15 Major Events to Attend in the UAE This November 2026: Dubai Run, Diwali, Boat Shows and More
November 2026 is bringing a packed calendar of events to the UAE. From cycling and running on some of Dubai’s busiest roads to Diwali celebrations, international art exhibitions, golf tournaments and luxury boat shows, there is plenty happening across the country.
Dubai Fitness Challenge is already under way, while Abu Dhabi is preparing to host Frieze Abu Dhabi and two major marine events. Sharjah, meanwhile, will welcome readers and authors from around the world for its annual book fair.
Whether you are planning a family outing, looking for something different to do over the weekend or interested in major business exhibitions, here are 15 events worth adding to your November calendar.
1. Dubai Fitness Challenge and Dubai Run
Dubai Fitness Challenge returns with its familiar 30-day format, encouraging residents to spend at least 30 minutes exercising every day for 30 days. Free fitness sessions, community activities and outdoor events are taking place at locations across the city.
The challenge began on October 31 and runs until November 29. Dubai Ride opened the programme on November 1, with cyclists taking over sections of the city’s roads.
Another major highlight is Dubai Run on November 22. Participants can choose between a 5km route starting near the Museum of the Future and a 10km route that finishes at the DIFC Gate Building.
The run is scheduled to begin at 6.30am, with the start line closing at 8am. Registration is free, but participants need to register and collect their running bib in advance.
Dates: October 31 to November 29; Dubai Run on November 22
Location: Various locations across Dubai
Entry: Free; advance registration required for Dubai Run
2. UAE Flag Day
The UAE will observe Flag Day on Tuesday, November 3. Government departments, schools, businesses and other organisations across the seven emirates are expected to take part in flag-raising ceremonies.
The national flag will be raised simultaneously at 11am, making it one of the country’s key annual public observances.
First marked in 2013, Flag Day is associated with the anniversary of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s accession as UAE President in 2004. The occasion is widely observed as a symbol of national identity and unity.
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Location: Across the UAE
Entry: Public observances; individual venues may have their own arrangements
3. ADIPEC 2026 in Abu Dhabi
The energy sector will be in focus when ADIPEC 2026 opens at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The exhibition and conference brings together energy companies, policymakers, technology providers and industry specialists from around the world.
This year’s programme is expected to attract more than 2,250 exhibiting companies, with participants from over 170 countries. The event will feature discussions on energy security, investment, natural gas, LNG, artificial intelligence, infrastructure and industrial development.
Major regional companies, including ADNOC, Masdar, TAQA and Mubadala Energy, are among the names associated with the event, alongside international energy and technology businesses.
ADIPEC is primarily a professional industry gathering rather than a general public festival. It is particularly relevant to people working in energy, engineering, investment and related sectors.
Dates: November 2 to 5
Location: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
Entry: Check registration and visitor eligibility through the official event website
4. Dubai Design Week
Dubai Design Week returns to Dubai Design District (d3) for its 12th edition, bringing together designers, architects, artists, creative businesses and visitors interested in contemporary design.
The programme includes exhibitions, outdoor installations, workshops, talks and a weekend marketplace. One of the main attractions is Downtown Design, which runs from November 4 to 8 and features international and regional design brands.
Visitors can also explore public installations, including Japan’s CHATAI 2.0 and Playing Field by Indian design practice ALTER. The UAE Designer Exhibition will return under the theme Inherited Futures.
The weekend marketplace is another reason to visit, with homegrown brands selling fashion, jewellery and homeware. Food stalls and activities for children add to the festival atmosphere.
Most of Dubai Design Week is free to attend, although Downtown Design requires a separate ticket.
Dates: November 3 to 8
Location: Dubai Design District (d3)
Entry: Free for the main festival; Downtown Design is ticketed
5. Sharjah International Book Fair
The Sharjah International Book Fair returns for its 45th edition, giving readers the opportunity to explore books, meet writers and attend cultural events over 12 days.
This year’s theme is Made of Stories. The fair is expected to bring together 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries, alongside writers, artists and cultural personalities.
Oman is the guest of honour, with a delegation that includes writers and poets. Visitors can also explore dedicated attractions such as the Poets’ Corner, where personal stories can be turned into poetry, and the Future Hands District, an interactive space designed to introduce children to different professions.
Food lovers can visit the Cookery Corner for live demonstrations by chefs, including India’s Romy Gill and Pakistani-British chef Kausar Raja.
