Dubai in January doesn’t slow down — it opens up. The weather is on its best behaviour, the city feels more social, and weekends turn into carefully curated playlists of food, culture, music and movement. This one is especially stacked.
From headline concerts and large-scale arts festivals to thoughtful family experiences and brand-new dining spots by the water, this weekend in Dubai (24–25 January 2026) offers something for every mood. Whether you’re planning or deciding last minute, here’s where the city feels most alive right now.
Tom Odell Live at Coca-Cola Arena
Few artists translate emotion into atmosphere quite like Tom Odell. On Saturday night, the British singer-songwriter brings his piano-led, soul-baring sound to Coca-Cola Arena, promising a concert that feels both intimate and cinematic.
Expect a crowd that knows every lyric, a setlist built around vulnerability, and moments where the arena quiets down just enough for the music to land properly. This isn’t a background concert — it’s the kind you leave thinking about.
Date: Saturday, 24 January 2026
Location: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk
Quoz Arts Fest at Alserkal Avenue
If Dubai has a creative pulse, it’s loudest during Quoz Arts Fest. Across Saturday and Sunday, Alserkal Avenue becomes a living, breathing arts district — galleries spill into courtyards, DJs take over rooftops, and conversations stretch longer than planned.
It’s the kind of place where you wander without a schedule, stumble into a film screening, discover a new artist, then end up with coffee in hand listening to live music. Come for the art. Stay for the energy.
Dates: Saturday & Sunday, 24–25 January 2026
Location: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club
Golf might be the headline, but the Hero Dubai Desert Classic feels more like a lifestyle event. Yes, the world’s top players are out on the greens — but off-course, there’s food, music, shaded seating and a crowd that’s there for more than just the leaderboard.
It’s polished, social and surprisingly relaxed. Even if you don’t follow golf closely, the setting alone makes it worth a visit.
Dates: Running through Friday–Sunday, 23–25 January 2026
Location: Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills
Hamlet Flamenco Ballet at Zabeel Theatre
This is Shakespeare, but not as you know it. Hamlet, reimagined through flamenco ballet, brings drama, rhythm and intensity to Zabeel Theatre this weekend.
The performance blends live music with sharp, expressive movement, telling a familiar story through a completely different lens. It’s bold, emotionally charged and a refreshing alternative to a standard theatre night.
Date: Saturday, 24 January 2026 (multiple showtimes)
Location: Zabeel Theatre, Dubai World Trade Centre
DRIFT Dubai White Party at One&Only Royal Mirage
Saturday nights don’t get much more polished than this. DRIFT Dubai’s White Party returns with sunset drinks, beachfront views and a soundtrack designed for long evenings.
The crowd is stylish, the setting effortlessly glamorous, and the transition from day to night feels seamless. When the after-party kicks in at Sea Lounge, it’s less about spectacle and more about atmosphere done right.
Date: Saturday, 24 January 2026
Location: One&Only Royal Mirage, Umm Suqeim Beach Road
Mission Play! by Mattel — Family Playdates with Purpose
For families looking to do something meaningful rather than just entertaining, Mission Play! by Mattel stands out this weekend.
Running until January 25, the experience introduces limited-time activities across its Hot Wheels, Barbie and MEGA zones. Children collaborate on large-scale builds inspired by the Abu Dhabi skyline, race remote-controlled cars across shared art canvases, and slow things down in guided painting sessions designed for parents and kids to create together.
It’s colourful, energetic and thoughtfully designed — the kind of place where play feels intentional, not rushed. A complimentary toy for early evening visitors is a nice bonus, but the real value is in the shared experience.
Dates: Thursday–Sunday, 22–25 January 2026
Location: Mission Play! attraction (specific mall/venue details to be confirmed)
SOCO Open House at City Centre Mirdif
If your idea of a good weekend involves a bit of competition and a lot of laughter, SOCO delivers. Bowling lanes, arcade games, motorsport simulators and casual dining come together in a space built for groups.
It’s easy, flexible and doesn’t require planning ahead — perfect for mixed-age outings or low-pressure weekend hangs.
Dates: Friday–Sunday, 23–25 January 2026
Location: City Centre Mirdif, Level 2, Entertainment Zone
L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France at Expo City
Expo City turns energetic this weekend with L’Étape Dubai, bringing cycling culture into the spotlight. From amateur races to family-friendly rides, the event has an inclusive, community-driven feel.
Even if you’re not riding, the atmosphere is lively. There’s music, food and plenty to watch, making it a solid daytime option with winter sunshine on your side.
Date: Saturday & Sunday, 24–25 January 2026
Location: Expo City Dubai
The Jury Experience at Dubai Knowledge Park
Part theatre, part social experiment, The Jury Experience places the audience at the centre of the story. This interactive courtroom drama explores modern ethical dilemmas, asking attendees to weigh evidence and decide the outcome.
It’s engaging without being heavy and different enough to feel memorable — especially if you’re bored of passive entertainment.
Dates: Friday & Saturday, 23–24 January 2026 (check showtimes)
Location: Dubai Knowledge Park theatre space
The Tap House Dubai Creek Harbour — New Waterfront Opening
Dubai Creek Harbour continues to grow into itself, and The Tap House feels like a natural addition. Opened this month along the VIDA Hotel promenade, the gastropub offers indoor comfort and a terrace that’s hard to leave once the sun starts setting.
The menu leans into elevated comfort food — rich mushroom arancini, indulgent burgers, well-executed fish and chips — paired with one of the city’s strongest hops selections. Add live music, sports screenings and an easygoing crowd, and it quickly becomes a weekend favourite.
Opening: Now open January 2026 (recommended for weekend plans)
Location: Promenade Level, VIDA Hotel, Dubai Creek Harbour
Dubai Polo Silver Cup
There’s a certain rhythm to polo weekends in Dubai. The Silver Cup blends competitive sport with social flair — shaded seating, picnic setups, food stalls and a well-dressed crowd.
It’s as much about the setting as the match itself, making it an elegant way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Date: Sunday, 25 January 2026
Location: Emirates Polo Club, Dubai
Dubai Fountain Boardwalk at Downtown Dubai
Sometimes the best plans are the simplest. A walk along the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, coffee in hand, watching the water move against the Burj Khalifa backdrop, is still one of the city’s quiet pleasures.
Go early evening, stay a little longer than planned, and let the weekend slow down naturally.
Dates: Daily (ideal at sunset this weekend)
Location: Downtown Dubai Boardwalk, Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa area
This weekend in Dubai is layered with options — big concerts, creative festivals, thoughtful family experiences and new places worth discovering. Whether you’re chasing energy or looking to unwind, the city delivers without forcing you into one kind of plan.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
Read More
