17 min
January 1 - 7
Explore the best things to do in Dubai this January 2025.
The cooler months have begun and Dubai is on a roll with all the year-end hullabaloo of fun and excitement! January 2025 in Dubai is bursting with events, from live music performances to high-spirit parties & outdoor family-friendly activities that are perfect for the pleasant weather.
This guide will help you discover the top attractions and activities in the city this January to explore and experience, catering to all tastes and likes. So, grab your jackets, mark your calendars, and get ready for the coolest things to do in Dubai in January.
January 1 - 7
New Year's Day Brunch & Arkadyan Voyage at Surf Club
Start the year off in the most unforgettable way at Surf Club with their New Year’s special Arkadyan Voyage and brunch, 'A Journey with Friends'. Fueled by Satori & The Band From Space, along with Erez Ozturk going back-to-back with Kaan, get ready for a grand celebration. With Arkadyan leading the charge and Yana Mann and Masha Vincent enhancing the soundscape with support from Alex Lowen, this is an evening to remember forever. Celebrate with a spectacular beachfront brunch experience, where coastal charm meets elevated cuisine. Whether you’re looking to unwind with the powerhouse party by the beach or enjoy a leisurely meal with dear ones, Surf Club offers the perfect blend of relaxed elegance and festive joy to welcome 2025!
Timing: Wednesday, January 1st, from 3PM till 7PM
Location: West Palm Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Soho Garden Sunset Festival with WhoMadeWho
Don't miss out on the Soho Garden Sunset Festival this New Year's Day! Join us on January 1st, from 4PM till 10PM, at Meydan GrandStand Rooftop for an unforgettable sunset view with the Dubai skyline. WhoMadeWho will be serving us a hybrid DJ set - let's dance to the sounds of one of the definitive underground bands of their generation, renowned for their exceptional grasp of emotional depth, heartrending melody and inspired songwriting. Keep your eyes on this space as Special Guest (TBA) will be also gracing the festival, making it the perfect way to kick off 2025 at the Meydan Grandstand Rooftop.
Timing: Wednesday, January 1st from 4PM till 10PM
Location: Meydan Grandstand Rooftop
New Year's Day Feast at Three Cuts Steakhouse & Bar
Start the new year with a New Year’s Day brunch that promises flavors. On January 1st, Three Cuts Steakhouse & Bar will serve a special menu, including Vitello Tonnato: A creamy and zesty Italian classic. Smoked Salmon Assortment: Fresh and flavorful selections. New Year's Lunch Menu: Choose between beef, lamb, or chicken, served with all the traditional trimmings for the ultimate hearty meal and Mont Blanc: A festive dessert to conclude the feast. AED280 per person.
Timing: Wednesday, January 1, from 12PM till 5PM
Location: Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah
Soleil Celebrations at Nikki Beach
Start 2025 as you mean to go on — with Gianluca Vacchi kicking off the year on January 1st at Nikki Beach Dubai! The stunning beachfront venue will come alive with music from renowned guest DJs and social media Icon Gianluca Vacchi that will set the tone for an incredible year ahead. Raise a glass, dance in the sunshine, and celebrate the start of your best year yet! Lounge in style on plush daybeds or elevated poolside beds, while enjoying the electrifying performances from DJs and dancers setting a lively, unforgettable atmosphere. We cannot wait to see you and celebrate Life together! Don't miss out on this exceptional sunny event that will add the right amount of shine to the new year 2025.
Timing: Wednesday, January 1st from 11AM till 8PM
Location: Pearl Jumeirah
CÉ LA DEEP
CÉ LA DEEP: A Night of Deep House, Stunning Views & MICHELIN-Approved Dining. Experience the perfect fusion of sophistication and rhythm at CÉ LA DEEP, where deep house music meets breathtaking views and MICHELIN-approved Contemporary Asian cuisine. Set against the iconic Burj Khalifa skyline, this chic event is a celebration of modern sounds and culinary excellence.
Timing: Every Thursday from 10PM onwards
Location: Level 54, Address Sky View Hotel, Downtown Dubai
NOIR - Iris
Music is the soul’s light when the sky goes dark. Iris presents Noir – every Thursday from 8PM to 4AM. Noir is a night dedicated to the soul of Afro-house where deep rhythms and uplifting sounds move the body and spirit, like a mesmerizing beacon in the dark. World-class DJs, headlined by Frederick Stone will guide you through this immersive production where every element, from décor to sound, is an electric celebration of music. Join us and let the beats be your shining light in the shadows.