Crime fiction fans may also want to check out the Thriller Festival, scheduled to run from November 7 to 10.
Dates: November 4 to 15
Location: Expo Centre Sharjah
Entry: Check the organiser’s website for admission and individual event details
6. Two Major DP World Tour Golf Championships
Golf fans have two major tournaments to look forward to this month, with the DP World Tour season moving towards its conclusion.
The first is the Abu Dhabi Championship, scheduled at Yas Links from November 5 to 8. Rory McIlroy has confirmed his participation, adding further interest to the tournament.
The action then moves to Dubai for the DP World Tour Championship, which takes place at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 12 to 15. The leading 50 players in the Race to Dubai rankings will compete on the Earth Course as the season’s champion is decided.
There is also an opportunity for spectators to attend without paying for general admission on Thursday in Dubai, subject to registration. Children aged 17 and under can also access free tickets, but registration is required.
Dates: November 5 to 8 in Abu Dhabi; November 12 to 15 in Dubai
Locations: Yas Links and Jumeirah Golf Estates
Entry: Free and paid ticket options, depending on the event and day
7. Diwali Celebrations Across the UAE
Diwali falls on November 8 this year, and celebrations will take place at several locations across the UAE.
Dubai’s Festival of Lights runs from November 2 to 12, with activities that include diya painting, rangoli workshops, music, dance performances and shopping offers. Many of the community activities are free.
Noor: Festival of Lights will return to Souk Al Seef on November 7 and 8, bringing cultural performances and festive activities to the area beside Dubai Creek.
In Abu Dhabi, BAPS Hindu Mandir is scheduled to hold Diwali celebrations from November 6 to 10. Visitors should register in advance, as walk-in entry is not available.
Dhanteras falls on November 6, while the main Diwali celebrations take place on November 8. Families planning to visit popular temples and shopping areas should allow extra time for traffic and crowds.
Main date: November 8
Festival of Lights in Dubai: November 2 to 12
Locations: Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other parts of the UAE
Entry: Many activities are free; some venues require advance registration
8. International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA2026)
Dubai will host the 31st International Symposium on Electronic Art, known as ISEA2026, from November 6 to 15.
The event focuses on digital art, new media, technology and creative experimentation. Its theme, ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity, explores the relationship between technology, culture and identity.
The programme is spread across around 20 locations in Dubai. Visitors can expect exhibitions, immersive installations, performances, projection mapping, workshops and artist discussions.
Venues include Al Safa Art and Design Library, Etihad Museum, Kanvas, Foundry Gallery and ARTE Museum. Al Wasl Dome will also host projection-mapping experiences.
The live artistic programme is free with registration, while the online academic programme has separate ticket prices.
Dates: November 6 to 15
Location: Multiple venues across Dubai
Entry: Free for the live artistic programme with registration; online academic tickets are separately priced
9. Taste of Abu Dhabi
Food lovers can head to Yas Island for the return of Taste of Abu Dhabi, a three-day festival featuring restaurants, celebrity chefs, live entertainment and family activities.
The fourth edition will bring together 16 restaurants, each offering a selection of tasting dishes. Participating names include Soraya, Almayass, Oak Room, Paradiso, Villa Toscana at St Regis and The Ramen Bar.
Chefs Gino D’Acampo, Rachel Allen and Thomas Straker are among the personalities scheduled to host cooking sessions. Visitors can also expect live-fire barbecue demonstrations, music performances and a dedicated children’s area called Candy Land.
General admission starts at Dh80. There are also higher-priced packages that include food and drink vouchers or access to VIP facilities.
Dates: November 13 to 15
Location: Yas Gateway Park North, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Tickets: From Dh80; children under 12 enter free
10. Frieze Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s art calendar gets a major addition with the launch of Frieze Abu Dhabi, an international art fair organised in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
The inaugural edition will bring together galleries from across the world, including established international names and galleries from the UAE and the wider region.
The fair is divided into several sections, including Galleries, Focus, Global Futures and Frieze Masters Abu Dhabi. Alongside the gallery presentations, visitors can explore sculpture, curated discussions, artist programmes and the Frieze Abu Dhabi Artist Award.
The event will be held at Manarat Al Saadiyat in the Saadiyat Cultural District. Its location also makes it possible to combine a visit with nearby cultural attractions, including Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum.
