Dubai announced a month-long programme of cultural celebrations, family activities, food festivals and evening entertainment ahead of Ramadan 2026. The calendar brought together events across the emirate, giving residents and visitors opportunities to enjoy the Holy Month through community gatherings, traditional experiences and special activities.
The programme, announced by Dubai authorities on February 12, 2026, formed part of the wider Season of Wulfa, which connects Hag Al Leila, Ramadan and Eid celebrations through Emirati traditions, hospitality and community spirit.
From Ramadan markets and waterfront entertainment to cultural installations and special dining experiences, the programme offered a range of activities across Dubai’s neighbourhoods and popular destinations. Source: Dubai Media Office
Dubai’s Ramadan Calendar Focuses on Culture and Community
Ramadan is an important time for reflection, generosity and togetherness across the UAE. Dubai’s programme aimed to bring these values into public spaces, shopping destinations, cultural venues and neighbourhoods throughout the month.
Many activities focused on the hours after iftar, when families and friends traditionally gather to eat, socialise and enjoy the evening. The programme included community events, cultural performances, family-friendly activities and experiences inspired by Emirati heritage.
The initiative also reflected Dubai’s diverse population, offering opportunities for residents and visitors from different backgrounds to learn about Ramadan traditions and participate respectfully in the seasonal celebrations.
Ramadan Street Food Festival Brings Flavours to Karama
One of the programme’s food highlights was the Ramadan Street Food Festival at Sheikh Hamdan Colony in Karama. The festival was scheduled to run from February 16 to March 15, 2026.
The event brought together food vendors, cultural elements and family-friendly activities in an evening setting. Visitors could explore a variety of food options and enjoy the lively atmosphere after iftar.
Karama’s diverse dining scene made the area a fitting location for a festival celebrating the different flavours and food traditions enjoyed by Dubai’s communities during Ramadan.
Ramadan by the Bay Offers Waterfront Entertainment
Dubai Festival City Mall hosted Ramadan by the Bay, a seasonal experience designed around evening entertainment and communal gatherings.
Scheduled from February 18 to March 28, 2026, the programme featured waterfront dining, cultural entertainment, a Ramadan market and visual displays. Visitors could also enjoy a special Ramadan edition of the IMAGINE show, alongside drone displays and live performances.
The setting offered families and friends a place to spend time together after breaking their fast while enjoying views across the waterfront.
Drone Shows and Fireworks Light Up Dubai’s Evenings
Visual entertainment was another feature of Dubai’s Ramadan programme. Scheduled drone shows and fireworks displays added to the city’s evening atmosphere during the Holy Month.
The Ramadan drone show was planned for February 19 to March 19, 2026. Fireworks were also scheduled at selected moments at Al Seef and Dubai Creek over the same period.
These experiences complemented the traditional side of Ramadan celebrations with contemporary entertainment in public destinations.
Hai Ramadan Brings Traditional Experiences to Expo City Dubai
Expo City Dubai hosted Hai Ramadan, a family-focused programme scheduled from February 22 to March 17, 2026.
The event combined cultural activities, storytelling, traditional market experiences and dining opportunities. Its programme centred on bringing families and communities together while introducing visitors to customs associated with Ramadan.
For families looking for an activity that combined entertainment with cultural learning, the event provided an opportunity to explore Ramadan traditions in a contemporary setting.
Global Village Celebrates Ramadan With Special Activities
Global Village also featured in the seasonal calendar with Ramadan-themed entertainment, dining and retail experiences.
Scheduled from February 18 to March 18, 2026, the programme brought the destination’s multicultural atmosphere together with decorations and activities inspired by the Holy Month.
Visitors could explore food options, browse retail stalls and experience cultural entertainment while enjoying an evening out with friends or family.
Shopping Destinations Join the Ramadan Celebrations
Dubai’s shopping malls and lifestyle destinations were also part of the citywide programme. Seasonal decorations, themed installations and evening activities helped create a festive atmosphere across the emirate.
Planned locations included Dubai Mall, City Walk, The Beach at JBR, City Centre Mirdif and Palm Jumeirah Mall.
These activations gave residents opportunities to combine shopping and dining with seasonal entertainment. Some destinations also planned extended opening hours during Ramadan, although individual timings varied by venue.
Ramadan Markets and Cultural Experiences Celebrate Emirati Heritage
Alongside major entertainment events, the calendar included experiences focused on local heritage and community participation.
Souq Ramadan, organised by Dubai Municipality, was planned as a community-focused destination featuring heritage displays, food stalls, handcrafted products and children’s activities.
Other initiatives involved cultural programming, educational activities, volunteering opportunities and charitable engagement. Traditional performances and neighbourhood experiences also formed part of the wider programme.
Together, these activities highlighted the role of hospitality, generosity and community connections during Ramadan.
Special Iftar and Suhoor Experiences Across Dubai
Restaurants and hotels across Dubai also marked Ramadan with special dining experiences. The programme included seasonal menus and dedicated settings for iftar and suhoor.
Examples included the Asateer Ramadan Tent at Atlantis, The Palm, and the Ramadan Majlis at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Jumeirah Al Naseem also planned an open-air beachfront majlis with traditional dining and live oud music.
Dining experiences provided another way for residents and visitors to experience Ramadan customs, whether through a family gathering, a meal with friends or a more traditional majlis setting.
Availability, menus and prices varied by venue, so visitors needed to check directly with individual restaurants and hotels for details.
Season of Wulfa Connects Ramadan With Eid
Dubai’s month-long calendar formed part of the Season of Wulfa, a wider initiative celebrating cultural occasions and Emirati values.
The season linked Hag Al Leila, Ramadan and Eid, highlighting traditions passed between generations while encouraging residents to take part in community activities.
Citywide lighting, decorative displays and seasonal installations helped create a consistent atmosphere across public spaces and major destinations. The programme also included retail promotions and activities encouraging participation in the celebrations.
The wider initiative demonstrated how Dubai combines traditional customs with contemporary events to mark important occasions throughout the cultural calendar.
FAQs
Yes. Dubai unveiled its official Ramadan in Dubai calendar on February 12, 2026, featuring approximately 30 days of cultural, community and destination-led activities.
Highlights included the Ramadan Street Food Festival in Karama, Ramadan by the Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall, drone shows, fireworks, Hai Ramadan at Expo City Dubai and Ramadan Wonders at Global Village.
Yes. Fireworks were included in the official programme at selected locations around Al Seef and Dubai Creek, with scheduled dates from February 19 to March 19, 2026.
Yes. Family-oriented activities featured across the calendar, including Hai Ramadan at Expo City Dubai, Ramadan by the Bay and seasonal experiences at Global Village.
Admission arrangements varied by event and venue. Visitors needed to check individual organisers’ information to confirm entry fees, reservations and any charges for dining or activities.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s Ramadan 2026 programme brought together food festivals, waterfront entertainment, cultural activities, markets and special dining experiences across the city. From the Ramadan Street Food Festival in Karama to Hai Ramadan at Expo City Dubai, the calendar offered a variety of ways for families, residents and visitors to take part in the Holy Month.
The programme also highlighted the importance of generosity, hospitality and community, with activities designed to bring people together throughout Ramadan and into Eid.
Please note: The dates listed in this article relate to the 2026 Ramadan programme and have now passed. Check official Dubai event listings for future editions and updated schedules.