Timing: Every Thursday from 8PM
Location: Meydan Grandstand - adjacent to the Ticket Sales Office - Nad Al Sheba 1 - Dubai
CASA DE SAMBA at SAMBAROOM
Experience Dubai’s thrilling party in the sky every Thursday night. Step into a vibrant retro wonderland where we blend the best disco beats with dazzling live entertainment and a mix of irresistible music. Dress to impress, let go of your worries, and get ready to dance the night away in an electric atmosphere!
Timing: Every Thursday from 10:30PM onwards
Location: SUSHISAMBA, St Regis, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Experience global culture at TODA
New year, new adventures. Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) invites you to embark on a Jules Verne-inspired journey around the globe this January. With a spectacular line-up of shows, TODA brings the best of global art, music and culture to a one-of-a-kind immersive venue that will keep you coming back for more.
Timing: all throughout the month of January
Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Rony Seikaly at Be Beach
Get ready to dive into the rhythm with Rony Seikaly on Saturday, the 4th of January! Supported by: Jixo & Danz and RAAH The party kicks off at 7PM, and you won’t want to miss it!
Timing: Saturday, January 4 from 7PM
Location: Dubai Marina
Wanderlust at JW Marriott Marquis
Discover a one stop culinary journey around the world at this fun and lively Saturday Brunch offering more than 10 live stations and variety of beverage stations. Feast your way through endless barbeque, all complemented with the lively beats from our resident DJ. Age Policy: 21 and above.
Timing: Every Saturday
Location: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
Pavel Volya
Don't miss the chance to experience a new, spectacular stand-up show by the renowned and audacious comedian, Pavel Volya. In each of Pavel's relatable jokes, the audience will recognize themselves, as he talks about everyday life moments that surround us and our universal values. His simple yet poignant humor will captivate every viewer and make the audience laugh.
Timing: January 6 from 9PM
Location: Coca Cola Arena
January 8 - 14
Be - Her Ladies Day at Be Beach
Set against the magnificent Marine skyline, Be Beach is an opulent beach club exuding a quaint coastal charm. Featuring luxurious loungers and cabanas spread across soft sand, and surrounded by palm trees, its rustic yet upscale design evokes the essence of Mediterranean summers. Indulge in the Be Her Ladies Day by the pool, where sun-kissed skin, refreshing drinks, and lively music create the perfect vibe!
Timing: Every Wednesday, from 10AM till 4PM
Location: Dubai Harbour, Dubai Marina
Mi Amor at Amor by Salvaje
Every Wednesday, get ready for Mi Amor Latino Beats Party at Amor by Salvaje! From the midnight, immerse yourself in the best Latin rhythms, dance the night away, and enjoy signature cocktails.
Timing: Every Wednesday from midnight
Location: Address Residences, Opera District
Join the Celebration: garden on 8 Turns 10
It’s time to raise a pint as garden on 8 marks a decade of unforgettable memories with an exciting 10th birthday celebration! Expect the atmosphere to be the usual controlled chaos, with jaw dropping pint deals, giveaways, and nostalgic nods to the year it all began — 2015 (yes, it’s really been 10 years since then). Its garden’s birthday, but guests will be getting presents; from 4pm till midnight, every hour, one guest will get a present from garden to enjoy and take home, perfect for a social media snap. Relive iconic sporting moments from 2015 on the big screens — a tribute to the year garden on 8 opened its doors and enjoy a live performer who will belt out hits from 2015, alongside a playlist of the year’s biggest anthems.
Timing: Friday, 10th of January from 4PM till late
Location: Media One Hotel Dubai
The Limitless Orchestra: From Strauss to Zimmer
With masterful orchestral reinventions, The Limitless Orchestra and Aleksey Igudesman revitalize the timeless works of Johann Strauss, skillfully blending the cherished compositions of the king of the waltz with the epic film music of Hollywood legend Hans Zimmer. This ingenious fusion incorporates musical styles from around the globe.