Visitors should check the official ticket information before travelling, as entry is date- and time-specific.
Dates: November 19 to 22
Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
Entry: Ticketed; check the official website for admission times
11. Abu Dhabi International Boat Show
The Abu Dhabi International Boat Show returns for its eighth edition from November 19 to 22 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
The event brings together the marine industry, yacht and boat manufacturers, charter companies, water-sports businesses and boating enthusiasts.
One of its key attractions is the Charter Show, which focuses on luxury yachts and charter services. Visitors can also explore smaller boats, fishing equipment, marine products and demonstrations.
The exhibition is not limited to industry professionals. Its programme also includes family-friendly entertainment and activities connected with boating and water sports.
Dates: November 19 to 22
Location: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
Entry: Check the organiser’s website for visitor registration and ticket information
12. Big 5 Global
Dubai World Trade Centre will host the 47th edition of Big 5 Global from November 23 to 26.
The exhibition is one of the major business events for the construction and building industry. It brings together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, architects, developers and technology companies.
The exhibition covers a wide range of sectors, including construction materials, concrete, interiors, finishing products, solar technology, digital construction and modular building solutions.
Alongside the exhibition stands, the programme includes leadership discussions, technology sessions, student talks and industry awards. Startup City will also give emerging businesses in construction, property and infrastructure a platform to present their ideas.
Big 5 Global is primarily a trade event, so it is most relevant to people working in construction, real estate, architecture, engineering and related businesses.
Dates: November 23 to 26
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
Entry: Trade registration; check the official website for access requirements
13. Dubai International Boat Show
Dubai International Boat Show moves to November this year, with the 32nd edition scheduled to take place at Dubai Harbour.
The event is expected to feature luxury yachts, marine equipment, boating technology and water-sports activities. Visitors can explore dedicated areas such as Superyacht Avenue, Marina Display, Marine Luxury and Lifestyle, Marine Gadgets and Equipment, the Dive Zone and the Innovation Zone.
There will also be a dive pool and activities for people interested in water sports.
One practical point for visitors: the venue does not offer general visitor parking. Organisers and ticketing information point to alternative parking and shuttle arrangements, including options from Nakheel Mall and nearby public transport connections.
Tickets start at Dh60.
Dates: November 25 to 29
Location: Dubai Harbour
Tickets: From Dh60
14. Al Ain International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition
Al Ain will host the second edition of the Al Ain International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition from November 25 to 29.
The event brings together traditional Emirati interests and outdoor activities, with a focus on falconry, horses, camels and desert heritage.
The exhibition also covers camping equipment, outdoor sports, 4×4 vehicles, mobile homes, veterinary products, handicrafts and conservation-related activities.
Visitors can expect cultural displays and demonstrations alongside the commercial exhibition areas. The event is organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Emirates Falconers’ Club.
Dates: November 25 to 29
Location: ADNEC Centre Al Ain
Entry: Check the organiser’s website for visitor information
15. Mother of the Nation Festival
Abu Dhabi’s Mother of the Nation Festival marks its 10th edition in 2026, with more than five weeks of family entertainment planned across several locations.
The festival will begin outside Abu Dhabi city. From November 28 to December 2, activities are scheduled at Al Mugheirah Bay in Al Dhafra and Al Jahili Park in Al Ain.
It will then move to Abu Dhabi Corniche from December 9 to January 3, 2027.
The programme is expected to include rides, games, live performances, food experiences and themed entertainment areas. The Corniche edition will feature zones designed for different age groups, including younger children, teenagers and families.
Visitors should check the festival’s official channels for the final programme, opening hours and ticket details before making plans.
Starts: November 28
Locations: Al Mugheirah Bay, Al Jahili Park and Abu Dhabi Corniche
Entry: Check official announcements for ticketing and opening hours
Planning a November outing in the UAE?
November offers a mix of free community activities, cultural festivals, sporting competitions and large business exhibitions. Families may want to look at Diwali celebrations, Dubai Design Week, Taste of Abu Dhabi and the Mother of the Nation Festival. Those interested in sport can plan around the golf championships and Dubai Run, while art enthusiasts have Frieze Abu Dhabi and ISEA2026 to explore.
Some events are free, but others require advance registration or paid tickets. Dates, timings and admission arrangements can also change, so it is worth checking the official organiser’s website before setting out.
