Dubai Calendar of Festivals and Events 2012 /13

Dubai Calendar of Festivals and Events 2012 /13


January
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) - late January to late February, the city's reputation as a shopping Mecca is especially clear during this month-long festival. Stores across the city feature great bargains, and street entertainment (including fireworks) is staged on a regular basis


February
Desert Classic - the Emirates Golf Club hosts this prestigious, six-day golf tournament each February


March
World Cup - the Emirate World Series holds an important horse race in Dubai every March. Competitors from around the world race for a chance to win the first prize of a staggering US$6 million

April
Bride Show - the entire month of April is set aside for Dubai's extravagant bridal exposition. Events are held across the city, though the main stage is in the International Exposition Centre

May
Arabian Travel Market - held early in May, this trade show has carved out an important niche in the Middle Eastern trade market. Citizens of nearly 100 nations attend


June
Summer Surprises - the city's ever-popular summer festival lasts for some ten weeks and includes outdoor concerts, themed expositions and impressive discounts at citywide shopping centres


July
Eid al-Adha 
- late in July, Muslims across the city celebrate the ascension of Muhammad the Prophet


August
Ramadan -
 the Islamic month of Ramadan is a time of somber fasting for Muslims, who abstain from pleasure and indulgence from sunrise to sundown. Participants do not eat during daylight hours


September
International Middle East Textile Exposition - this show features a range of textile-related expositions staged in hundreds of displays throughout the International Exposition Centre


October
Eid al-Fitr - when the month of Ramadan comes to a close, locals across the city celebrate with feasting and family gatherings


November
Rugby Sevens - as the international rugby season kicks off the city hosts the games each November. The event lasts three days and features a host of peripheral entertainment


December
National Day - December 2nd, the city celebrates its independence from Great Britain. Patriotic events are hosted at the city's prominent monument