Role of Festivals in Dubai Tourism

Festivals are always exciting, right? Now, think about joining the big festivals in Dubai. Isn't that thrilling? People worldwide feel the same excitement when they hear about Dubai's festivals, and why not? Dubai offers various incentives and discount packages during festivals to attract more global visitors. Airlines even announce special packages during Dubai festivals in collaboration with travel and tourism agencies. Dubai festivals usually include events and activities like shopping, music, arts, sports, and movies. The following are some of the world-renowned Dubai Festivals which play a vital role in boosting the city's economy and its capability to earn more revenue from the travel and tourism industry.

Dubai Shopping Festival

Dubai Shopping Festival is a month-long festival that has played a central role in Dubai's progress in the travel and tourism industry. The festival started in 1996 and has been attracting more than 3 million visitors yearly. The festival usually happens at the start of the year, from January to February. The world's biggest retailers offer huge discounts. Since shopping in Dubai is tax-free, buyers worldwide visit during the Dubai shopping festival.

The most popular product categories bought during the festival are apparel, jewellery, accessories, cosmetics, home décor, and gadgets. The best places to head to during the festival are Dubai Festival City, Deira City Centre, Dubai Mall, Ibn e Batuta Mall, Burjman, and souks. You can download different shopping mall apps to learn where and when to get the best deals.

Dubai Summer Surprises

Dubai Summer Surprises possesses fame equivalent to the Dubai Shopping Festival. It is an annual family and vacation treat that starts in June and usually lasts 65 days. Residents, migrants, travellers and tourists can enjoy summer vacations with their kids in an exciting place where the fun never ends. During DSS, theme parks, malls, restaurants, and hotels offer attractive and affordable offers. DSS also feature live concerts and performances by world-renowned singers, musicians, comedians, and entertainers. The festival aims to attract more visitors worldwide during the off-peak summer season.

Dubai Food Festival

Dubai Food Festival has gained the reputation of a must-visit event for foodies around the world. The event lasts for weeks and showcases Dubai's rich culinary scene. The event features exciting experiences like cooking workshops, food tours, and special events hosted by famous chefs from different countries. Visitors can get their hands on various food options like vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, and halal dishes. The major highlights of the festival are:

Beach Canteen: Food trucks, restaurants, and live entertainment set against the backdrop of Jumeirah Beach, perfect to experience with families and friends.

Global Culinary Showcase: World-famous chefs and restaurants bring their innovative dishes and special flavours for visitors to enjoy.

Family-Friendly Activities: Interactive cooking classes for kids, cooking competitions, and food-themed games to keep families entertained.

Workshops: Masterclasses and workshops for food enthusiasts to discover new cooking techniques and improve their skills from the world's best chefs.

Here are some of the best Dubai Food Festival restaurants:

• Clay Dubai
• French Riviera
• CÉ LA VI
• Akira Back
• 21 Grams

The Dubai Food Festival usually starts in February or April, but the exact time can vary each year.

Dubai Jazz Festival

The Dubai Jazz Festival has been happening for the past ten years and is one of the key factors that helps the tourism sector flourish in Dubai. James Blunt, Duran Duran, Mariah Carey, John Legend, and Deep Purple have all performed at the festival. The festival features an eclectic mix of artists each year. If that's not enough, attendees can also get a chance to participate in jazz music workshops and jam sessions.  

Dubai Jazz Festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It allows you to watch your favourite musicians perform live or even collaborate. The festival usually takes place in February each year.

National Day Festival

The National Day of UAE is celebrated annually on 2nd December to commemorate the unification of the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The National Day celebrations last for three days, and Dubai becomes the centre of attraction for locals, expats, and visitors during this time. One of the highlights of the Dubai National Day Festival is the mesmerising fireworks display at the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.

The festival also provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the traditional sports and cultural performances that are an integral part of Emirati heritage. Traditional dances, such as the Ayala, and sports, like camel racing and falconry, showcase the deep-rooted customs and traditions of the UAE. Airline ticket prices go high due to many visitors heading to Dubai to experience different activities happening throughout the city.

Conclusion

All these festivals play their parts in attracting more visitors to Dubai worldwide. More visitors mean more tourism spending on hotels, restaurants, shops, and other attractions. The travel industry also benefits from the increase in airline ticket prices apart from when festivals happen in the off-peak season. Overall, these festivals support many sectors and make Dubai stand out in a special way.