Get ready for an extraordinary Eid Al Adha in Dubai. From June 2 to 8, the city will transform into a vibrant spectacle of joy and entertainment, offering an action-packed programme curated by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE).

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, prepare to create unforgettable memories with world-class entertainment, the season’s biggest retail offers, exclusive hotel and attraction deals, endless culinary adventures, and once-in-a-lifetime prizes.

As Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of DFRE, aptly puts it, “This year’s Eid in Dubai programme is designed to create memorable moments through world-class entertainment, cultural showcases, incredible retail and dining offers, and breathtaking experiences that truly reflect the warmth and vibrancy of our city.

“We welcome everyone to celebrate Eid Al Adha in Dubai, where unforgettable memories await.”

Here’s a breakdown of what’s on offer to make your Eid truly special:

1. Live events, concerts and shows

Dubai’s Eid Al Adha celebrations promise a spectacular line-up of entertainment for all ages and interests.

• Mohamed Abdo Live: The legendary Saudi singer lights up Coca-Cola Arena on June 7 for an unforgettable evening of music. Tickets are available via the Coca-Cola Arena website.

• The Greatest Wish: Families can enjoy a feel-good Arabic play with lively characters and captivating scenes at Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, from June 6 to 8.

• Comedy Nights: French comedian Roman Frayssinet performs at the Emirates Theatre on June 7, while Indian comic sensation Shraddha Jain makes her Dubai debut at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, on the same night.

• Dinner With A Clue: For a night of suspense and intrigue, this live-action murder mystery returns aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 on June 7.

• Candlelight Concert: Soak in the glow of flickering flames on June 7, featuring classical renditions of timeless works by Vivaldi and modern tributes to Coldplay, at Mina A’Salam Hotel in Madinat Jumeirah.

• One Thousand Nights and A Wedding: Enjoy a comedic twist on a classic tale, performed on June 7 and 8 at Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre.

• The Messi Experience: Football fans can immerse themselves in the extraordinary world of Lionel Messi with nine interactive zones spanning 2,500 square metres at Dubai Festival City Mall until February 28, 2026.

2. Retail offers and city-wide shopping raffles

Dubai’s retail scene brings exciting offers, exclusive collections, and irresistible promotions across the city this Eid Al Adha.

• 3 Day Super Sale (3DSS): From May 30 to June 1, enjoy up to 90 per cent off at more than 500 top brands across over 2,500 outlets. Shoppers can also unlock greater value using loyalty programmes like BLUE Rewards, SHARE, Amber, Tickit, AURA, Privilege Plus, or Skywards Everyday.

• Dubai Festival City Mall’s Spend & Win: Spend Dhs300 or more for a chance to win a whopping Dhs20,000 mall gift card.

• Dubai Jewellery Group: Explore stunning Eid collections and unlock exclusive deals like complimentary gifts, 50 per cent back on select diamond and pearl jewellery, free custom engraving, and zero deduction on old gold exchange until June 8.

• Dubai Shopping Malls Group Shop & Win: Running until the second day of Eid Al Adha, 25 lucky shoppers can win cash prizes worth a total of Dhs200,000 when spending just Dhs200 at participating malls, including Al Ghurair Centre, Arabian Center, and Sunset Mall.

3. Mall activations

Dubai’s malls are transforming into vibrant hubs of celebration with a wide array of immersive experiences, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

• Mercato Mall: From June 6 to 9, enjoy a Fun Eid Explosion main show, cotton candy performances, face painting, craft and painting workshops, and roaming entertainers. Shoppers can also unlock exclusive discounts through the PrivilegePLUS App.

• City Walk: Escape the summer heat with exceptional dining, live entertainment, and engaging family activities from June 6 to 9, between 5pm and 10pm.

• Ibn Battuta Mall: Experience VERSUS 2.0, a next-generation gaming activation at the Egypt mini court from June 6 to 15.

• Dubai Festival City Mall: Witness a brand-new IMAGINE Show, with breathtaking projection mapping performances every hour from 7pm, traditional cultural shows on the first two days of Eid after 5pm, and special giveaways from 2pm to 9pm.

• Roaming Entertainment: Enjoy the vibrant rhythms of Al Ayala and Al Harbiya bands, an essential part of Emirati celebrations, across top destinations like Ibn Battuta Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Festival City Mall, with multiple showtimes throughout Eid.

4. Dining delights across the city

This Eid Al Adha, Dubai’s culinary scene comes alive with a host of festive feasts and indulgent dining experiences.

• High Tea to Luxury Dinners: From exquisite high teas at Mosaico Lobby Lounge to luxurious Eid dinners at Enigma, food lovers have endless choices.

• Authentic Flavors: Popular venues such as Varq, Palm Kitchen, Punjab Grill, and Dhaba Lane present dishes bursting with authentic flavors.

