February is when the UAE truly comes alive. The weather is at its best. Days are sunny without the heat, nights are cool enough to stay out late, and the event calendar is packed. From buzzing city streets to quiet desert corners, the country hosts some of its biggest and most loved festivals this month.
If you are planning weekends, staycations, or just looking for something new to do, these festivals happening in the UAE this February are worth bookmarking. Each one brings its own vibe, crowd, and experience. Some are loud and lively. Others are calm, cultural, and deeply rooted in local traditions.
Here are five major festivals that define February in the UAE.
Dubai Food Festival
Date: Throughout February
Location: Across Dubai
February in Dubai tastes better, thanks to the Dubai Food Festival. From beachside food trucks and pop-up dining villages to chef-led experiences and restaurant deals, the city turns into a month-long celebration of flavour. Expect buzzing outdoor venues, late-night bites, and everything from comfort food to fine dining, all wrapped in a relaxed, festival-style atmosphere.
Al Dhafra Festival
Date: February
Location: Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi
Set against sweeping dunes, Al Dhafra Festival is one of the UAE’s most important heritage celebrations. Camel beauty contests, falconry displays, traditional markets, and Emirati performances bring Bedouin culture to life. Days are calm and cultural, while evenings glow under desert skies, making it a powerful contrast to city festivals.
Quoz Arts Fest
Date: February
Location: Al Quoz Creative Zone, Dubai
Creative, colourful, and community-driven, Quoz Arts Fest transforms Al Quoz into a lively arts playground. Warehouses become galleries, courtyards host live music, and food stalls keep the energy going all day. From families in the afternoon to music lovers at night, the vibe stays relaxed, local, and unmistakably Dubai.
Ripe Market Festival Season
Date: February (Weekends)
Location: Multiple locations across Dubai
February is peak season for Ripe Market. Expect outdoor markets filled with homegrown brands, live music, food trucks, fitness sessions, and picnic-friendly spaces. It is casual, community-focused, and perfect for slow mornings and easy afternoons in the cooler weather.
Sandbox SELECTS Dubai
Date: February 7, 2026
Location: Helipad Dubai by Frozen Cherry
Sandbox SELECTS brings underground house and techno to the city for one night only. Making its Dubai debut, this open-air event channels the spirit of Egypt’s iconic Sandbox Festival in a boutique format. With skyline views, curated sounds, and artists like DJ Holographic, Megatronic, and Misty & Aly Goede, it is a standout for electronic music fans.
February is one of the best months to explore the UAE beyond malls and brunches. These festivals happening in the UAE this February offer something for every mood, from cultural depth and creative expression to food-filled weekends and desert traditions.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
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