When black cats prowl and pumpkins shine, when shivery shivers run down your spine, you know it’s Halloween time! The witching hour is nigh and our beloved City of Ghouls transforms into the city of ghouls to celebrate spooky season. It’s time to look hauntingly hideous and rock some scary face masks that aren’t the medical kind. But Insta-worthy outfits need equally terrifying venues and we’ve done all the groundwork of hunting for the happening Halloween events in Dubai, from wicked parties, to petrifying haunted houses, you can creep into. Witching you a Happy Halloween!
1. Jump out of your skin at this Horror Cinema
Nothing screams Halloween like a spooky movie night. Dubai’s first-ever Horror Cinema that’s dedicated to giving movie-goers chills down their spine by screening cult horror films in settings that match the movie’s ambiance. To up the fear factor, actors dressed as ghosts and monsters will leap out at you from the shadows so that on-screen jump scares turn into literal jumping out of your chair. Or bed, if you choose to watch a slasher flick in their hotel-themed movie room. Be warned: popcorn will be flying out of their tubs. Will you dare to stay seated until the final credits?
Read here about movie listings, timings and prices.
2. Roll for your lives from zombies at Roll DXB
You’ve heard of walking dead. Roll DXB, Dubai’s only roller disco venue, is doing one worse and putting wheels on zombies at their Halloween events. On October 28, 29 and 30, the indoor roller skate park will transform into a toxic wasteland scattered with zombies and other macabre décor. You can join the monsters and have the Franken-time of your by skating around to tunes by the resident DJ. You’ll also be able to dig into some brain food (see what we did there) at the snack bars set up around the venue.
Timings: from 6pm – 11pm
Grab tickets here
3. Be spellbound by your favourite Disney villainesses
The villainesses from all our favourite Disney movies have descended at the Paramount Hotel in Downtown Dubai this Halloween. The Villanesses Show at the Melrose Bar and Lounge is a frightfully good immersive theatre experience where some of Dubai’s best thespians don the greasepaint and transform into vicious vixens who both terrified and bewitched us as children. Ursula, Cruella and Maleficent will show up enthrall you with their capacity for evil every weekend as you sip on damningly delicious cocktails.
Read the full article here for more details4. Kill calories at this Halloween-themed workout
Have you been ghosting the gym? It’s time to trick your laziness into joining BARE DXB’s witchy workout on October 28. Trust us, it’ll be a treat. Ditch your athleisure for a creepy costume and get your heart racing with pumpkin weights instead of medicine balls, and quirky exercises called zombie runs, spider squats and more. This workout will feel and look hellish for all the right reasons!
📍Location: BARE DXB, Clover Bay Tower, Marasi Drive, Business Bay
Timing: 5:30pm
Book your spot here
5. Swim into this eerie underwater haunted aquarium
Atlantis’ Lost Chambers will transform into Haunted Chambers so you can experience new depths of fear this Halloween. From October 29-31, the under-the-sea haunted experience will thrill the entire family with creepy decorations, interactive sessions with the aquarium’s sea creatures, expert talks and more! The best costumes will walk away with prices so come in your spookiest best outfits!
Price: AED 85 per adult and AED 65 per child. Children under 8, dressed in costume enter free.
Timings: 10am-9pm
Call 04 426 0000 for details or click here
6. Enter the scary world of The Shining at Sushisamba
We’ve all experienced the madness of cabin fever these last 3 years, so it’s a relief to finally joke about that murderous rage at Sushisamba’s REDRUM party. Provided you’ve got AED 2,000 to purge, oops, splurge on a party. Yes, that’s the starting rate for entering this exclusive shindig, which makes sense considering this stunning restaurant’s one-of-a-kind Halloween jamboree is inspired by the twisted classic Eyes Wide Shut. The Shining, another film by Hollywood director Stanley Kubrick, is also a movie the Palm Jumeirah venue will draw inspiration from (REDRUM is murder spelled backward). The restaurant will step into its dark side with an occult-themed ambiance so revelers can own their dark fantasies. Bug-eyed Jack Nicholson wielding a knife or Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman in mysterious masquerade masks – who will you go as?
Sushisamba’s resident DJs and live drummers dancers and entertainment acts will keep you up and about way past the witching hour.
Call 04 278 4888 or email reservations@sushisambadubai.com for bookings.
