In true UAE-style, the year aims to be a record breaker. We’re talking malls, megaprojects and museums.
Hello, 2025. The year ahead looks set to be a showstopper, as there are hot hotels, spectacular sports and major megaprojects. So, whether you’re visiting or living in Abu Dhabi, Dubai or beyond, there is something exciting on the horizon. Here’s looking at you, 2025.
Comedy acts in the UAE
Here’s some news that will put a smile on your face. Comedians from around the world will be making their way to the UAE. British comedian Jimmy Carr promises a night of laughter in Abu Dhabi; Al Murray will take to the Dubai Opera stage with his brand-new show, Guv Island, while Jack & Michael Whitehall will perform at Coca-Cola Arena on 14 February 2025.
Concerts in the UAE
The UAE is hitting the high notes as it welcomes world-class acts. Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Nights includes singing sensation Michael Buble on 16 January, Boyz II Men on 25 January and Christina Aguilera on 15 February. British stars Coldplay will perform in Abu Dhabi on 9, 11, 12 and 14 January, Ed Sheeran will take to the stage at Etihad Park on 26 April, and Metro Boomin will perform at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on 24 January.
Dubai Marathon 2025
On your marks, get set, run. The Dubai Marathon has announced that it is taking place on 12 January 2025. Stretching 42.195 kilometres, it is the region’s oldest marathon. If you want to channel your inner Mo Farah, but can’t go the distance, don’t worry. You can also join a 4-kilometre or 10-kilometre race.
GO: Visit www.dubaimarathon.org for reservations and more information.
Dubai Reefs
Currently under construction off the coast of Dubai, Dubai Reefs aims to be the world’s largest ocean restoration and ecotourism project. It will include a community for marine research and a sustainable floating living lab. As coastal cities like Dubai are at risk of rising sea levels, this hopes to address the issue. The site will also include educational, hospitality, residential, retail, and research facilities. The project plans to build a diverse artificial reef which covers 200 square kilometres. Plus, it will be home to over one billion corals and over 100 million mangrove trees.
GO: Visit https://urb.ae for more information.
Dubai World Cup 2025
Dubai World Cup 2025 will race into Meydan Racecourse on 5 April. Attracting trainers and jockeys from all over the world, there are plenty of opportunities to watch the horses in action, as there will be 21 competitive horse races. As one of the most prestigious horse racing tournaments in the world, the Dubai World Cup was launched by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in 1996, and continues to be one of the most exciting events in the UAE’s sporting calendar and includes $12 million at stake in the title contest.
GO: Visit www.dubairacingclub.com for reservations and more information.
Eid
The dates for Eid in 2025 have not yet been confirmed. However, if the predictions are anything to by, we are expecting it to fall around 30 to 31 March. Eid Al Fitr literally translates to ‘festival’ of breaking the fast, and marks the end of fasting during Ramadan. Eid Al Fitr is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, and falls on the tenth month of the Muslim lunar calendar. Eid is a public holiday in the UAE, and it is celebrated by Muslims around the world with prayers, meals and gifts.
Emirates LitFest
The Emirates LitFest is a page-turner of an event. Running from 29 January to 3 February, it brings together international and local authors. The line-up includes Abraham Verghese, Emmy Award-winning journalist Hala Gorani, Jeff Kinney, the renowned author and illustrator of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, and Daniel Handler, the author and screenwriter and creator of A Series of Unfortunate Events. The line-up also features Booker Prize-nominated author Chigozie Obioma, acclaimed travel writer and author Dr. Mohamed Mansi Qandil, Cultural Personality of the Year Waciny Laredj, poet and author Khalid Albudoor, and celebrated Palestinian chef and cookbook author Fadi Kattan.
GO: Visit https://emirateslitfest.com for more information.
