Kick off 2026 with the best things to do in Dubai this January
Dubai is buzzing this month with live music, comedy nights, beachfront dining and cultural events. Here’s your guide to the top things to do in Dubai this January.
A classic Agatha Christie mystery comes to life on stage
Image: Queen Elizabeth 2 website
Crime fiction fans won’t want to miss this live stage adaptation of an Agatha Christie classic, performed aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2. Set in a snowbound guesthouse, the story invites audiences to piece together the clues and uncover the truth behind a series of chilling crimes, as hidden motives and unexpected secrets gradually come to light.
When: January 17 and 18
Where: Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid
Cost: From Dhs99
Wicked the Musical is flying into Dubai
Image: What’s On Archive
Whether you’re team broomstick or all about the pink puffed dress, it’s time to warm up those vocal cords. Wicked the Musical has officially been confirmed for Dubai, marking its very first run in the UAE. Co-presented by Dubai Opera and Broadway Entertainment, the much-loved story of Oz will take over the stage with its show-stopping songs, spellbinding performances and spectacular production. And yes, it’s expected to be a very popular run.
When: Wednesday January 28 to Sunday February 16, 2026
Where: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
Cost: From Dsh275
Anirudh Ravichander brings his live show to Dubai
Image: World Expo Dubai website
After selling out arenas across the globe, acclaimed composer and performer Anirudh Ravichander is set to take over Dubai with a high-energy live show at Coca-Cola Arena. Best known for defining the sound of modern Indian cinema, his chart-topping tracks span Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi films, making this a must-see night for fans of contemporary film music.
When: Sunday January 11, 2026
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk
Cost: From Dhs175
LANY return to Dubai on their Soft World Tour
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US indie-pop favourites LANY are making their way back to Dubai, bringing their Soft World Tour to Coca-Cola Arena. Known for blending indie sensibilities with polished pop melodies, the band has earned a loyal global following thanks to their catchy hooks and reflective lyrics. Expect an atmospheric night packed with fan favourites and tour highlights.
When: Saturday January 28
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk
Cost: From Dhs150
Tom Odell brings his live show to Dubai
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English singer-songwriter Tom Odell is set to perform at Coca-Cola Arena this January, with tickets already on sale. The artist behind the global smash Another Love , which has racked up more than three billion Spotify streams — will deliver a powerful live set filled with intimate ballads, raw emotion and fan favourites at the City Walk venue.
When: Saturday January 24
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk
Cost: From Dhs295
The MAINE Beach House makes its Palm Jumeirah debut
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Dubai-born favourite The MAINE is expanding its empire with The MAINE Beach House, opening December 18 at Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah. This fourth Dubai location offers a full beachside experience, from sun-soaked cabanas and beach beds to terrace seating right on the sand. Designed for all-day dining, it effortlessly transitions from relaxed lunches to sunset evenings, welcoming families, dogs and even guests arriving by boat. Inspired by New England coastal cuisine, the menu features seafood classics, handmade pastas, market-fresh fish and premium grills, all served with sweeping sea views.
When: Open daily, 12pm to 12am
Where: Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah
Soft rock legends Air Supply celebrate 50 years in Dubai
Image: Air Supply Facebook
Marking five decades in music, iconic soft rock duo Air Supply are heading to Dubai as part of their 50th anniversary tour. Best known for timeless hits including All Out Of Love, the band will take to the stage at Coca-Cola Arena for a one-night-only performance. Formed in 1975 after Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock met while touring Australia with Jesus Christ Superstar, the pair have been creating chart-topping music ever since.
When: Thursday January 30, 2026
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk
Cost: From Dhs299
Laugh till your belly hurts this January
Image: What’s On Archive
The Laughter Factory is kicking off 2026 in signature style, serving up an evening of no-holds-barred comedy with a line-up of top international talent. Expect rapid-fire punchlines, sharp observations and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as Saaniya Abbas, Larry Dean and Emmanuel Sonubi bring their best material to the stage for a high-energy night of stand-up.
When: January 10
Where: Studio One Hotel, Dubai
Jonas Blue takes over Bohemia at Five Palm Jumeirah
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Chart-topping DJ and producer Jonas Blue is set to bring his feel-good sound to Bohemia at Five Palm Jumeirah for a high-energy night by the beach. With a catalogue packed full of global hits including Fast Car, Perfect Strangers, Rise, Mama and Polaroid, expect hands-in-the-air moments from start to finish. Sam Oui and Anrey will warm things up before the main set kicks off.
When: January 3, from 6pm
Where: Bohemia at Five Palm Jumeirah
Cost: Tickets from Dhs100
An evening of wellness and music at Coca-Cola Arena
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Discover a night of relaxation and mindfulness as sitar virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma presents Sitar for Mental Healthat Coca-Cola Arena. Fusing traditional Indian classical music with modern electronic elements, Rishab crafts a calming, immersive experience designed to soothe the mind and uplift the spirit — a perfect blend of wellness and art.
When: Saturday January 31, gates open 6:30pm, show starts 8pm
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk
Cost: Tickets from Dhs350
A stunning LED drone show lights up Dubai skies
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Over 1,000 LED drones will take to the night sky above Bluewaters and JBR during the Dubai Shopping Festival. Watch as vibrant shapes, giant aerial animations, and even drone-powered pyrotechnics transform the skyline in a dazzling, free-to-watch spectacle — a festive treat for the whole family.
When: Every night at 8pm and 10pm, until January 11
Where: Bluewaters and JBR, Dubai
Cost: Free to watch
Quoz Arts Fest returns to Alserkal Avenue
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Quoz Arts Fest 2026 is back, inviting art enthusiasts, families and the creatively curious to a weekend of culture at the heart of Al Quoz. Explore a dynamic mix of contemporary art, live performances, music, food and unexpected moments of discovery as the neighbourhood comes alive as a vibrant creative hub.
When: January 24–25, 10am to 11pm
Where: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
Cost: Tickets from Dhs100
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic tees off at Emirates Golf Club
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The Hero Dubai Desert Classic returns for four days of world-class golf, food and entertainment at Emirates Golf Club. Watch top professionals and rising stars compete for the prestigious Rolex Series $9M prize fund from multiple viewing areas around the course. Off the fairways, Tournament Town offers live music, family-friendly activities and a wide selection of food trucks.
When: January 22 to 25
Where: Emirates Golf Club, Dubai
Cost: General admission free on Thursday and Friday; children 17 and under go free with a registered ticket
Giulia by the Beach brings a taste of the Italian Riviera to Dubai Harbour
Dubai Harbour’s beachfront dining scene has a new gem: Giulia by the Beach. This chic alfresco eatery blends Mediterranean charm with Dubai’s signature seaside glamour, creating a relaxed yet refined setting perfect for sun-soaked lunches, DJ-fuelled Saturday nights, or a now-legendary Sunday brunch by the water. With airy interiors, natural light and stunning Marina views, it’s a serene escape that channels the effortless elegance of the Amalfi Coast.
When: Daily 12pm to 12am
Where: Be Beach, Dubai Harbour