7. Step inside a dark fairytale show at Billionaire Dubai
The line between fairytales and horror stories are very fine and what’s a better occasion to erase it than when the veils between worlds thin on Halloween? Billionaire Dubai, the luxury nightspot at Taj Dubai is doing that and more with a 4-day Halloween affair. From October 28-31, the venue will transform into an enchanted fairyland. Wood nymphs and other dark forest creatures from fables and legends and award-winning DJs will lurk around the venue waiting to lure victims to a deadly good time.
📍Location: Taj Hotel, Burj Khalifa Street, Dubai
Timings: 9pm-3am
Call 04 510 3100 or What’s App 0 56 678 3357
8. Channel the spirit of your favourite dead famous person at Bagatelle’s Reborn party
Elvis is back in the building?! On October 31, the King and more of his dead Hollywood friends will show up at Bagatelle, the French eatery at The Fairmont Hotel. You can help raise the dead, specifically your favourite late Hollywood stars, their Reborn Halloween party. Famous singers, public figures and iconic celebrities who’ve bid adieu to the world will rise to the occasion of Halloween. There will be a red carpet for you to strut on because the road from hell to a Halloween party is paved with glamour, duh.
📍Location: 1st floor of The Fairmont Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Center Area
Timings: 8pm till late
Call 04 354 5035 or email dubai@bagatelle.com for reservations
9. Party it up with the ghost from The Ring at CLAP Dubai
Hidden inside CLAP Dubai’s hidden music room Ongaku will be the terrifying ghost from the movie The Ring on October 31. The venue’s neon lights will dim into RINGU’s (Japanese for The Ring) nightmarish setting so you feel like you’re trapped in the 1998 film’s nightmare. Old TVs will be scattered around the venue, dank and dreary drapes will be hung, creepy music will tinkle throughout and long-haired Samara will lurk in the shadows.
Timings: 11pm-3am
Call 04 569 3820 to grab a spot
10. Have a fang-tastic Vampiric Dinner at PLAY
Bloodthirsty for some theatrical fun? PLAY, the immerse dinner and theatre destination at H Hotel is hosting a Vampiric Dinner show for Halloween that you’d love to sink your teeth (or fangs) into. Sink your teeth into a PLAY has something frighteningly enticing in store for guests this Halloween. October 29-31 onwards, the venue will transform into Dracula’s castle lit by eerie candlelight and wilting wildflowers. You can choose from 3 different packages that include drinks and a set menu. Actors and acrobats dressed as the undead will put on a lively show.
Price: Packages from AED 250
Timings: 8pm-1am
Call 04 336 4444 to reserve
11. Lego of your fears at Legoland’s Halloween celebrations
Kids and adults alike will have a hair-raising time at the Legoland themepark, which has SO many different things to do this Halloween. From Zombie Cheerleader Graveyards to pumpkin patches where you can snap a picture with Ernie the scarecrow and monster parties where you can do the monster mash, the children’s theme park and resort has given trick-or-treat a brick-or-treat makeover. Legoland will also be serving darkly delicious Halloween-themed food such as black bun burgers, black cone ice cream, pumpkin frosted cupcakes and more and you’ll have plenty of cool photo-ops such as giant Lego pumpkins you can sit inside to roving entertainers and spot contests and giveaways. Until October 31
Book your spot here
12. Creep over to the Spooktober events at IMG Worlds of Adventure
Dubai’s largest indoor theme park goes all out with its Spooktober celebrations. This week, you keep your eyes peeled for the Festival of Fright on October 29. DJ Bliss and DJ Badir will ensure you party from 8pm till late into the night because there’s no rest for the wicked.
Those with young tots in tow can roam through Mini Halloween Towns and take pictures with the venue’s Rocking Skeleton Crew, and try out the scary face painting, slime mash and trick-or-treat sessions.
Think all that is child’s play? The Dark Maze is gruesomely grown-up and will have you running around like a headless chicken. You can also enjoy concerts by live bands like the Rolling Bones and enjoy spooky food at Boulevard Gourmet. Just double-check if it’s tomato ketchup on your spaghetti…
13. Solve the murder at the Addams Family murder mystery experience
Who killed uncle Pugzley? That’s a riddle you’ll have to unravel at ‘A Happy Family Murder’ experience at Flashback, Paramount Hotel on October 27, 28 and November 3. The speakeasy’s weekly murder mystery events are taking players into the home of pop culture’s most favourite gothic family. Staged in the form of a live musical, all your beloved macabre characters, from Gomez and Morticia to Wednesday will be present but this is a crime with a twist – all family members claim to be the murderer. It’s your job to suss out the real killer while making potions (cocktails) in Grandmama’s room, drinking them, evading raids and more.