• Lively Atmospheres: The Permit Room and The Market Island at Dubai Festival City Mall offer vibrant dining experiences.

• Family Outings: Ranches Restaurant at Arabian Ranches Golf Club hosts BBQ nights, Sunday roasts, and a magical breakfast with Magic Phil.

• Signature Hotel Dining: Celebrate in style at Palazzo Versace’s Giardino or enjoy signature offerings at renowned hotel restaurants including Novotel World Trade Centre, Fairmont Dubai, Swissôtel Al Ghurair, and Dukes The Palm.

5. Exclusive staycation deals for a luxurious eid break

Residents and visitors can make the most of the long weekend with exclusive staycation offers across Dubai’s top hotels.

• JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai: GCC residents can enjoy 25 per cent off dining across its award-winning restaurants.

• InterContinental Dubai Festival City: Guests receive 25 per cent off stays, gourmet breakfasts, VOCO Monaco beach access, Dubai Festival City Mall discounts, and One Rewards bonus points.

• Leading properties: Packages and savings are available at Swissôtel Al Ghurair, 25hours Hotel One Central, Fairmont Dubai, The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Waldorf Astoria DIFC, and many more.

6. Family-friendly stays and Eid attractions

Dubai is set to pull out all the stops for families this Eid Al Adha, with irresistible staycation deals and thrilling attractions for all ages.

• Atlantis The Palm: UAE residents enjoy up to 35 per cent off rooms and suites, plus Kids Go Free perks and complimentary access to Aquaventure.

• Dubai Festival City Hotels: InterContinental Residence Suites, Holiday Inn & Suites, and Crowne Plaza offer luxury escapes with breakfast and dinner packages, discounts to kid-friendly hotspots, spa credits, and IHG One Rewards points.

• The First Collection Hotels: Get up to 45 per cent off advance bookings, free stays and meals for kids under five, and generous F&B discounts.

• Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa: Enjoy 15 per cent off a secluded Bedouin villa stay with a private pool, full-board
  dining, and desert activities including stargazing and horse riding.

• Beyond hotels, the city’s top attractions are rolling out exciting Eid specials:

• Dubai Dolphinarium: 30 per cent off Dolphin & Seal Show tickets using promo code EID25.

• Wild Wadi Water Park: Cool off with water rides and live entertainment.

• LEGOLAND Dubai: Join the Summer Splash Fest with interactive games, a Build-A-Boat Championship, and an exclusive afterparty.

• The Green Planet: Transforms into a tropical Eid haven with henna, face painting, and family movie screenings.

• Chaos Karts and PACMAN Live: Enjoy discounted 10 per cent off family bundles.

• Hatta Wadi Hub: Slashes prices on outdoor adventure packages by 50 per cent.

• House of Hype: Offers four tickets for Dhs449.

• AYA Universe: Invites families to explore its wonders for Dhs399.

Eid in Dubai promises to delight residents and visitors alike, with a citywide celebration that blends ultimate excitement, cultural charm, and unforgettable moments for all ages.

For the latest updates and full event details, visit the Eid in Dubai website.

Binghatti Holding, the Dubai-based real estate developer, has acquired a freehold land plot with more than 8 million square feet of gross floor area to develop its first large-scale master-planned residential community, the company said on Wednesday.

The anticipated value of the development exceeds Dhs25bn($6.8bn), positioning it among the largest single-site residential projects in the emirate.

The land is located in Nad Al Sheba 1, within Dubai’s Meydan district, an area historically linked with equestrian heritage and the former Nad Al Sheba Racecourse.

“The acquisition of a mega plot for what is expected to be our first master-planned development marks a pivotal moment in Binghatti’s growth journey,” said Muhammad BinGhatti, chairman of Binghatti Holding. “The planned new mega project would build on the strong momentum of our vertically integrated model, which has consistently enabled us to deliver distinctive, high-quality properties ahead of schedule. Our solid financial foundation has allowed us to self-fund the acquisition of the land for what is expected to be a transformative project that will set a new benchmark for integrated living in Dubai.”

The future development is expected to offer a “refined and tranquil” lifestyle, with the company citing its central location and access to major roadways and key landmarks as core to its appeal.

A key milestone for Binghatti

The move marks a significant shift for Binghatti, which until now has been focused on high-rise branded residences, including the Bugatti Residences, Mercedes-Benz Places, and Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co. Residences. The developer currently has around 20,000 units under development across approximately 30 projects in sought-after neighborhoods such as Downtown, Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Jaddaf, and Dubai Science Park.

Binghatti has also attracted high-profile clientele, including football star Neymar Junior and opera legend Andrea Bocelli.

Led by Muhammad BinGhatti, Binghatti Holding manages a portfolio of over 80 projects valued at more than Dhs50bn.

