodunit over a multi-course dinner inside the beautiful Jumeirah Golf Estates setting.

📅 Sat, Dec 6
📍Jumeirah Golf Estates - Ballroom
👉 Discover the murder mystery dining experience

Why go: Perfect for groups wanting something different from the nightlife circuit.

The iconic European dining group is finally in Dubai, promising oversized plates, rich pastas, playful décor and the theatrical flair Big MAMMA is known for.

👉 Explore Gloria at Big MAMMA

Why go: One of the most anticipated restaurant openings of the year.

A Dubai adaptation of the famed Parisian cabaret Paradis Latin, combining couture-level costumes, immersive scenes and bold choreography with a luxurious dinner.

👉 Discover Paris Paradis

A barefoot-luxury beach club offering Mediterranean flavours, oceanfront loungers and a relaxed but elegant atmosphere.

👉 Learn more about Bar du Port Beach

A tight, high-value selection for those heading to the capital.

Race weekend dominates Yas Island with practice on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, and the final race on Sunday at 5 pm. Expect fan zones, team activations, simulators, and after-race entertainment across the island.

👉 Explore the full F1 weekend schedule

Saadiyat, the Corniche, and Reem Island glow with immersive light installations, large-scale sculptures, and evening art trails.

👉 Discover Manar Abu Dhabi

Fireworks, parades, heritage villages, Emirati performances and food stalls — one of Abu Dhabi’s most atmospheric winter events.

👉 Explore the Sheikh Zayed Festival

A rare 10th-century Andalusian masterpiece on display — ideal for a quiet cultural moment.

👉 View the exhibition details

That’s your full weekend guide: DSF opening energy, cultural festivals, skywatching, major races, big-name concerts, stylish nightlife and standout dining launches. If this helped you plan your weekend, share it with someone who always asks, “What’s happening in Dubai this weekend?”

See you next Friday with fresh picks and the latest updates.

— Matthias