For a city like Dubai, January is one of the busiest months, blending cool weather with beach days, poolside lounging, and (ofc) an endless list of things to do.
As the calendar flips to a new year, get ready to jazz up those empty dates with plenty of happenings and unmissable city-wide events.
Cosmo ME’s guide to the best things to do in Dubai in January 2024…
Hit up Nobu Dubai to check out its collab with 1930
Nobu Dubai will host an exclusive bar collaboration with Benjamin Fabio Cavagna of the acclaimed Milan cocktail bar, 1930 on the last day of Jan. Sip on crafted cocktails, featuring four unique creations by Cavagna specially curated for the evening.
When: Wednesday January 31st, 9pm-12am.
Where: Nobu Bar, Nobu Dubai.
Attend the UAE’s first Agave Festival
Exciting news! The first Agave festival in the region is happening at 25 Hours Hotel, Dubai on January 22nd and 23rd. Organized by MMI, the largest importer and distributor of wines and spirits in the Middle East, this two-day event is a fun way to celebrate the diverse flavors of the agave plant.
For Dhs135, get unlimited tastings, cocktails, and access to Tequilas & Mezcals from Mexico. Meet producers, join masterclasses, and explore 31 producers and 16 workshops. Perfect for mixologists and tequila lovers, it’s a unique celebration filled with agave delights!
When: Monday 22 and Tuesday 23rd of January
Where: Nomad Courtyard, 25 Hours Hotel Dubai One Central, DIFC
Price: Dhs135
Book here.
Outdoor movie at JLT Under The Stars Cinema
Jumeirah Lakes Towers’ Under The Stars Cinema has made its return this winter, so it’s *officially* outdoor cinema szn. From Star Wars and The Lion King to The Princess Diaries and Ratatouille, there’s no shortage of classics at JLT Under The Stars Cinema. Grab some popcorn, a blanket, and your loved ones – it’s time to enjoy your favourite movie in an outdoor ambience quite like no other. To top it all off, the movies are free (!!)
When: Every Saturday at 7:30pm until March 2.
Where: JLT Park, Cluster Q.
Movie ticket registration is available here.
Book a spot at Blended Wellness’s free breathwork event
Blended Wellness x Unbound Breathwork is hosting a free breathwork event on its rooftop on Sunday January 14. Experience transformational somatic breathwork with the revolutionary 9D system, a groundbreaking fusion of breathwork, hypnosis, coaching and multi-dimensional soundscapes.
When: Sunday January 14, 7pm-9pm.
Where: Blended Wellness, Palm Jumeirah.
Book here.
Bubble run (!!)
Prepare to jump into a magical world where bubbles, fitness, and joy reign supreme. Whether you choose to run, walk, or even dance down the 4km or 8km course at the highly-anticipated Bubble Run at Expo City Dubai, all participants—individuals and families alike—can be sure to be showered with bubbles at the non-competitive fun fest.
Via @bubblerunuae on Instagram
Where: Al Forsan Park, Expo City Dubai.
Price: Starts from Dhs35.
For opening times, please visit their website.
Watch One Republic live
American pop-rock band, One Republic, is set to set the stage ablaze at Bla Bla Dubai this January. Performing hits like Counting Stars, I Ain’t Worried, and If I Lose Myself among others, the legendary band—led by Ryan Tedder—are set to put on a truly unforgettable show in Dubai.
When: January 25.
Where: Bla Bla Dubai, JBR.
Concert tickets, starting from Dhs245, are available for purchase here.
Armani beauty “L’Exposition Édition Nomade” exhibition at Dubai Opera Gardens
After debuting in Shanghai last year, Armani Beauty is set to unveil its “L’Exposition Édition Nomade” exhibition in Dubai, centred on exploring the quintessence of the Armani/Privé Haute Couture Fragrances collection.
The exhibition is open to the public from January 9th to 14th at the Dubai Opera Garden, in partnership with the city’s Department of Economy and Tourism. There will also be an exclusive Armani Cafe pop-up experience during the exhibition. Sign us up!
Ticket registration for the exhibition is available here.
Take part in the Dubai Marathon
If running is your thing (or if you’re looking to kick-start a healthy new year), lace up for the Dubai Marathon on January 7. Join the excitement of the Dubai Marathon, showcasing the Middle East’s first and oldest international marathon. With race distances catering to all abilities, the route takes you along Jumeirah Beach Road, offering breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like the Burj Al Arab. It’s not just a race; it’s a celebration of fitness and resilience.
Registration for the Dubai Marathon 2024 can be made online only at dubaimarathon.org where you’ll also be able to check out the three different race route maps and course videos.
Soak up the sun at Dubai’s hottest new beach club, Be Beach
Dive into the ultimate day-to-night beach club experience at Be Beach, where poolside bliss and gourmet lunches meet re-imagined luxury at Dubai Harbour. This upscale Mediterranean restaurant and vibrant bar is Dubai’s newest gem, featuring creative mixology and resident DJs to bring you a blend of relaxation and pool party fun.
Find out more here.
Shop ’till you drop at Dubai Shopping Festival
January in Dubai isn’t complete without indulging in the retail marvel that is the Dubai Shopping Festival. If retail therapy is your vibe, the Dubai Shopping Festival offers high-end brands on a discount spree, coupled with delicious treats and enticing food stalls.
Find out more here.
Spend a musical weekend with Ed Sheeran
For a musical extravaganza, catch Ed Sheeran’s two gigs on January 19 and 20, transforming Dubai’s Sevens Stadium into the stage for the biggest open-air concerts in the city. You won’t want to miss this epic concert featuring some of the biggest hits of the last decade!
When: Fri Jan 19 – Sat Jan 20.
Where: Sevens Stadium, Al Ain Road.
Price: Ticket prices from Dhs495 at edsheerandxb.com.
Click here for a rundown of all the epic concerts happening in the UAE in 2024.
Enjoy a weekend of food and art at Quoz Arts Fest by Alserkal
Art enthusiasts, mark your calendar for the Quoz Arts Fest on January 27 and 28, where Alserkal Avenue and Al Quoz Creative Zone merge for a weekend of art, food, and live performances. From hip-hop beats by Big Hass to the fusion sounds of Mar Simba, the festival promises a sensory feast. All proceeds from ticket sales are dedicated to the Quoz Arts Fest programme, supporting local and regional talent.
When: Sat January 27 and Sunday January 28.
Where: Alserkal Avenue.
Price: Full weekend access pass for Dhs63 at platinum.list.
Click here for a rundown of all the epic concerts happening in the UAE in 2024.
Try some amazing food as 10 homegrown culinary concepts take over Dubai’s Cafe at Le Guepard
Foodies can relish in the culinary delights that await at Café10 by Le Guepard in 2024, with a year-long pop-up featuring 10 homegrown concepts. In January, Chef Eric Lee debuts his creation, Bahn Mi Mafia, at Le Guepard in Al Serkal Avenue.
When: Every 3rd weekend of the month (Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
Where: Le Guepard, Unit 57, Al Serkal Avenue, 10 am – 7 pm each day.
Click here for bookings and more information.
Hit the books at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
Via @emirateslitfest on Instagram
January 2024 brings one of the best things to do in Dubai for seasoned bookworms. Immerse yourself in the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature from January 31 to February 6, where international and local authors converge for talks, workshops, and masterclasses at InterContinental in Festival City and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library. Get ready to flip those pages!
When: Mon Jan 31-Wed Feb 6.
Where: InterContinental in Festival City & Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
Price: Ticket price TBC. emirateslitfest.com.