20 stellar things to look forward to in Dubai this October
Huge gigs, mega music festivals, new restaurant openings and more…
With the welcome arrival of October comes the return of some of our favourite things to do in Dubai: alfresco restaurants, outdoor attractions, mega music gigs and fun fitness challenges.
Whatever you’re looking for this month, bookmark these 20 stellar things to do in Dubai this October.
From October 1: See the city in full bloom at Dubai Miracle Garden
One of the most popular Dubai attractions, Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden. It is quite the spectacle featuring 150 million flowers in full bloom spanning over 72,000 square metres. The colourful heart-shaped arches that we’ve all seen all over social media will once again become the backdrop for Instagram photoshoots galore. The park is set to open earlier than usual this year, welcoming visitors from October 1.
Dubai Miracle Garden, Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand, Opens October 1. Dhs95 for adults, Dhs80 for children under 12. children under 3 are free. Tel: (0)4 422 8902. dubaimiraclegarden.com
From October 2: Stretch it out in the sky at Aura Skypool
Stretch it out at the world’s highest 360º infinity pool, Aura Skypool, with a class led by Aura’s resident wellness coach every Mon, Tue, Wed, and Sat with morning sessions covering yoga, dance and even sound healing. Classes are priced from Dhs180 and include equipment, a welcome wellness shot, a reusable Aura water bottle with infused water to take home, and a wholesome post-workout breakfast.
Aura Skypool Dubai, St Regis Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Mon, Tues, Weds and Sat, from Dhs180. Tel: (0)4 566 2121. @auraskypool.dubai
October date TBC: Eat breakfast at Tiffany’s
Get ready for Breakfast at Tiffany’s: the Blue Box Café is opening in Dubai. The famed spot is opening its doors at The Dubai Mall at the Grand Atrium entrance next to the Tiffany and Co. store. Behind this dazzling new cafe, the renowned jewellery brand teams up with Rikas Hospitality Group, the creators of concepts including Twiggy, La Cantine and Mimi Kakushi. Like its renowned sister cafes around the world, Dubai’s Blue Box Café will be decked out from head to toe in the iconic baby Tiffany blue hue, complete with a chandelier-like centerpiece of Tiffany boxes and marble clad accent walls. With space to seat 38 guests, it’s set to be an exclusive and show-stopping destination for a trio of culinary experience.
Blue Box Café, Tiffany & Co. Dubai Mall, Dubai, opening October 2023. @blueboxcafedubai
October 3: Laugh out loud with comedian Trevor Noah
Comedian Trevor Noah will bring his new stand-up show to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on October 3. Noah is a regular performer in the UAE after having performed a number of times across Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai. The South African funnyman is known for his Emmy award-winning show, The Daily Show, as well as his bestselling books including Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, and sell-out global shows.
Trevor Noah, Off The Record Tour. Coca-Cola Arena, Tues Oct 3, from Dhs295. Tel: (800) 223388, coca-cola-arena.com
Throughout October: Take the little ones to a super-sized new soft play
Say hello to Leo & Loona, a huge new indoor play area now open inside Dubai Festival City Mall. Across 2,200 square metres, there’s plenty to keep the children entertained with over 30 attractions, as well as a trendy family restaurant and event space for birthday parties. The space is designed for children aged between three and 10 years old and features pedal go-karts, trampolines, climbing walls, a foam pit, a ball pool, a magic sandbox, space rockets, glow-in-the-dark slides, and more. In other words: endless hours of fun.
Dubai Festival City Mall, second floor (opp. Fabyland), Dubai. Monday to Thursday, 10am to 11pm. Friday to Sunday, 10am to 12am. Dhs179 weekdays, Dhs229 weekends. Tel:(0)4 894 7117. leoloona.ae
October 3 to 12: Enjoy a family-friendly show at Dubai Opera
In the past few years, Dubai Opera has thrilled us with a number of phenomenal musicals from Mamma Mia! to Chicago, the Musical; Footloose and so much more. This October, the performing arts centre has announced that yet another highly popular musical will be gracing its stage – Matilda the Musical. The multi-award-winning performance by The Royal Shakespeare Company will be heading to Dubai Opera for ten days, with tickets available from Dhs325.