Etihad Rail
All aboard. Europe has the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Swiss Alps has The Glacier Express and now, the UAE has Etihad Rail which has been operational since February 2023. When it comes to transport, this is one of the most exciting UAE megaprojects – the train line already connects 11 cities across seven Emirates. The rail line linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai has been completed, but the whole network will stretch 1,200 kilometres from the border of Saudi Arabia to the border of Oman.
GO: Visit www.etihadrail.ae for more information.
Floating mosque
You’ll be swept away by this architectural wonder. A floating mosque is heading to Dubai Water Canal Dubai and looks set to be a spectacular sight. The AED 55 million project will welcome visitors of all faiths. The heart of this mosque lies beneath the waters and can accommodate up to 75 worshippers at a time. The mosque also features two halls designed for Islamic lectures and workshops.
GO: Visit www.visitdubai.com for more information.
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Etihad Airways Grand Prix
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi is an annual sports event, which brings thrilling races to the capital. The championship races into town from 4 to 7 December 2025. The races take place across 5.281 kilometres and 58 laps in Yas Marina. Catch the world’s biggest drivers, from Max Verstappen to Sergio Perez, and look out for A-list acts at the F1 Yasalam After-Race concerts.
GO: www.yasmarinacircuit.com for more information.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is set to open in 2025 and was designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Gehry’s greatest architectural hits include the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, United States, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, so we are expecting him to produce something just as striking for Abu Dhabi. The venue is in the Saadiyat Cultural District and will be home to 28 galleries showcasing modern art from West Africa, North Africa and South Asia.
GO: Visit https://abudhabiculture.ae for more information.
Hotel openings
The UAE is filled with exciting hotel openings. The latest line-up includes Ciel in Dubai which aims to be the world’s tallest tower, and it will include more than 1,000 rooms. The first Mondrian hotel in the United Arab Emirates will be located in Downtown Abu Dhabi and spans 221 rooms and 80 serviced apartments, while LUX Al Bridi Resort in Sharjah forms part of the world’s largest wildlife safari outside of Africa.
J1 Beach
Goodbye La Mer, hello J1 Beach. The site formerly known as La Mer has been rebranded and replaced with the new J1 Beach. The upmarket, day-to-night hotspot is already home to several new beach clubs and waterfront restaurants, but the big opening for 2025 will be Chef Izu Ani’s Sirene Beach by GAIA. With seating for 400 in the restaurant, a beachfront boasting 300 sunbeds, luxurious private cabanas, and a terraced flow from dining spaces to the beach, Sirene creates a seamless experience where guests can relax and unwind, accompanied by curated beats from the resident DJ throughout the day.
GO: Visit www.j1beach.com for more information.
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
The latest addition to Jumeirah Group’s ultra-luxury portfolio sits in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab. Boasting a total of 300 rooms and 86 suites, along with 82 one-, two-, and three-bedroom serviced residences, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arabs’ accommodations exude a nautical glamour with panoramic vistas of the stunning Arabian Sea. The hotel will feature specially-integrated wellness and leisure destinations, several swimming pools and a selection of signature restaurants, including a unique concept featuring four restaurants in one.
GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com for reservations and more information.
Megaprojects in the UAE
The UAE has marvellous megaprojects, and we expect more to be announced in 2024. Current developments include Sharjah’s Kalba Waterfront Project, which is scheduled to open in Sharjah’s Eastern Region. Dubai’s Las Vegas-inspired island, aptly titled The Island, signed a record-breaking development deal.
Music festivals in the UAE
Dubai is set to see the return of mega festival, UNTOLD Dubai altough the dates are still to be confirmed. We also expect Wireless Festival to return to the capital, while the new Off Limits Festival will bring Ed Sheeran and more than 20 artists to Etihad Park on 26 April.
Natural History Museum
Saadiyat Cultural District is the cultural gift that keeps on giving. Natural History Museum will open in 2025 in the capital and will be a must-visit family-friendly destination. The impressive collection will cover everything from marine biology to palaeontology. When it’s open, you can meet the likes of Stan, a 67-million-year-old skeleton of a tyrannosaurus rex, and the seven-billion-year-old Murchison Meteorite.
