Dubai, the UAE’s Award-Winning Emirate: What’s New and Coming in 2026

Dubai’s 2026 calendar is set to be one of its most ambitious yet, marked by major milestones, global recognition and forward-looking innovation. The year will see landmark anniversaries for flagship events such as the Dubai World Cup, Dubai Marathon, Art Dubai and Global Village, alongside international acclaim from Lonely Planet for Old Dubai’s cultural food tours. Dubai will also strengthen its position as a global hub for business, technology and sustainability, with major trade shows relocating to Expo City Dubai and the launch of fully electric air taxis.

The hospitality and dining scene will expand significantly with high-profile hotel debuts, including Six Senses, Baccarat and Gran Meliá, as well as new restaurants from globally renowned brands and chefs. Cultural attractions, festivals and family-friendly experiences will run year-round, supported by the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the “Year of the Family.”

Sports will remain a major draw, with world-class golf, tennis, cycling, basketball, horse racing and mass-participation events bringing international athletes and fans to the city. Together, these developments highlight Dubai’s continued evolution as a leading global destination for culture, sport, innovation and tourism in 2026. Dubai was voted as Middle East’s Leading Destination 2025 by the World Travel Awards.

Dubai milestones in 2026:• Embarking on a cultural food tour in Old Dubai was named as one of the top global experiences for 2026 in Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel guide. Showcasing Dubai’s diverse and unique culinary scene in older neighbourhoods such as Bur Dubai and Deira, it is one of Lonely Planet’s 50 essential picks for 2026, made up of 25 places and 25 experiences. • The Dubai World Cup – renowned as one of global horseracing’s most prestigious sporting and social occasions – will mark a historic milestone in 2026. Celebrating its 30th running since the inaugural race in 1996, fans and racing enthusiasts from across the globe can expect an unforgettable night under the lights at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday 28 March 2026. On the day, horses and their riders jockey for prizes in nine races, culminating in the World Cup itself – a dirt race over 2,000m with a total prize fund of US$12 million. Tickets begin from £8 (AED40).• The Dubai Marathon is another sporting event celebrating a major milestone in 2026 as it marks its 25th silver anniversary edition. The event continues to attract elite athletes, passionate amateurs and thousands of spectators. The marathon on 1 February 2026 will spotlight Dubai’s evolution as a premier sports tourism destination. • The 20th anniversary edition of Art Dubai will be held from 17-19 April 2026 at Madinat Jumeirah. Under the theme of ‘Future, Past, Present’, the art fair will welcome more than 100 modern, contemporary and digital presentations from more than 35 countries. • Global Village’s landmark 30th season continues until May 2026. It features 30 pavilions with 3,500 displays from countries near and far, where visitors can pick up traditional handicrafts and snacks from more than 250 eateries. • Some of Dubai’s biggest trade shows and conferences will relocate to the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai in 2026. Gulfood, the flagship food industry event, will run across both DEC and Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 26-30 January 2026 and also won World’s Leading Exhibition & Convention Centre 2025 by the World Travel Awards. World Health Expo (WHX), formerly Arab Health, is relocating to DEC for its 2026 edition from 9-12 February 2026. GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech and AI show, hosts a summit on 7 December 2026 at DWTC and a four-day expo from 8-11 December 2026 at DEC. Dubai was voted as World’s Leading Exhibition Destination 2025 by the World Travel Awards• Dubai is set to launch fully electric air taxis in 2026, using Joby Aviation’s eVTOL aircraft that carries a pilot plus four passengers at speeds up to 320 km/h. Operated under a six-year deal with Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), the service will run from four vertiports: Dubai International (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai.• The UAE has announced 2026 as the “Year of the Family”. This nationwide initiative coincides with the global travel trend of multi-generational trips where families of all ages travel together to create shared memories.

You can also explore some of Dubai’s most iconic award-winning hotels through immersive 3D experiences. Preview Atlantis The Royal, crowned World’s Leading Iconic Resort 2025 by the World Travel Awards.

Also step inside the World’s Leading Hotel 2025, Jumeirah Al Naseem, before you even arrive. These virtual tours offer a unique way to experience the scale, design and luxury of Dubai’s hospitality landmarks in advance

Hotel openings in 2026:• Six Senses The Palm, Dubai will be the first Six Senses property in the city. When it opens its doors in 2026, it will offer just 61 rooms and 162 branded residences along a private stretch of beach on Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent. The resort will also have a signature Six Senses Spa, social and wellness club, restaurants, a library and pools.• Reopening in early 2026 after extensive renovations, The Meydan Hotel’s terraces look out onto the world-class Meydan Racecourse, host venue of the Dubai World Cup horse race. Other sporting pursuits for hotel guests include a nine-hole golf course, padel and tennis courts, and a dynamic nightlife scene.• Scheduled to open in Q1 2026, Kimpton Dubai marks the brand’s debut in the emirate. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, the boutique property on Business Bay Canal will feature 280 rooms, three dining concepts, a rooftop swimming pool, plus a spa and fitness centre.