Matilda The Musical, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Oct 3 to 12, ticket prices start from Dhs325. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com
October 7: Get some laughs with a comedy gig
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Doctor-turned-comedian Jason Leong is coming to Theatre by QE2 as part of his massive ‘Brain Drain’ world tour. Leong has featured across Comedy Central, Just For Laughs and Netflix, and is known for his spot-on comedic timing and his quick wit. Tickets start from Dhs125 and can be purchased here.
Theatre by QE2, QE2, Port Rashid, Oct 7, ticket prices start from Dhs125. Tel: (0)58 838 3107. theatrebyqe2.com
October 13 to 15: Make some noise at a mega music festival
A British independent label group that has been responsible for some of the biggest parties across the UK, Ibiza, and Miami, Defected is finally returning to Dubai. The three-day festival will take place from Friday, October 13 to 15 at JA The Resort. On Friday night, a warehouse rave at JA The Resort will see headline sets from Monki and Hannah Wants. The next day, Saturday, October 14 welcomes you to the sandy shores of Soul Beach for a day of music from the likes of Sam Devine and Groove Armada. The last day of partying, if you’re still able to keep going – will be a pool party, with live music from Arielle Free and Roger Sanchez. Tickets start from Dhs350.
Defected Dubai, JA The Resort, Jebel Ali, Oct 13 to 15, from Dhs350. @defectedrecords, defecteddubai.com
October date TBC: Tuck in at a cool alfresco pizzeria
The Park is a new concept brought to you by EatX, the team behind some of our favourite Aussie-inspired cafes and eateries. The concept stretches over three floors, with each floor housing a different concept to create a new foodie hotspot in JLT. Already open are relaxed cafe Splendour Fields and Asian streetfood spot Hawkerboi. But still to come is Franky in Florence, an open-sky Italian on the building’s rooftop, where guests can enjoy an aperitivo spritz and a plate of antipasti or wood fired pizza.
Frankie in Florence, The Park, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, opening October 2023. eatx.com
October 13: Rock out at KISS’ farewell tour
Legendary American band KISS are set to rock Dubai in October. The iconic four-piece will take to the stage at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on Friday October 13 as part of their ‘End of the World’ tour. KISS are best known for their unique look, black and white make-up and hit songs such as I Was Made for Lovin You, and Rock and Roll All Nite. The band last performed in Dubai in December 2020, when they headlined Atlantis, The Palm’s socially distanced New Year’s Eve bash.
KISS presents End of the World tour, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Oct 13, ticket prices start from Dhs295. Tel: (800) 223 388. coca-cola-arena.com
From October 14: Support local with the return of the Ripe Market
The Ripe Market is the place to be for all your local and whole foods, fresh produce, small business and family fun needs. The outdoor location at the Academy Park officially closed for the summer in May, and in good news for all our outdoor market lovers, it will reopen on October 14 for another season. There’s much to do at the Ripe Market, with pop-up stalls, food vendors, classes and workshops, entertainment and more.
The Ripe Market, Academy Park, Al Sufouh, 9am to 9pm Sat, 9am to 7pm Sun, from Oct 14. @ripemarket
From October 18: Discover the world in a day at Global Village
Global Village Dubai is gearing up to reopen its doors on Wednesday, October 18 – a week earlier than usual. This means visitors will have an extra week to shop and check out the entertainment spots, food stalls, and attractions. Year after year, Global Village receives millions of visitors from all around the globe who check out the park’s vibrant atmosphere, captivating shows, delectable cuisines, and unique shopping opportunities.
Global Village, near Outlet Mall, Dubai, 4pm to 12am Mon to Thurs, 4pm to 1am Fri and Sun. globalvillage.ae
October 20: Head to a throwback 00s concert at The Irish Village
The Irish Village will be popping off with a long list of performances taking place at the venue this year. Blue, Boyzlife and Five are all headed for Irish Village this October for one night of some of your favourite boy bands. The blast from the past takes place on Friday, October 20 at 9pm. Get your tickets booked here.
