Underrated Dubai Festivals in 2025 You Shouldn’t Miss

Each season in Dubai brings cultural events, some of the largest music festivals in the region, and truly unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. Local music lovers, dance enthusiasts, art fans, foodies, and literature buffs will each find something to suit their taste. Most festivals open their doors to both adults and children. There are even festivals dedicated to pets and exotic animals. In this article, we’ll explore some lesser-known festivals that are still worth checking out.

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Wasla Music Festival

Wasla is the first Arab alternative music and arts festival to expand globally. Guests will enjoy music from legendary artists like Marwan Pablo and DJ Habibeat, as well as various genres, from reggae and jazz to electronic and traditional Arabic music. The festival also offers art installations, tasty dishes from multiple food trucks and pop-ups, and an Artisan Market.

The Quoz Arts Bizarre Festivals 

The Quoz Arts Fest art and music festival took place in January 2025. The event welcomed people of all ages and was pet-friendly. The festival was a hit with live music from top artists like Omar Offendum, Emel Mathlouthi, Yuma, Afikra, and Musaafir Music. The festival also included film screenings and workshops for all ages. A Kids Lane provided interactive activities for children. Dining spots like Hooked and Polline Dubai served diverse culinary options. Visitors enjoyed art installations and exhibitions like Fujifilm x Gulf Photo Plus “Camera Obscura” and the “Forest Dancer and the Path to Pure Creation” of Eness. Galleries such as Custot Gallery and Lawrie Shabibi exhibited contemporary works by notable artists.

South Indian Cultural Experience at Southside Carnival

Southside Carnival is a one-day cultural and music event with a rich cultural heritage, live music, and various performances.

Southside Carnival 2025 happened on January 18 at Etisalat Academy in Dubai. Bringing together South Indian cultural traditions, business networking, and live performances in one of the city’s most vibrant cultural festivals. This music event featured a full-day lineup of jam bands, iconic music from top South Indian artists, and cultural showcases. It was one of the biggest music festivals for the regional diaspora. Festival organizers also incorporated a business meet-up zone to promote innovation and cross-cultural dialogue, reinforcing values of world peace through shared experience. From reggae music to electronic music influences, Southside has the energy of a dance festival, with a Coachella-style vibe.

Al Marmoom Cultural Heritage Fest 

The Al Marmoom Heritage Festival features camel races and falconry shows in the authentic atmosphere of the desert. It usually occurs between December and February because the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

The festival is family-friendly with plenty of activities for kids and animals. Gourmets can taste traditional Emirati dishes (kebabs, fresh fruits, Arabic coffee). Instagram enthusiasts and bloggers can book a professional photoshoot against desert backdrops. Besides the main events, visitors can enjoy local artisan markets, participate in workshops, and listen to traditional music performances.

Dubai Comedy Festival 

Held in disguised venues (backrooms of Al Quoz garages, repurposed Deira rooftops, and even moving abra boats), it features global stars testing boundary-pushing material alongside the UAE’s rawest local talent, with past surprise drop-ins from comics like Dave Chappelle and Mo Amer. And the icing on the cake: no social media, no lineups! Just secret WhatsApp coordinates, cash-only entry, and the thrill of catching comedy history as it unfolds before it becomes polished for mainstream stages.

Sikka Art & Design Annual Festival 

In 2025, the Sikka Art & Design Festival occurred from January 31 to February 9 in Dubai’s historic Al Shindagha district. It’s not one of the most famous festivals in the world, and that’s what makes it so unique. Both locals and tourists were free to enter the festival. The Sikka Art & Design Festival is Dubai’s vibrant celebration of local and regional creativity. Here, you can meet artists, designers, and craftsmen who showcase their work in various media, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art. The participants were mainly emerging and established artists from the UAE and the broader Middle East, and designers focused on traditional and contemporary themes.

Themes and styles blend heritage and modernity, exploring cultural identity, social issues, and urban life. Styles range from traditional Arabic calligraphy and folk art to cutting-edge contemporary and experimental designs.

What to see and buy:

• Artworks, handcrafted items, and design pieces 
• See live art installations, participate in workshops, and listen to music performances
• Don’t miss an opportunity to meet artists and learn about their creative process

Here are the 2025 participation prices:

Dubai International Literature Festival 

The Dubai International Literature Festival is an annual event where book lovers of all ages can participate in various lineups. There will be author talks, panel discussions, workshops, and book signings across many genres, such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and children’s literature. Who will enjoy it?

• Readers and writers 
• Families and young adults 
• Anyone interested in culture and storytelling

Among the participants are renowned authors, poets, journalists, thinkers from around the world, emerging writers, and literary enthusiasts.

Opportunities to attend workshops and interactive sessions, as well as chances to win prizes and book giveaways during certain events, are nice bonuses.

Dubai Pet Festivals Celebrated With Unique Cultural Vibes 

Dubai hosts several interesting festivals and events dedicated to animals, attracting both pet lovers and those interested in exotic animals.

• Dubai Pet Show: The exhibition showcases various animals, from dogs and cats to exotic reptiles and birds, and includes training demonstrations, pet talent shows, and pet food and accessories.
• Pet Festival Dubai: The event features a range of exhibits, competitions, and workshops on pet care, as well as the latest products and services for animals. It’s a great spot for dog, cat, and other pet lovers to come together.
• Exotic Animal Events: Watch exotic animals, including snakes, lizards, rare birds, and mammals. These events often include expert lectures that discuss the care and protection of these species.

Taste of Dubai: Lesser-Known Festivals

The festival took place from February 14 to 16, 2025. Here’s what took place there:

• Live Music Concert: The amazing atmosphere with live folk music and performances across multiple stages, including an exclusive VIP lounge.

• Food Show: Dubai’s finest restaurants offer signature dishes in generous tasting portions, including authentic Japanese and contemporary European cuisine.
• Oyster Challenge: Come and see the Dibba Oyster Bay Challenge! People will show how fast they can open oysters. You can also try new and tasty oyster dishes.
• Artisan Market: Here you can buy handcrafted goods, gourmet delights, and kitchen essentials from local artisans. Take home some souvenirs from the fest.
• Family-Friendly Activities: There’s no entrance fee for kids aged 12 and under, with interactive cooking classes guided by professionals like Annabel Karmel.
• Cooking Workshops: At interactive sessions with Michelin-starred chefs, master the art of grilling at the Taste Firepit.

Insider Tips & Local Resources

These local resources may be helpful for you: 

• Platinumlist: Top ticket provider and event info source in Dubai, plus ticket purchasing options.
• Dubai Calendar: The official and most comprehensive source for all events in Dubai, including tickets and locations.
• Visit Dubai: This is the official tourism portal for major festivals, events, and guides.

These tips will help you to become a real festival pro: 

• Book Early and Plan Ahead: To avoid traffic, map festival locations and schedules using public transport (metro, buses). Popular events, masterclasses, and VIP packages sell out quickly, so immediately secure your tickets and spots.
• Seek Hidden Gems: It’s better to look for less-advertised local tours or workshops, especially for food festivals.
• Dress Comfortably: Each festival involves a lot of walking, so opt for light clothing and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat or cap, and sunglasses.