In the past 16 months, the company has delivered more than 11,000 residential units, underscoring its rapid growth trajectory and market presence.

Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al Dossary affirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to leveraging all available resources to serve pilgrims within an integrated system. He stated that these efforts reflect the wise leadership’s directives and align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to facilitate Hajj rituals and enhance service quality for both pilgrims and ones performing Umrah.

Read-Hajj 2025 alert: Saudi issues warning ahead of pilgrimage

Al Dossary’s remarks came during the 22nd government press conference, held yesterday to discuss preparations for the upcoming Hajj season (1446 AH). The conference featured key officials, including Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al Rabiah, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al Jasser, Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel, and members of the Supreme Hajj Committee led by Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz.

Al Dossary emphasised that the “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign remains a cornerstone in regulating pilgrimage and safeguarding pilgrims, promoting community commitment through vital awareness and security messages, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

Key Highlights

1-Makkah Route Initiative

As of Sunday, 1,070,000 pilgrims have arrived from outside the Kingdom, with approximately 249,000 arriving via the Makkah Route Initiative, which streamlines travel procedures from departure to arrival in Makkah.

2-Mosque preparations

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has prepared over 25,000 mosques in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites. Additionally, 2.5 million copies of the Holy Quran and 1.3 million digital ID cards with QR codes have been distributed.

3-Volunteer engagement

Over 25,000 volunteers will participate this year, supported by the National Center for the Non-Profit Sector.

4-Water infrastructure

The daily water system capacity exceeds 1.2 million cubic meters, distributed through a 1,300-kilometer network. More than 4,000 lab tests are conducted daily, overseen by over 2,000 Saudi engineers and technicians.

5-Inspection and municipal services

The Ministry of Commerce completed over 11,000 inspections in Makkah and Madinah. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has allocated 22,000 personnel, 980 vehicles, and 177 shelters, with an operations room linked to 911 for rapid response.

6-Digital and AI integration

Advanced digital infrastructure and AI algorithms are being used for crowd and pilgrim management, supported by over 5,000 communication towers, 9,000+ 5G/4G stations, and 2,000 km of optical fiber. Over 10,000 Wi-Fi hotspots are available.

7-Hajj Media Forum

The second edition of the Hajj Media Forum, in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, spans 6,000 sq. meters and hosts over 5,000 media professionals. The Saudi Broadcasting Authority is broadcasting globally through a wide range of media services.

8-Hajj readiness

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah held 78 preparatory meetings and submitted early arrangements to international Hajj offices. Females constitute 53 per cent of arrivals. Most pilgrims (94 per cent) arrived by air.

9-Nusuk card update

Over 1.4 million updated Nusuk cards have been issued, enabling seamless access and services. The Nusuk app has added over 100 services, with 60 new ones launched for this season.

10-Infrastructure trials

Authorities tested electricity and water networks, conducted four simulations, and inspected over 37,000 pilgrim residences, addressing 3,400 observations.

11-Transport sector preparedness

The transport sector, with 45,000 employees, prepared 7,000 flights from 238 destinations. Railway services offer two million seats on over 4,700 trips. Road maintenance covered 7,400 km, with an 82 per cent expansion in cooling services.

12-Bus and taxi operations

Ground transport includes 25,000 buses and 9,000 taxis, with 18 dedicated lanes and road readiness assessments including 247 bridges.

13-Health sector measures

The health sector increased bed capacity by 60 per cent, deploying over 50,000 personnel. Early international health measures included vaccinations. 14 ports were equipped, and over 50,000 health services have been delivered.

14-Heat safety initiatives

Measures to combat heatstroke include planting 10,000 trees, installing 400 water coolers/misting fans, and expanding shaded areas.

15-New emergency facilities

A new 200-bed hospital was established in Mina. Three field hospitals with 1,200+ beds, 71 emergency points, 900 ambulances, 11 evacuation aircraft, and over 7,500 paramedics have been mobilized.

16-Digital health services

The Seha Virtual Hospital provides remote consultations and chronic disease monitoring.

This season also sees the highest private sector participation in health services.

Al Jalajel concluded by urging pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, and seek medical attention when needed. He assured that the health system is fully prepared to manage emergencies, ensuring a safe and healthy Hajj season.

As the regulatory and economic landscape across the MENA region grows increasingly complex, businesses are rethinking how they engage with legal and compliance services.

Supporting this transformation is Oryx Legal Consultants, a UAE-based firm founded by Natalie Boyd and Vanessa Abernethy, which is challenging traditional models with its multidisciplinary, partner-led approach.

In this interview, the co-founders discuss rising demand for fractional legal support, the evolving needs of corporate clients, their expansion plans into Saudi Arabia, and how being female founders in a once male-dominated industry has shaped their journey.