• Opening in Jumeirah in 2026, the five-star Gran Meliá Dubai is a double-fronted property that boasts a 140m private beach and panoramic views of Port de La Mer Marina. It will be home to the first Novikov Beach venue in Dubai.• InterContinental Resort Portofino, located in The Heart of Europe on The World Islands, is an Italian-style resort with 466 rooms and suites. The property is set to launch in early 2026. • Côté d’Azur Nice Hotel is another Mediterranean-inspired property set to open in 2026 at The Heart of Europe. The Côte d’Azur Resort project will have four five-star boutique hotels named after famous coastal cities in the south of France: Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and St. Tropez. • The UAE’s first Baccarat property – Baccarat Hotel & Residences Dubai – will launch in Downtown Dubai in 2026. The design of the two towers (Le Rouge and Le Noir) is inspired by crystal, paying homage to Baccarat’s 18th-century roots.

Dubai was voted as World’s Best MICE Destination 2025 by the World MICE Awards 

Restaurant openings in 2026:• Following its venues at Atlantis, The Palm and Nobu by the Beach at Atlantis The Royal, legendary Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa will open his third Dubai-based location in January 2026. The new restaurant, Nobu One Za’abeel, will be situated on floor 24 of The Link at One Za’abeel.

• Originating from London, popular Spanish tapas restaurant brand Barrafina will make its international debut at DIFC Gate Village 01 in early 2026. Expect classic Spanish tapas dishes such as croquetas, grilled prawns, and tortilla.

• Osaka Nikkei is bringing its signature blend of Japanese and Peruvian flair to the city, located on the 35th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai.• Greek and Turkish restaurant AVLU will open its doors on Palm Jumeirah in 2026. It will bring a contemporary twist to traditional Aegean dishes. • Hospitality brands The MAINE and Canary Club will launch two new side-by-side venues – The MAINE Palm and Canary Beach – at Club Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah.

• Abra Restaurant is set to open at the Etihad Museum in Jumeirah. Led by chef Sahar Parham Al Awadhi, who was awarded best pastry chef at the 2022 World’s 50 Best MENA Awards, the restaurant will be a celebration of Emirati culinary heritage, offering a contemporary take on regional flavours. 

Attractions:• Dubai-based hospitality group Jumeirah has launched Jumeirah Eco Village, a sustainability-focused destination at Madinat Jumeirah designed to educate and inspire responsible living. The experience showcases Jumeirah’s work in biodiversity protection, food security, and marine conservation through interactive storytelling and hands-on exhibits. Visitors can explore beehive installations, a hydroponic farm, coral and turtle rehabilitation projects. • Get ready for a night of feel-good moments at Once Upon a Time in Dubai, a musical comedy which is staged across the backdrop of Dubai’s skyline and captures the city’s true spirit. Staged until 6 February 2026 at The Agenda in Dubai Media City, the show fuses humour, ambition and cultural diversity in a story of dreams and second chances. • Dubai Miracle Garden’s 14th season continues until 31 May 2026. Among its top attractions, the highlight remains the life-sized Emirates A380 floral installation, one of the garden’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can also enjoy colourful floral tunnels, arches, and themed walkways designed with more than 150 million blooming flowers. The adjacent Dubai Butterfly Garden offers another unique experience, housing thousands of butterflies in climate-controlled domes. Heart-shaped floral passages are especially popular for photos, while evening visits are enhanced by special lighting that transforms the garden into a magical illuminated wonderland.• Indoor golf and entertainment company Five Iron Golf is launching a new venue in Business Bay. Set to open in Q1 2026, the space will feature five Trackman golf simulators, augmented-­reality games and F&B options. It’s designed for both casual hangouts and corporate events – ideal for golf lovers and non-golfers alike. 