GO: Visit https://abudhabiculture.ae for more information.
Restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is bringing it with new restaurants, which range from casual to classy. 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant’s spin-off Kō is heading to Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Ruben Guerrero, the group’s International Culinary Director, will create a menu filled with Japanese classics ranging from flambés to robatas. Plus, Irish UFC champion Conor McGregor will bring his Dublin pub to Abu Dhabi, and homegrown concept 3Fils will open at The Abu Dhabi EDITION.
Restaurants in Dubai
Dubai is home to award-winning concepts, from FACT Dining Awards Dubai to MICHELIN Star winners. The upcoming hot tables include Carbone at Atlantis The Royal, China Tang at The Lana – Dorchester Collection, Korean restaurant Hanu at St. Regis Gardens, Chef Izu Ani’s KIGO at Four Seasons DIFC, Scott’s Dubai in DIFC and Tattu in Dubai Marina.
Sharjah Floating Theater
Is it a seashell? A theatre? Well, it’s all of those things and more. Sharjah Government Media Bureau has announced its next megaproject: Sharjah Floating Theater. The magnificent new theatre, which can accommodate 1,000 visitors, promises to be one of the emirate’s cultural highlights. In true UAE fashion, it has a unique shape. In this case, the island is shaped like a seashell and is surrounded by water basins. His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, and Ruler of Sharjah not only approved the project, but came up with the idea of the seashell shape himself.
GO: Visit https://sgmb.ae for more information.
Taste of Dubai
It can often feel like there are so many restaurants but so little time. Taste of Dubai may just be the answer, as it showcases the region’s best chefs and restaurants. Taking place from 14 to 16 2025, it includes cooking classes, live entertainment and a whole lot of food.
GO: Visit https://tasteofdubaifestival.com for reservations and more information.
teamLab Phenomena
Abu Dhabi, you are in for a cultural treat. The capital has unveiled plans for teamlab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, a one-of-a-kind, multisensory art experience in Saadiyat Cultural District. The project has dubbed itself as the home for infinite curiosity, and aims to be a philosophical, inspirational place. Spanning a massive 17,000 square meters, it will be an immersive space and interacting with the art work is positively encouraged.
GO: Visit https://tcaabudhabi.ae for more information.
The Heart of Europe
The World Islands is an archipelago of artificial islands constructed in the shape of a world map. Located 4km off the coast of Dubai, The Heart Of Europe development is well underway with phase one of the megaproject including an Italian-themed five-star facility, the Portofino Hotel. Inspired by the holiday resorts in Portofino, the project features Italian architecture, a harbour, clear waters and stunning views of the sea and the Dubai skyline. Portofino will be the first five-star family-only hotel and resort in the region. The Heart of Europe will also feature the climate-controlled Rainy Street covering one kilometre, where it will rain on command!
GO: Visit thoe.com for more information.
Timbuktu Market
Timbuktu Market in Dubai has the taglines “a world of flavours” and “a place to connect”. The concept draws its inspiration from some of the world’s most famous markets, from London to New York, and is hoping to put Dubai’s food market on the map. Led by Hani Al Malki, a food blogger in the city, it will bring together bakers, home chefs, pop-ups and supper clubs.
GO: Follow @timbuktu_market on Instagram for more information.
Zayed National Museum
The Founding President of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is being celebrated with his very own UAE megaproject: Zayed National Museum. Located on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, this museum will be a great starting point for those who want to learn about the history and ambitions of the UAE. The exhibitions will showcase how the country has transformed and will commemorate the legacy of Sheikh Zayed. Foster + Partners is behind the sleek design, which is set to be a popular tourist attraction and one of the most ambitious UAE megaprojects.
GO: Visit www.zayednationalmuseum.ae for reservations and more information.
