Gong Xi Fa Cai! That’s the traditional Chinese greeting for Chinese New Year. This year, the auspicious occasion falls on February 17, 2026 marking the Year of the Fire Horse. Observed across Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Vietnam, the festival’s celebrations continue well until mid-February. As always, multicultural Dubai isn’t one to be left behind with myriad dinners serving ‘longevity noodles’, and colourful Lunar New Year parades with lion and dragon dances.
Did you know? Each year is represented by one of the twelve Chinese Zodiac animals – rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig – which rotate on a 12-year cycle. Thus, the Year of the Horse is back after 60 long years and Dubai is celebrating it with a bang!
Cultural explosion at Global Village Dubai
Dubai’s Global Village is a must-visit destination during the Chinese New Year 2026. The park will transform into a cultural wonderland with Chinese-themed zones, lantern displays, and lively performances.
Families and friends can enjoy traditional lion and dragon dances at the Main Stage and Chinese Pavilion between 7PM and 9:30PM. Lantern installations, interactive workshops, and street food inspired by authentic Chinese cuisine are all part of the experience.
Book your tickets here.
Go Kung Fu watching at MOTIONGATE Dubai
The Hollywood-inspired theme park is gliding into the Year of the Horse with a special show at the Po’s Kung Fu Academy (based on the Kung Fu Panda movies) in the park’s Dreamworks Zone.
The 20-minute show will let young Kung Fu fighters learn kickass moves with Master Shifu and meet-and-greet cuddly Po (prepare to hum the song all day). You can also participate in the Red Warrior Challenge – a thrilling park-wide quest and see the Dragon Parade Dance. Foodies can slurp up on delicious spring rolls and steamed dumplings at Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop.
Book your tickets here or get them at the gate for AED 330.
Watch the spectacular light show at Burj Al Arab
The sail-shaped hotel will illuminate with a Year of the Horse projection in the evenings. The Burj Al Arab’s Chinese New Year display will be free of cost, making it extremely accessible to the city crowds. To make it the perfect evening, Secret Dubai recommends going into the hotel to see the red, gold and zodiac-inspired art installations and dine at the Chinese-inspired restaurant.
Ain Dubai and Bluewaters Island
Ain Dubai is marking Chinese New Year with a festive twist, inviting visitors to celebrate from the world’s tallest observation wheel while taking in sweeping 360° views of Dubai’s skyline. With red-themed decoration, endless cultural performances and beautiful gold lighting, you can walk around the promenade and bask in the air.
Guests can choose between two elevated experiences: a Chinese New Year–themed High Tea or a pastry box paired with a soft drink.
Book your tickets here.
See traditional Chinese performances at Shanghai Me
The DIFC restaurant is serving a special menu from February 12 to March 3 in honour of Chinese New Year. Dig into Cantonse-stye Roast Duck, sweet and sour chicken, prawn egg fried rice many other items. The eatery is going all out for this year for the Lunar New Year with elaborate performances of a Dragon Dance, Guzheng (traditional Chinese instrument), drums and live DJ sets.
Book your table here.
Watch the dazzling fireworks at Al Seef
Al Seef and Dubai Creek will light up the sky every evening with a free fireworks display. This display segues the Lunar New Year into the holy month of Ramadan with its colourful display. A beautiful and free way of celebration, it is a place you must go to simply seek peace and reflect at the start of the year.
Walk through the markets at Dragon Mart
This Lunar New Year, there is no place as deeply connected to Chinese culture in Dubai, as is the Dragon Mart. Live lion dances and festive shopping come together with a burst of cultural stage shows. Red lanterns, symbolic ornaments and beautiful ornaments hang over the market streets with festivities lining the decoration.
Highlights include the Wishing Tree, where visitors can write down a wish for the year ahead and tie it to a branch, creating a growing display of shared hopes and intentions.
Specialising in traditional Chinese items that are not found anywhere else in Dubai, this market is a must-go this Chinese New Year.