What trends are shaping the future of legal and compliance services in the corporate world, particularly in the MENA region?

Rising costs are a major factor, not just in terms of doing business, but the cost of keeping employees on the books and complying with regulatory frameworks. The introduction of corporate taxation adds another layer of pressure but there is growing focus on good governance and the value of having senior legal professionals involved at the top level. Also, the rising cost of office space is making hybrid and remote working more attractive for businesses and professionals. Many senior professionals no longer want to be tied to traditional employment models and are seeking to work independently and set their own schedules whilst still being part of a cohesive and supportive team. That is a dynamic we have leaned into at Oryx, and it is a key reason why our model is resonating on both sides of the market.

How has the demand for fractional legal and compliance services evolved in the UAE and broader Gulf markets?

More often, companies are realising that it makes more sense to use their legal budget on a senior resource part-time than a more junior resource full-time. It allows them to scale up or down quickly depending on internal needs and project cycles. When we first introduced fractional legal support, it felt quite novel to many clients. But that’s changed. There is now a genuine appetite for the flexibility and financial freedom that comes with this model. While we’re predominantly active in the UAE, there is no reason this cannot extend across the wider region. Consultants no longer need to be physically in a client’s office to be fully embedded in the business, although we do offer fractional support with attendance at the client’s office also, where required.

What types of clients typically engage with Oryx, and what kind of support are they seeking today?

Our clients range from financial institutions and sovereign entities to mid-sized and large corporates, as well as startups. Each comes to us with different needs. Mid-sized corporates are often looking for someone to lead their legal team on a fractional basis. Sovereign and institutional clients engage us for support on specific projects or to bridge medium-term vacancies. Financial institutions and large corporates use us regularly for transaction-specific advisory. And startups come to us from the ground up requiring things like structuring, licensing, templates and general advisory. Some of the businesses we supported at inception are now fully regulated firms leading their spaces.

We have also seen an influx of local companies seeking IPO readiness and governance services. Increasingly, clients also engage us for boardroom support, and we often place experienced female directors to help meet board diversity goals plus provide informal advisory that helps them move in the right direction or unlock connections. It’s a mix of strategic and practical value-add.

Oryx offers partner-level support across legal, compliance, corporate finance, and boardroom advisory. What inspired this multidisciplinary approach, and how has the market responded?

It came from direct experience. From the in-house side, we saw how clients were being let down by narrow service models and expensive, non-transparent billing. We wanted to create a model that solved real problems and delivered end-to-end support with complete transparency. From the private practice side, we had both seen how senior partners often wanted to offer more to clients but were restricted by legacy structures. We were determined to do things differently. At Oryx, clients can bring a challenge to the table and trust that a senior team will provide a solution seamlessly, efficiently, and without surprise fees. That client-centric approach has landed well, particularly with businesses that are ready to move away from traditional firm dynamics.

What challenges have you encountered as women founders operating in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and how have you navigated them?

We haven’t faced gender-specific barriers in the region. Our clients know us, trust us, and have worked with us for years. If anything, being female founders has meant we are perhaps more visible – two women building a new business model stands out, and that visibility brings its own opportunities. That said, we have experienced discrimination in earlier chapters of our careers, outside of the UAE. These experiences gave us resilience and the motivation to challenge the traditional frameworks we were working within, which is exactly what we did. Since founding the firm, we’ve only experienced respect for what we are doing and how we are doing it. Clients see the model works, and that is what matters.

What advice would you give to other women aspiring to launch and grow successful professional services firms in the region?

Stay true to your values. It is our rigid adherence to the principle of good and transparent client service that is one of the reasons our clients keep coming back. Our integrity is a very strong value for both of us and would never be compromised for financial gain or any other reason. Many women have a strong sense of what matters to them, even if they are slower to speak about their successes. That quiet clarity becomes a strength in business. If you operate in a way that aligns with your values, you build deep trust and that’s what lasting client relationships are built on. We would also encourage women to be brave and step away from traditional models. There is something uniquely liberating about having control over your time, your income, and the type of work you take on. The structure we have built allows for that, and we believe many more women could benefit from that autonomy.

Looking ahead, what are your strategic priorities for the remainder of 2025 and beyond?

We are focused on growing our compliance offering and expanding our legal team to meet increasing client demand. Fractional support continues to be a core driver of that growth, and we expect it to become even more central. We are also looking at developing tax advisory capabilities, which would complement the services we already provide across legal, regulatory and board-level support. Regionally, we are preparing to expand into Saudi Arabia. We already work with institutional clients there, and we believe the Oryx model, particularly the combination of fractional support and flexible pricing is a strong fit for the kingdom. Saudi is evolving rapidly, and it is critical for us to remain agile and ahead of the curve.