Timing: January 10 at 8PM - January 11 at 2PM & 8PM
Location: Dubai Opera
Dubai Shopping Festival
Unbeatable deals, family fun and endless surprises – the annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is the best time to be in the city. Held every year during the winter months, DSF sees malls and shopping destinations come alive with amazing discounts on just about everything, along with daily entertainment, shows and extraordinary raffles. DSF is about so much more than just retail. Catch concerts by global and regional superstars – previous editions saw the likes of Mohamed Hamaki and Ahmed Saad entertain crowds across the city. You can also see impressive fashion shows, and explore pop-ups and outdoor markets.
Timing: till January 12
Location: Citywide
Discover the magnificent ARTE MUSEUM Dubai
Discover the magnificent convergence of art, technology and nature at ARTE MUSEUM Dubai, the city's newest ethereal cultural gem. Located at Dubai Mall, the 2,800sqm gallery will take you on a journey across 14 out-of-this-world zones under the theme 'Eternal Nature'. Take your visit to the museum to the next level during Dubai Shopping Festival from 6 December to 12 January with an exclusive 'buy two, get one free' offer on all adult tickets. From 1 to 15 December, celebrate your birthday with a complimentary dessert experience at ARTE TEA BAR. Choose from eight delightful creations and enjoy your treat surrounded by the museum’s incredible showcases.
Timing: till January 12
Location: Dubai Mall, Level 2 Financial Center Rd - opposite Galeries Lafayette, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert Festival
Film screenings, interactive workshops for children and youngsters, panel discussions with international talent and a series of educational sessions for aspiring filmmakers – Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert Festival has it all. The fourth edition of this celebrated gathering by Dubai Culture will be held from 4 to 12 January at Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve. The competition will showcase impressive works by directors from the UAE and the MENA region. Plus, there will be many family-friendly activities during this 10-day extravaganza which expects to see 50,000 people attend.
Timing: Saturday, January 4 till Sunday, January 12
Location: Al Marmoom Conservative Reserve
Check out the new Fit4You Polyclinic for personalized Wellness Care
The newly-expanded Dubai facility of Fit4You Polyclinic exemplifies luxury and tranquility, featuring private consultation rooms and cutting-edge treatment suites designed for relaxation. They empower clients with guidance throughout their wellness journey, reinforcing their commitment to excellence and establishing Fit4You Polyclinic as a leader in Dubai’s wellness landscape. Head and indulge distinguished array of premium services, meticulously crafted to meet the diverse needs of our clients. From advanced solutions for pigmentation and rosacea to body contouring and skin firming treatments, each service is designed to achieve exceptional results with the highest levels of comfort.
Timing: Daily from 10:30AM till 7:30PM
Location: Al Wasl Rd - Al Manara - Dubai
January 15 - 21
Femme Fusion at Observatory
Sip stellar cocktails, dance under the evening sky, and shine like the star you are. Enjoy a ladies night filled with cosmic vibes and out-of-this-world fun.
Timing: Every Wednesday from 6PM till 1AM
Location: Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites - 52nd Floor, Dubai Marina
Led Zeppelin Symphonic
The Music of Led Zeppelin in Rock & Symphony Extravaganza! Enjoy an evening filled with a Whole Lotta Love as rock and symphonic come together. Leave your Black Dog at home, come along for the Rock n Roll and leave feeling Dazed and Confused. Somewhere along the way you may even find a Stairway to Heaven. Led Zeppelin songs take on a new dimension with Led Zeppelin Symphonic.
Timing: January 17 at 8PM
Location: Dubai Opera
Kosmos Nexus presents 'Landscapes of the Soul'
Dubai’s iconic desert will host a transformative artistic event as Kosmos Nexus presents Landscapes of the Soul featuring the world-renowned Âpé Chimba Collective on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Al Qudra Yoga Centre. Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s golden dunes, this immersive gathering merges ancestral traditions with contemporary artistry, weaving music, ecstatic dance, and ritual into an unforgettable collective celebration. Making their Middle Eastern debut, Âpé Chimba Collective promises a soul-stirring journey through their signature fusion of ancient rhythms and modern soundscapes.
Timing: Saturday, January 18 from 4PM
Location: Al Qudra Yoga Centre
Nirvana Reimagined: Symphonic
This isn’t just Nirvana with strings. This concert features a fully-fledged orchestra In Bloom, then transforms it for one night into a raging symphonic rock spectacular. Come As You Are, and experience the most influential band from the 90’s in the nirvana like atmosphere of Dubia Opera. An incredible set-list of the most iconic grunge anthems will be reimagined for a rock-symphonic fusion. Inspired by the famous MTV Unplugged in New York concert.