Festivals and cultural events:• The 31st edition of the citywide Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) ends on 11 January 2026. Full of spectacular shopping experiences, promotions, prizes and family entertainment, the festival’s popular attractions include the DSF Drone Show, e& DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall, DSF Auto Season, and the e& MOTB outdoor market. Dubai was voted as World’s Leading Shopping Destination 2025 by the World Travel Awards.• Taking place at InterContinental Dubai Festival City from 21-27 January 2026, 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. • Sikka Art & Design Festival is back with its 14th edition from 23 January to 1 February 2026. Held in Al Shindagha Historic District, the festival comes alive with exhibitions, installations, poetry nights, musical performances, workshops and films. • Quoz Arts Fest returns to Alserkal Avenue from 24-25 January 2026. Wander through spacious warehouses featuring eclectic galleries filled with works by artists from around the world, or catch a show at Cinema Akil. There are also plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained and an array of food trucks.• Co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3) and the Arab Fashion Council, Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) is a premier event that has cemented Dubai’s position as a global fashion hub. Held bi-annually, DFW features both the Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer collections, attracting top designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts from around the world. The next edition – Dubai Fashion Week AW26-27 – is from 1-6 February 2026 at d3. • Taste of Dubai returns from 6-8 February 2026 at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Featuring tasting sessions, cooking workshops and live music, visitors can also enjoy pop-ups from restaurants including Leña, Duck and Waffle, Akira Back, Demon Duck, Lowe and Khadak. The star-studded line-up includes Masterchef Australia judge Matt Preston and TV chef Rachel Allen.• Subject to the sighting of the moon, the dates for Ramadan vary from year to year, but in 2026 it will start in mid-February. A time of reflection, generosity, and togetherness, Ramadan in Dubai blends spiritual serenity with community joy. The city lights up with night markets, heritage experiences, special iftar and suhoor menus, and thoughtful retail offers. Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr celebrations follow with family-friendly festivities, gift promotions, and decorations across the emirate. 

Sports events:• Dubai Basketball, the city’s professional basketball franchise, is playing in the EuroLeague in the 2025-2026 season. With home games held at the Coca-Cola Arena, the club will take on European giants such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Olympiacos and Fenerbahçe. Dubai Basketball’s multicultural squad features standout players from the UAE, the Philippines, the United States, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Jordan, Türkiye, Latvia, Italy, Bosnia, and France.• Part of the DP World Tour’s International Swing, the Dubai Invitational is scheduled to take place from 15-18 January 2026 at the Dubai Creek Resort. Rory McIlroy, a five-time major champion, has confirmed his participation in the event.• It’s a landmark year for horse racing in the city, with the 30th running of the Dubai World Cup. Before the big race on Saturday 28 March 2026, Meydan Racecourse will host a series of Dubai Racing Carnival meetings, including feature race days such as ‘Fashion Friday’ on 23 January 2026 and Emirates Super Saturday on 28 February 2026.• Hosted on the championship Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club from 22-25 January 2026, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic stands as one of Dubai’s most esteemed sporting events. A Rolex Series event on the men’s golf DP World Tour, the 2026 edition will see Team Europe’s Ryder Cup-winning stars Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Viktor Hovland join the world-class field. Spectators can soak up the golfing action from the spectator areas or in style from the comfort of the hospitality lounges.

• L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France on 25 January 2026 brings the excitement of the iconic cycling race to Dubai. Open to all levels, the event features a 101km competitive race, a relaxed 50km ride, a 20km family ride, and kids’ races. Cyclists will enjoy closed-road routes through Dubai’s skyline and desert landscapes. With a lively fan village, Tour de France legends, and entertainment, it’s a must-attend cycling weekend.• Attracting thousands of runners and spectators every year, the Dubai Marathon is a major event on the city’s sporting calendar. As well as the 42.195km marathon distance, many participants choose to compete in the 10km road race and 4km fun run. The 2026 event, on 1 February, will be the 25th edition.• The route for the popular Burj2Burj half-marathon on 8 February 2026 is mapped by experienced runners, stretching from the towering Burj Khalifa to the magnificent Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. Live music, a supportive audience and unrivalled views of the cityscape will keep runners energised throughout the 21.1km distance.• The 16th edition of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge on 15 February 2026 will be a UCI Gran Fondo World Championships 2026 qualifying event. Starting and finishing at Expo City Dubai, the race offers amateur cyclists an exciting journey through Dubai. Prior to the main event, the final build-up ride will take place at the Al Qudra cycle track on Sunday 4 January 2026 (85km). On Saturday 14th February 2026, there will also be family run rides and junior rides.• A crucial fixture on the WTA and ATP tours, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships will attract top-ranking female and male tennis stars from around the world for the 2026 edition from 15-28 February. The event offers unique opportunities for meet and greets with players and prime views of the tennis action from the dedicated Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.• Now entering its fifth year, the Dubai Esports and Games Festival from 8-24 May 2026 will feature tournaments, expos, cosplay championships, and educational initiatives. The festival appeals to gamers, tech enthusiasts, and families alike, with major activations at the Dubai World Trade Centre and other venues in the city.