The UAE winter season has the best events for parents: Global Village (14 October 2026 to May 2027), the Dubai Shopping Festival (4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027) and National Day on 2 and 3 December. Ramadan is the one to plan around carefully, because it moves about 11 days earlier every year. Pick a date range and build the trip around it.
February
Ramadan and Eid
Usually moves about 11 days earlier each year with the Islamic calendar. Check the official dates before you book. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.
Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, and evenings are for iftar meals with family. Eid Al Fitr is a public holiday after Ramadan.
For families: Daytime can be quieter and some places change their hours. Check the UAE or emirate tourism guidance on public eating and drinking in daylight before you travel, and be considerate. Evenings and iftar buffets are a good way to see the occasion.
October
Global Village
Usually open from October to May. Season 31 opened 14 Oct 2026 and runs until May 2027 (exact closing day not yet announced). This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.
A multicultural park with pavilions from more than 90 cultures, plus shows, dining, shopping and rides. Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 4 pm to midnight, Thursday to Saturday 4 pm to 1 am; Tuesdays are for ladies and families only.
For families: It is an evening visit, so keep the afternoon free to rest. The official site listed tickets at AED 25 on weekdays and AED 30 for any-day entry when we checked. Prices change, so confirm on the day.
December
Dubai Shopping Festival
4 Dec 2026 to 17 Jan 2027 · Dates from What is On Dubai, checked 23 Oct 2026
A citywide festival of shopping offers and raffles, with live entertainment, shows, beach and outdoor events. Planned parts include DSF Nights at Festival Bay and an etisalat Beach Canteen from 10 to 27 December.
For families: Hotels fill up around the festival and New Year, so book early. Choose a few venues rather than moving across the city every day.
UAE National Day
2 Dec 2026 to 3 Dec 2026 · Dates from Government of the UAE, checked 23 Oct 2026
Marks the 1971 start of the federal union of the emirates, and the official theme is "Spirit of the Union".
For families: Expect celebrations, closed government offices and busy venues. Some places run special hours, so check before you go. It falls near the start of the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Trips to UAE
We have no open trip to UAE right now. Tell us your dates and we will help you find one.
Quick questions
Sources
- Global Village (official site): Global Village Dubai · checked 24 Oct 2026
- Government of the UAE: Public holidays · checked 23 Oct 2026
- Government of the UAE: Ramadan · checked 23 Oct 2026
- UAE Media Office: Global Village announces Season 31 opening date · checked 23 Oct 2026
- Visit Dubai: Dubai Shopping Festival · checked 24 Oct 2026
- What is On Dubai: Dubai Shopping Festival announces 2026-2027 dates · checked 23 Oct 2026