In true UAE style, the year aims to be a record-breaker. We’re talking malls, megaprojects and museums.
2026 looks set to be a showstopper in the UAE, with hot hotels, spectacular sports and major megaprojects on the way. 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, 2026.
Al Maryah Waterfront
Abu Dhabi is expected to welcome a spectacular new landmark this year. Al Maryah Waterfront will feature a 30-metre luminous sphere, accompanied by more than 1,000 AI-powered water jets that can reach heights of up to 75 metres. The water show will feature a bespoke soundtrack composed by Game of Thrones composer Ramin Djawadi. The development will also include outdoor areas, waterfront access, and dedicated food and drink zones.
GO: Visit https://www.mubadala.com for more information.
Celebrate the arts
The UAE’s cultural calendar is in full swing. The 14th Edition of the Sikka Art & Design Festival will run from 23 January to 1 February; Quoz Arts Fest will take over Alserkal Avenue from 24 to 25 January; and Sharjah Light Festival will illuminate the emirate for the 15th year.
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 at Dubai Opera on 21 February, while Rob Beckett, fresh from sold-out dates in the UK, will perform at the same venue on 22 January.
Concerts in the UAE
The UAE is hitting the high notes as it welcomes world-class acts. Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Nights includes performances by Diana Ross and Seal on 9 January, Lewis Capaldi on 17 January, Ricky Martin on 31 January, and Mariah Carey on 7 February. Elsewhere, Linkin Park will rock Etihad Park on 20 January, Wu-Tang Clan will perform at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on 22 March, and Christina Aguilera heads to Etihad Arena on 24 April.
Dubai Marathon 2026
On your marks, get set, run. The Dubai Marathon has announced it will take place on 1 February 2026 in the UAE. 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 four-kilometre or 10-kilometre race.
GO: Visit www.dubaimarathon.org for 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 face rising sea levels, this project aims 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 2026
The Dubai World Cup will race into Meydan Racecourse on 28 March. 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 more information.
Eid
The dates for Eid in 2026 have not yet been confirmed. However, if the predictions are anything to go by, we are expecting it to fall around 19 or 20 March 2026 in the UAE. 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 21 to 27 January, it brings together international and local authors. The line-up includes R.F. Kuang, the author of Yellowface, Babel and The Poppy War; Ruth Ware, the best-selling British crime writer of The Woman in Cabin 10, now a Netflix adaptation; Samantha Shannon, the fantasy heavyweight behind The Bone Season series and The Priory of the Orange Tree, and Asma Khan, a London-based chef, Netflix Chef’s Table star and owner of Darjeeling Express.
GO: Visit https://emirateslitfest.com for more information.
Etihad Rail
All aboard. Europe has the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Swiss Alps have 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 megaprojects in the UAE – the train line already connects 11 cities across seven Emirates. Passenger services will begin in the UAE in 2026. However, the full network will not be operational until 2030.
GO: Visit www.etihadrail.ae for more information.
FACT Dining Awards
The FACT Dining Awards, the prestigious culinary recognition program celebrating excellence in the food and beverage industry, will return to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London and Riyadh in 2026. Voting for all four territories will officially launch in January 2026, allowing you to support and celebrate your favourite dining venues across various categories. Since its inception, the FACT Dining Awards have been a hallmark of the region’s vibrant F&B industry, spotlighting the best restaurants, cafés, and culinary innovators.
GO: Visit https://diningawards.factmagazines.com for more information.
Floating Mosque
You’ll be swept away by this architectural wonder. A floating mosque is heading to the Dubai Water Canal 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
The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi is an annual sporting event that brings thrilling races to the capital. The championship races into town from 4 to 6 December 2026. 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 complete construction in 2026 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 expect him to produce something just as striking in 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 LUX Al Bridi Resort, located within the 784-hectare Sharjah Safari project, which will form part of the world’s largest wildlife safari outside of Africa. Mondrian Abu Dhabi will be the first Mondrian hotel in the United Arab Emirates, spanning 221 rooms and 80 serviced apartments. Saij Mountain Lodge is a remarkable retreat with 35 luxurious lodges, offering guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings of the Hajar Mountains. The five-star Nobu Hotel on Saadiyat Island is also expected to open in 2026, featuring 165 luxurious guest rooms and suites, including a stunning Nobu Villa on the rooftop.