Price: packages from AED 299
Timings: 8pm-11pm
Book your spot by WhatsApp 055 180 7559 or call 04 246 664
14. Enter a beautiful nightmare at DREAM Dubai’s Halloween shows
Immersive dinner theatre venue DREAM Dubai at the Address Beach Resort, JBR is hosting a ghostly show called Once Upon A Dream – Haunted Castle from October 27-31. Acrobats and live dancers will unleash magic and sorcery with their performance.
To book call 04 220 0224 or email reservations@dreamdxb.com
15. Celebrate Dia De Los Muerto at Hotel Cartagena
Spook up your Halloween celebrations Mexican-style at Hotel Cartagena on October 29. The Latin American restaurant at JW Marriott Marquis hosting a Happy Scary Brunch to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) which falls on November 2. Enjoy Latin-style dancers and bongo performances add the thrills to the chills.
Reserve your spot by calling 050 119 7743 or emailing reservations@hotelcartagena.ae
16. Test your luck at the Halloween-themed Bongo’s Bingo Bash
Instead of breaking out the ouija board or crystal ball for some Halloween scares, try your hand at the numerology of a different kind – Bingo! Bongo’s Bingo isn’t your grandma’s weekly game. The number game get’s edgy and rowdy at this famous bingo rave. October 29th’s Halloween special includes dance-offs, crowd karaoke, and thrilling games of bingo. The most spookily dressed bingo player will walk away with AED 5000.
📍Location: Atlantis, The Palm
Timing: From 7pm (last entry 8:30pm)
Price: AED 150
17. Grab your girlfriends and have fun at this Mean Girls and Hocus Pocus-themed Ladies Night
Shake not with fear but to the thumping good music at this Halloween ladies night taking place at both branches of La Mezcaleria in JBR and Downtown. Besides all of the dancing and drinking, you’ll get to live out scenes from the films Mean Girls and Hocus Pocus. Entry price includes a sharing platter and unlimited bevies for four hours. Your gal pals will be joined by some spooky ghoul pals, so watch out!
Price: From AED 125
Call 050 423 4044; O56 520 2020 or email reservations@lamezcaleriadxb.com
18. Brave the haunted house experience inside The Dubai Mall
If there’s ever a time to venture into a haunted house, it’s Halloween. Luckily, The Dubai Mall checks that off our list (is there anything you can’t find there?!) with a year-long haunted house destination called Hysteria. In fact, this place is so bone-chillingly terrifying, their website warns people with heart problems and little kids from visiting, so this one’s definitely nor for the faint-hearted. Modelled after a fictional stately manor where the children mysteriously one night and the heartbroken parents roam the halls for eons, trying to find their kids and become hysterical. Their hysteria leads them to believe everyone passing through the house is the kidnapper and they seek revenge. Flashing lights, fog machines, dimly lit creepy rooms and more await you here.
📍Location: 2nd floor, near the cinema, The Dubai Mall
Tickets: can only be purchased in person at the venue.
Call 052 223 09 66 or email info@hysteria.ae for details
19. Enjoy a free Halloween party at this beach club
Barasti is the Good Samaritan of party places because boy, do they know how to throw deadly free events! Their legendary Halloween party is back from October 28-30 with killer music by DJs Drum Warrior, Mattn and Jaded. All you’ve got to do is show up in your freakish best costumes and dance the night away. Entry is free and only for those aged 21 years and above.
Location: Le Meridien Mina Syahi Beach Resort
Timing: From 9pm until late
Call 04 318 1313 for details
20. Eat a darkly delicious black chicken burger at SLAW
Burger experts SLAW have launched a limited-edition Black Chicken Burger (AED 60) that looks like it came straight outta the netherworld! Served only at their Jumeirah branch from October 29-31, the burger will be served by Mr. Slaw who’ll be dressed up to look like Jigsaw. The only reason your stomach will turn is because of how delicious the burger actually tastes even if it looks a little dubious. Diners showing up in costumes at the Jumeirah branch on October 29 will bag a prize of AED 1,000.