Timing: January 18 at 8PM
Location: Dubai Opera
Jackson Symphonic
Join us for a breathtaking evening celebrating the King of Pop like never before! Symphonic Jackson, conducted by Sergey Smbatyan and performed by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, brings you a thrilling fusion of pop and symphonic music that will leave you wanting more. You are not alone in your love for the King od Pop —this concert invites you to experience iconic hits through unique symphonic arrangements. Feel the magic as we reinterpret classics like “Thriller,” “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” and “Remember the Time” in a way that’s suitable for all ages.
Timing: January 19 at 2PM & 7PM
Location: Dubai Opera
January 22 - 31
Dire Straits Legacy
Celebrating the Music of Dire Straits! Born out of a deep reverence for Dire Straits' music, DSL - Dire Straits Legacy reunites some of the original artists who defined the legendary sound of this British band, alongside world-class musicians. The show is a tribute featuring Dire Straits' greatest hits, new tracks from the album "3 Chord Trick" produced by Alan Clark and Phil Palmer, and a few surprises.
Timing: January 24 at 8PM
Location: Dubai Opera
Metro Boomin at Coca Cola
Get ready to experience a night of electrifying music as GRAMMY® Award-nominated and diamond-certified producer, DJ, and artist Metro Boomin brings his groundbreaking sound to Coca-Cola Arena on 24 January 2025. Since bursting onto the scene in 2013, Metro Boomin has redefined hip-hop with his unparalleled production style and a catalogue of massive hits.
Timing: January 24 at 8PM
Location: Coca Cola Arena
Steve Aoki at Barasti Beach
On January 25th, 2025, Barasti Beach will be electrified by none other than the legendary Steve Aoki, one of the most iconic figures in the global music scene. Known for the highest-grossing electronic dance music, his intense performances, and unforgettable crowd moments, Aoki is set to bring his trademark mix of EDM, trap, and big room house to the stunning beachfront stage.
Timing: January 25
Location: Le Meridien Mina Syahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai
Quoz Arts Fest
Calling all creative enthusiasts! The Quoz Arts Fest is set to return to Alserkal Avenue from 25-26 January 2025. After an incredibly successful 11th edition in 2024, the latest celebration promises many more surprises in the artistic sphere. Head to the arts and culture hub to take part in curated workshops, explore exhibitions and enjoy live musical performances. Taking the stage is headliner Omar Offendum, a Syrian rapper, poet and storyteller who poignantly voices the immigrant experience through art. Sharing the spotlight, Tunisian singer-songwriter Emel Mathlouthi will perform a fusion of traditional Arabic music infused with modern influences.
Timing: January 25 - 26 at 10AM
Location: Al Serkal Avenue
Green Day Live in Expo City Dubai
Global Rock Superstars Green Day will perform for the first time in the Middle East when they take to the stage at Dubai’s Expo City in a bespoke built 30,000 30,000-capacity open-air concert venue on January 27, 2025. Presented by All Things Live Middle East, and supported by Dubai Calendar and Expo City Dubai, for one night only, the five-time Grammy Award-winners, made up of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool, are set to thrill UAE fans with some of their biggest hits. Expect a high-energy, action-packed evening of entertainment as American rock legends Green Day, one of the world’s biggest-selling artists, make their Middle East debut.
Timing: January 27 at 7PM
Location: Expo City Arena
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the region’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word. Along with homegrown talent taking centre stage, the festival offers visitors of all ages the chance to interact with their favourite authors, attend literary debates and participate in workshops.
Timing: January 29 till February 3
Location: InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Sikka Art & Design Festival
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. Taking place amid the paved alleys of the city's most storied district, the Sikka Art & Design Festival comes alive each year through exhibitions, installations, poetry nights, musical performances, workshops and thought-provoking films. Stay tuned to know more about the amazing initiatives planned for the 2025 edition.
Timing: January 31 till February 9
Location: Al Shindagha Historic District
CAS Live at Coca Cola Arena
Internationally acclaimed band CAS is returning once again to the UAE, for a memorable night at Coca-Cola Arena, set to take place on January 31st, 2025. The band, renowned for their ethereal pop soundscapes and soul-stirring lyricism, is poised to deliver another mesmerising live experience in one of Dubai’s most iconic venues. This event is SOLD OUT.
Timing: January 31 at 9PM
Location: Coca Cola Arena
17 min