Kapitol
The team behind the FACT Award-winning L’Amo Bistro del Mare and Mott 32 is back with something entirely unexpected. Sunset Hospitality Group has announced the launch of Kapitol, a new destination at Rixos Premium Dubai that blends dining and entertainment. The entertainment complex will span over 30,000 square feet across three levels, offering a game-led social playground infused with nostalgic design, state-of-the-art technology, and elevated dining. Expect axe throwing, baseball cages, darts, electric shuffle, F1 racing simulators, retro arcade games, a 14-hole mini-golf course, and bowling lanes, all wrapped around lively bars and a central stage for DJs and live performances.
GO: Visit www.sunsethospitality.com for more information.
Megaprojects in the UAE
The UAE has marvellous megaprojects, and we expect more to be announced in 2026. Current developments include Sharjah’s Kalba Waterfront Project, scheduled to open in the Eastern Region, and Dubai’s Las Vegas-inspired island, aptly named The Island, which signed a record-breaking development deal.
Music festivals in the UAE
Dubai is set to see the return of the mega festival, UNTOLD Dubai, from 5 to 8 November 2026. We also expect Wireless Festival to return, alongside Club Social, Elrow and SoleDXB. The linups have been getting stronger each year, so expect a mix of international and regional talents.
Restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is bringing it with new restaurants, which range from casual to classy. Bar Du Port is heading down the coast from Dubai to Yas Island; famed European restaurant Fi’lia will open inside Mondrian Abu Dhabi; Hanbok will bring modern Korean food to The Galleria Al Maryah Island; and the FACT award-winning Gaia and Nooa are also expected to make their mark in the capital.
Restaurants in Dubai
Dubai is home to award-winning concepts, from the FACT Dining Awards Dubai to MICHELIN-starred restaurants. The upcoming hot tables include Barrafina in DIFC, Chotto Matte at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Osaka Nikkei and Pavyllon Dubai at Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai, and Scott’s in DIFC.
Surfbase
Get ready to go with the flow. Surfbase Dubai, an indoor surf club, is set to open in the UAE in 2026. In true UAE-style, it will be a record-breaker – and home to the world’s largest artificial wave. If you want to ride the waves, you will be thrilled to hear that the waves reach between 0.8 to three metres high and 30 metres wide. The wave can transition from gentle to aggressive, allowing surfers of all levels to take advantage of the experience. Since the centre is indoors, there are no reefs, dangerous waves and, of course, sharks. So, surfers can catch waves without worrying.
GO: Visit https://surfbase.co 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 6 to 8 February 2026, it includes cooking classes, live entertainment and a whole lot of food. It wouldn’t be Taste of Dubai without celebrity chefs, and this year’s line-up features legendary Italian Chef & TV personality Gino D’Acampo, Masterchef Australia Judge Matt Preston, Ireland’s bestselling cookery writer Rachel Allen, and Instagram Chef sensation Harry Heal.
GO: Visit https://tasteofdubaifestival.com for more information.
The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi
The capital is about to welcome a stunning new attraction. Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi, located next to The National Aquarium at Al Qana, is set to enchant residents and visitors alike when it opens this year. Within the climate-controlled bio-domes, over 10,000 butterflies drift through lush tropical landscapes that mirror ecosystems from around the world. The sanctuary will be divided into two zones — Asia and the Americas — each highlighting native species from its respective region. Alongside the butterflies, expect to encounter two-toed sloths, caiman crocodiles, and American insects in the Americas dome, while the Asian dome will feature bearcats, koi carp, and a wide range of Asian insects.
GO: Visit https://alqana.ae for more information.
The Heart of Europe
The World Islands is an archipelago of artificial islands shaped like 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. The Heart of Europe will also feature Floating Venice, a hotel with traditional gondolas and underwater villas with floor-to-ceiling windows.
GO: Visit thoe.com for more information.
The World of Studio Ghibli
Opening on 30 May 2026 and running until 20 August 2026, The World of Studio Ghibli will take over Manarat Al Saadiyat, bringing to life the fantastical worlds created by Japan’s legendary animation house. Spanning 16 galleries, the exhibition explores almost four decades of Studio Ghibli’s craft, from its earliest works to its most beloved modern classics. You will be able to step into scenes inspired by films such as My Neighbour Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle.
GO: Visit https://theworldofstudioghibli.ae for more information.
The world’s first AI Museum
Located in the Zabeel extension at Dubai Mall, Readles will be the world’s first museum of artificial intelligence when it opens in the UAE in 2026. The attraction will bring your childhood stories to life, but with a futuristic twist. This AI-based museum will not just showcase the curation of the exhibits but will also play a major role in how visitors consume them. By leveraging AI to breathe new life into ancient tales, Readles sets a precedent for how we might use technology to preserve, reinterpret, and share the stories that make us human.
GO: Visit www.readles.com for more information.