The Boys are Back, Irish Village, Al Garhoud, Fri Oct 20, from Dhs225. Tel:(0)4 282 4750. theirishvillage.com
October 20: Say Prost at an Oktoberfest event
Golf Digest Middle East’s Oktoberfest extravaganza lands at The Els Club Dubai on October 20. Enjoy a unique golfing experience with tasty treats on and off course to keep you going. Tickets are priced at Dhs795, for which you will get access to the driving range and practice facilities from 11am ahead of the 1pm shotgun-start, 18-hole individual stableford event. A pair of German brews plus two refill vouchers will greet each player along with a cheeky Bavarian shot in their golf cart along with Oktoberfest themed lunch box. Once out on course, competitions such as longest drive and nearest the pin will be on offer as players compete for the top prize — two spots in the 2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic pro-am for the best gross score and Division A winner.
Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest Tournament, The Els Club, Friday October 20, Dhs795. Book via golfdigestme.com
October 21: Re-re-wind to the noughties with Craig David
Taking place at shoreline stunner Barasti Beach Club, Craig David will headline and present TS5 on Saturday, October 21. The TS5 experience involves the star singing, MCing, and working the crowd while mixing musical magic that ranges from old-school anthems to swing beats. Expect to hear a few of David’s biggest hits, like 7 Days, Fill Me In, Walking Away, and Rewind.
DXBeats, Barasti Beach, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Sat Oct 21, from Dhs150. @barastibeach / @dxbeats.ae
October date TBC: Get together with the girls for drinks at a stunning new spot
Cuppa tea-quila anyone? Beloved Tania’s Teahouse, the pretty pink cafe on Jumeirah Beach Road, is moving to a new location at Dubai Hills Business Park with a brand-new look and feel, and an alcohol license. That’s right, if picking from the vast number of teas and coffees had you scratching your head, you will now have alcoholic sip options to pick from on the menu. Opening its doors in October, Tania’s will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a revamped menu, three event spaces, and a heightened in-house dining experience.
Tania’s, Dubai Hills Business Park, opening October 2023. @taniasteahouse
October 26 to 29: Get dressed up at Never Fully Dressed Dubai pop-up
Colourful London-based fashion brand Never Fully Dressed is landing in Dubai for an exclusive four-day pop-up at Le Guepard, Alserkal Avenue. Fashionistas can try on and shop their favourite pieces from 10am to 7pm between October 26 and 29, meanwhile, the founder Lucy Aylen will share her top styling tips and insights.
Never Fully Dressed pop-up, Le Guepard, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, 10am to 7pm, Oct 26 to 29. @neverfullydressed
October 27: Sing along as Khalid performs
He’s known for melodic electro R&B bangers as Better, Eastside, and Love Lies, and you’ll be able to hear them all live as superstar Khalid is coming to Dubai. The award-winning American singer-songwriter will perform in the emirate for the first time on Friday October 27, headlining at the Coca-Cola Arena.
Khalid Live, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Friday Oct 27, from Dhs199. coca-cola-arena.com
October 28: Dance the night away at Dizzee Rascal
Fix up, look sharp: British music legend Dizzee Rascal will take to the stage at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai for one night only on October 28. Still just a rascal, fans can expect to experience his chart-topping hits such as Dance Wiv Me, Bonkers, Holiday, Fix Up Look Sharp, and more. Tickets are on sale now priced at Dhs225. You can get your hands on them here.
Dizzee Rascal at Emirates Golf Club, Dubai. Saturday, Oct 28, Dhs225 per person, dubai.platinumlist.net
From October 28: Keep fit with Dubai Fitness Challenge
Dubai Fitness Challenge, the city-wide festival of fitness launched by Sheikh Hamdan, is back. Now in its 7th edition, the festival encourages everyone in the city to do 30 minutes of exercise every day for 30 days. To help you achieve this goal, there will be a packed calendar of activities and events for all ages around Dubai, including football, watersports, marathons, padel and more.
Dubai Fitness Challenge, locations across Dubai, Saturday Oct 28 to Sunday Nov 26. dubaifitnesschallenge.com