📍Location: Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Call 04 54 76 7777 or visit www.houseofslaw.com
21. Indulge in a pumpkin-centric menu at Old Castello
Shisha cafe and restaurant Old Castello has whipped up a pumpkin-based menu for Halloween that screams bone appetit! From October 28-31, delicious dishes you’ll be tucking into include Ghost Pepper, Red Pepper Prawn, Zucchini & Pumpkin Mini Pizza, Bloody Mary and blood-like Red Velvet Cake for dessert.
Price: AED 75 per person
📍Location: Jumeirah Beach Rd
Call 052 942 2000
22. Catch a Halloween-inspired flamenco fiesta at Lola Taberna Española
The Spanish restaurant Lola Taberna Española is hosting a three-day weekend party called La Taberna Encantada. From October 28-30 the restaurant will turn into a haunted taberna (tavern) that serves delicious Halloween-themed brunch, entertainment by resident artists Marga & Chicho who will put on a fiery flamenco performance in tune to a live guitarist’s music.
📍Location: TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, Barsha
Price: From AED 198
Call 04 247 6688 or email info@lolataberna.com for bookings.
23. Have a boo-tiful evening of dancing at One Music Lounge
On October 30, live band Naqsh will play the hottest tunes a this nightclub in Al Jaddaf that will transform into an spine-chillingly eerie venue for the night’s revelleries. You’ll be partying all night, from 5pm-2am, to be precise and entry packages include food and drinks, so you can refuel.
📍Location: Occidental Hotel, Al Jaddaf
Timings: from 5pm-2am
Price: from AED 119 per person
Call 055 200 5475 for bookings
24. Enjoy a circus-themed freakshow at the world’s highest nightclub
This is going to be a dizzying night – located on the 75th floor of the SLS Hotel, Privilege is the world’s highest nightclub. The party spot is hosting a Halloween Toil and Trouble party on October 29. Sip on bespoke cocktails as dancers, magicians and jugglers putting on the most fun freakshow imaginable. The best part? If your costume is the spookiest you’ll win a complimentary 30-minute massage at Ciel Spa.
📍Location: Privilege Club , 75th Floor, SLS Dubai
Timings: from 10pm to 3am
Call 04 607 0654 0r 056 417 3887 to reserve a spot
25. Transform into a party animal at Soho Garden DXB’s Halloween parties
The Palm Jumeirah outpost of Soho Garden Palm, on top of the Nakheel Mall, will ensure the only danger you’ll run into this Halloween is not wearing comfortable shoes. You’ll be burninh up the dancefloor on October 28 when Welsh DJ and record producer Sasha, and Austrian DJ Philipp Straub will headline the Halloween bash.
On October 29 DJs Richy Ahmed, Will Taylor, and Banksie ft. Jenn Getz & Alfie and Drew Moreland will ensure you’re not afraid of the dark as they’ll raise your spirits with bangin’ techno tunes all night.
Timings: from 5pm to late
Call 054 23 35 555 or visit www.sohogardenpalm.com
26. Go trick-or-treating at Kite Beach
One of the many things we love about Dubai is rocking up the beach on an October night in horrifying costumes. Or shorts. Ah, endless temperate weather. Kite Beach in Jumeirah is hosting their first-ever Halloween event on October 29 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. They’re holding their cards close to the chest and haven’t revealed what scary entertainment awaits you there but it’s sure to make a splash. Who’s going to the beach dressed as the Kraken?
27. Have the scariest meal of your life at Flow Kitchen
The all-day dining restaurant at Fairmont The Palm transforms into a hellish landscape for Halloween with their Scariest Dinner experience on October 30. Dinners will have to go throw a dark tunnel first to sup on themed delicacies such as roast turkey and Norwegian salmon and desserts to die for. Will there be light at the end of the tunnel? You’ll just have to find out.
Timing: 6pm to 10:30pm
Price: 195 AED per person; 50% on kids aged 12-6 years old
Call 04 457 339 for reservations
28. Run for your lives at this Halloween race in Dubai Festival City
Dubai Festival City will get your heart racing on October 29 with a family-friendly race that adults and kids can enjoy. Choose from distances of either 1km or 3.5km. Then imagine a monster’s chasing you and sprint to the finish line. Best costumes will receive prizes and kids get free candy to sweeten the sweaty run.
Timing: Doors open at 6am
Tickets: From AED 125; book here