The UAE in December 2026
Peak season. National Day on 2 and 3 December, the Grand Prix on 3 to 6 December, the Guggenheim opening on the 11th, the Liwa festival, the Shopping Festival and New Year's Eve.
Highs about 25 to 27, nights about 16 to 17. The first properly cool month.
Big events, festivals and anyone who wants the full programme.
Highest hotel and flight prices of the year, and heavy traffic around Yas Island and the festival sites. Book first.
28 events in December 2026
Dubai Miracle Garden reopens, Season 15
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026, autumn programme
Dubai Safari Park reopens, Season 8
Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean
Global Village Dubai, Season 31
Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial
Sheikh Zayed Festival 2026-27
Dubai Racing Carnival opens
Art Here 2026 and the Richard Mille Art Prize
ILT20 Season 5
Living Legacies. Protecting Heritage. Building Hope
Andrea Bocelli: Romanza
UAE National Day 2026 (55th)
Bolshoi Theatre at Dubai Opera
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026
Yasalam After-Race Concerts 2026
Anyma: Official Grand Prix After-Party
Dubai Shopping Festival (32nd edition)
Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2026
GITEX Global 2026
Culture Summit Abu Dhabi
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi opens
Guy Manoukian at Dubai Opera
Liwa International Festival 2026-27
Mariah Carey: Christmastime
Chicago the Musical
Katy Perry: New Year's Eve Gala at Atlantis
New Year's Eve in the UAE 2026
Best in December
December 2026: common questions
What are the biggest events in the UAE in December 2026?+
Dubai Miracle Garden reopens, Season 15 (Opened 8 Oct 2026, runs to 31 May 2027); Abu Dhabi Festival 2026, autumn programme (10 Oct to 19 Dec 2026); Dubai Safari Park reopens, Season 8 (Opened 12 Oct 2026); Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean (14 Oct 2026 to 14 Feb 2027); Global Village Dubai, Season 31 (Opened 14 Oct 2026, runs until May 2027).
What is the weather like in the UAE in December?+
Highs about 25 to 27, nights about 16 to 17. The first properly cool month.
Is December a good time to visit the UAE?+
Peak season. National Day on 2 and 3 December, the Grand Prix on 3 to 6 December, the Guggenheim opening on the 11th, the Liwa festival, the Shopping Festival and New Year's Eve. Highest hotel and flight prices of the year, and heavy traffic around Yas Island and the festival sites. Book first.