UAE winter tourism season: Festivals, adventures, and luxury experiences await

The UAE is officially launching its winter tourism season with renewed energy, highlighting the country’s rising prominence as a global destination during the cooler months. With mild winter temperatures and a broad spectrum of experiences across the emirates, the nation is attracting both domestic and international visitors seeking leisure, adventure, and cultural immersion.

This year, tourism authorities are anticipating notable growth, underpinned by increasing demand for outdoor activities, heritage festivals, entertainment shows, and winter camps. These activities have become foundational pillars of UAE’s winter tourism, strengthening the country’s position as a leading hub for seasonal tourism in the region. According to a WAM report, the diversity of offerings ensures there is something for every type of visitor, from families and cultural enthusiasts to adventure seekers and luxury travellers.

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Running from mid-December through April, the UAE’s winter calendar is filled with a wide array of events designed to appeal to varied interests. Abu Dhabi is taking centre stage with the Liwa International Festival in Al Dhafra, held from December 12 to January 3. This 23-day festival presents an expanded programme, including heritage-focused events, sporting showcases on Tal Moreeb’s towering dunes, artistic performances, live music concerts, and shopping zones. The festival captures the richness of Emirati culture and offers visitors an immersive desert experience that is uniquely appealing during the winter months.

The capital city also hosts the Winter Season Programme at Umm Al Emarat Park, which continues to provide family-oriented recreational activities through April 2026. These activities include interactive performances, outdoor games, and entertainment specifically designed to appeal to children and families. Meanwhile, Yas Island is witnessing a strong turnout with its winter events at world-renowned theme parks, featuring snow-themed experiences, festive celebrations, and live shows, complemented by the Yas Winter Festival from December 12 to 21.

In Dubai, the winter season brings a packed calendar of attractions. Global Village remains a key highlight, featuring pavilions representing countries from around the world, showcasing cultural exhibitions, cuisines, and entertainment. Alongside this, the Dubai Shopping Festival offers promotional deals, live concerts, and fireworks, drawing thousands of shoppers and tourists to the emirate. A spectacular addition this year includes drone shows, running from December 5 to January 11, with performances at Bluewaters and The Beach opposite Jumeirah Beach Residence, adding a futuristic and visually striking element to the festivities.

Other Dubai attractions include the Winter City event at Expo City Dubai and Dubai’s Winter District, which continue through the end of April 2026. Seasonal winter markets at Madinat Jumeirah and Dubai Festival City also welcome visitors with festive programmes, local culinary experiences, and cultural displays, further enhancing the emirate’s winter appeal.

Adventure and mountain tourism

The UAE’s winter tourism extends beyond urban attractions to mountainous and natural destinations. Dubai’s Hatta Winter Festival, taking place from  December 5 to 28, combines adventure and cultural experiences, offering mountain biking trails, eco-tours, heritage markets, and local arts and crafts workshops. Sharjah complements this with its own winter attractions across Al Majaz Waterfront, Kalba, and Shees Park, featuring light shows, outdoor activities, and seasonal markets that cater to families and leisure tourists.

Ajman’s winter programmes are centred around its waterfronts and cultural markets, providing a lively atmosphere for visitors. Umm Al Qaiwain is positioning itself as a destination for peaceful winter escapes, offering camping experiences in natural settings. Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah continue to benefit from moderate winter temperatures, hosting activities in mountainous areas and along beaches, in addition to sports and community events.

Al Ain also plays a key role in UAE winter tourism. The city offers an array of family and heritage activities, including programmes at Al Ain Oasis, events in parks and public squares, cultural experiences at palaces and museums, and a growing demand for safari trips and mountain adventures on Jebel Hafeet. These offerings cement Al Ain’s status as a destination for both relaxation and adventure, contributing significantly to the UAE’s winter tourism ecosystem.

Winter camps across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah are playing an increasingly important role in tourism activity. These camps combine recreational experiences with educational opportunities, covering technology, innovation, sports, arts, and environmental challenges. Organised by government entities, these programmes aim to foster skills development among youth while simultaneously offering enjoyable experiences, making winter tourism both engaging and enriching.

Emirates Airlines enhances Dubai experiences

Adding to the season’s appeal, Emirates Airlines is offering travellers exclusive opportunities to make the most of their Dubai visit.

Customers booking return flights to Dubai by December 21, 2025 can enjoy complimentary access to two premier attractions: a 90-minute sunset dinner cruise along Dubai Marina and a multi-sensory art experience at the Arte Museum Dubai. The offer is valid for travel between January 7 and March 18, 2026, with bookings open from December 8 to 21 .

The Xclusive Yachts sunset cruise features a 125ft glass houseboat, international buffet dinner, live music, and panoramic Marina views at sunset. Meanwhile, the Arte Museum Dubai fuses digital artistry with sensory storytelling through immersive installations, striking visual landscapes, custom fragrances, and original soundscapes, creating a fully multi-sensory experience for visitors.

Beyond exclusive experiences, Emirates continues to enhance visitor experiences with My Emirates Pass, offering over 700 special deals across Dubai, from outdoor festivals to major seasonal shopping events. Members of the Emirates Skywards programme can earn Miles with global partners, including hotels, airlines, car rentals, retail outlets, and banking services.

These Miles can be redeemed for reward tickets, upgrades, or entry to concerts and sporting events. Skywards members also benefit from free onboard Wi-Fi and citywide privileges with partners such as Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Mall, Arabian Adventures, and Emirates Holidays.

Tickets for Emirates flights and winter packages are available via emirates.com, Emirates Sales Offices, retail outlets, The Emirates App, travel agents, or online booking platforms.

This year’s winter season demonstrates the UAE’s growing strength as a tourism destination, combining cultural heritage, adventure, family entertainment, and luxury experiences. Abu Dhabi’s heritage festivals, Dubai’s futuristic attractions, Hatta and Al Ain’s mountain adventures, and nationwide winter camps offer an unmatched combination of experiences for all visitor segments.

Moderate winter temperatures, rich cultural offerings, expansive adventure activities, and world-class hospitality have cemented the UAE as a global hub for winter tourism. Government initiatives, emirate authorities, and private partners, including Emirates Airlines, are collectively creating a tourism season that is educational, adventurous, and unforgettable, promising memories that will last long after the winter months.