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 Gold transforms into the City of Ghouls to celebrate spooky season. It’s time to look hauntingly hideous and rock some scary costumes. 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 is dedicated to giving movie-goers chills down their spine by screening cult horror films in settings that match the movie’s ambience. 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. Test your luck at Bongo’s Bingo Halloween 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 gets edgy and rowdy at this famous bingo rave. Happening on October 28 at Zero Gravity, Bongo’s Bingo’s annual Halloween special includes dance-offs, sing-alongs, crowd karaokes of popular horror tunes, and thrilling games of bingo. The most spookily dressed bingo player will walk away with AED 5000.
From 8pm; AED 150 per person. Book here
3. Lego of your fears at Legoland’s Halloween celebrations
Kids and adults alike will have a hair-raising time at the Legoland, Dubai Parks and Resorts until October 31. Spruce up on your monster mash moves for the annual Very Important Monster dance party hosted by Lord Vampyre from October 6-13. Zombie cheerleaders’ graveyards and LEGO pumpkin patches sort out cool photo-ops, while monster scavenger hunts and Brick-or-Treat trails let kiddos hunt down gummy candy and cool gifts. Costume contests happen every Saturday and Sunday of October where the best-dressed little monsters win prizes. The kids’ theme park will also be serving delicious Halloween-themed food such as Crazy Witch Broomstick Burgers, Frankie’s Freaky Fries and more. See more here
4. Have a memorably cursed time at Motiongate Dubai
The Middle East’s largest Hollywood-themed theme park is bringing back its Halloween Fright Nights with 13 immersive horror experiences, three scare zones, and a host of monster meet and greets, live stage shows, and a haunting parade. From Wednesdays to Sundays starting 4pm popular creepy folk legends and myths will come to life. If you dare to, stroll through the Haunted Graveyard, a Zombieland tent and meet-and-greets with Goblins and The Boogeyman. The Smurf Village inside the theme park will get a Halloween makeover just spooky enough to be kid-friendly. More info here
5. Get lost in deep dark woods of Green Planet’s forest
Green Planet will get a spooky overhaul for Halloween from October 6-31. The verdant indoor jungle in City Walk will covered with eerie spider webs, animal tombstones and carved pumpkins, creating the perfect ambience. Besides, visitors can also dabble in face painting and other arts and crafts activities such as mask-making. Here’s the best bit though – a mind-boggling maze will be set up amidst the foliage for you to escape out of. Dial up the creepy factor by meeting some of the animal kingdom’s scariest creepy-crawlies at the Creatures of the Night session – think Yellow Anaconda, Burmese Pythons, Tokay gecko, etc.
Maze and Creatures of the Night are included in the General admission pass. Arts and crafts cost an additional AED 65 pe person. Find tickets here
6. Celebrate Day of the Dead at En Fuego
Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) falls on November 2. However, En Fuego’s kicking off celebrations early from October 27 so you can spook up your Halloween celebrations Mexican-style. Until November 2, you can enjoy Halloween-themed beverages, live entertainment, brunches, and appearances by Mexican folklore characters La Catrina, El Catrin and Alebrijes who’ll hand out tricks and treats for diners.
See prices and more information here
7. Watch the Zombie apocalypse unfold in Riverland
Ever wondered what the Zombie apocalypse would be like? You can catch a glimpse of it at the free-to-visit entrance area of Dubai Parks and Resorts until November 12. Their annual Zombie Parade will have you screaming ‘arrrr’ as Pirate Zombies stagger across the Instagrammable streets of the dining and shopping destination. After the undead have scared the daylights out of you, put some life back into yourself with special Halloween-themed food at Chickadees and Irish gastropub The Keg.
8. Eat infernally hot Halloween-themed food at Wavehouse
Forget shivers, this family-friendly entertainment spot and restaurant in Atlantis The Palm will be sending waves down the spines of visitors from October 26 to November 2 as part of Halloween. A spicy hot a la carte menu of fiery chicken quesadilla, phoenix flame chicken wings, firecracker shrimp tacos, and hot crispy belly bites will recreate the infernal heat of the underworld. Quench the burn with themed cocktails like Midnight Margarita, Pumpkin Old Fashioned and Dusk Till Dawn. On October 28 and 29 diners can enjoy free Halloween face painting and watch special performances.
From 12pm-1am; call 04262626 or visit here
9. Sleepover at a spooky staycation in Lapita Hotel
The Polynesian resort inside Dubai Parks and Resorts will be giving gothic castle until October 31. Special Hotel Transylvania Halloween room deal will have creepy but comfortable decor so you can truly RIP. The half-board deal will also give guests access to either Legoland, Legoland Waterpark or Motiongate and a trick-or-treat evening activity all for AED 1,625 per night per person. On October 29, a Halloween brunch will takeover Kalea, the all-day-dining restaurant from 1pm-4pm with costume competitions for kids.
Brunch costs AED 250 for adults and AED 125 for kids aged 6-12 years. Call 04 810 9999 for reservations.
10. Get in high spirits at Reef and Beef’s Halloween brunch
The luxurious restaurant and lounge in Manzil Downtown By Vida has dreamed up a Halloween brunch and after-brunch party on October 28. A sharing-style four-course menu of starters, mains, sides, and desserts will served to guests at the table featuring dishes like trilogy of Australian tenderloins, grand dessert platter and others. Diners can come dressed in their terrifying best to match the spine-chilling decor. Later, dance the night away into the witching hours with unlimited house beverages and eerily good music for AED 120 per person.
Brunch starts from AED 200, from 1pm-4pm. After party kicks off from 4pm-7pm. Book here
11. 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 off people with heart problems and little kids. So this one’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. Modelled after a fictional stately manor where after the children mysteriously vanish one night, the heartbroken parents roam the halls for eons and become hysterical. As their hysteria leads them to believe everyone passing through the house is the kidnapper, they seek revenge. Flashing lights, fog machines, dimly lit creepy rooms and more await you here. More info here
📍2nd floor, near the cinema, The Dubai Mall
12. Creep over to this free Halloween party at Barasti
Barasti is the Good Samaritan of party places because boy, do they know how to throw deadly free events! Their legendary beach club’s Halloween party is back from October 27-30 with killer music by electronic music DJs Drum Warrior and ATB. All you’ve got to do is show up in your freakish best costumes and dance the night away. Extra bloody bites like burgers, nachos and hot dogs will be served alongside inventive cocktails. Couldn’t find time to put your Halloween make-up on? Face painting and glitter stations set up around the venue will ensure you look your hideous best. Entry is free and only for those aged 21 years and above.
Le Meridien Mina Syahi Beach Resort. From 9pm until late; Call 04 318 1313 for details
13-14. Unleash your inner freak at these circus-themed shindigs
🎪 On October 28 and October 31, JBR hotspot La Mezcaleria transforms into a freakshow of fun with their Panic! At The Circus event horror-themed decor, and creepy entertainment, including clowns aplenty a live DJ and a set menu of appetisers, entrees and desserts. The weekend party runs from 1pm to 5pm, while on Tuesday, the scream-worthy fun kicks off at 7pm and wraps up at 1am.
From AED 250; call 056 520 2020
🤡 Forget the red wedding; Parisian nightclub Raspoutine’s Dubai outpost in DIFC is revamping itself to become the haunted grounds of a Red Circus on October 31. Grab Halloween-themed cocktails and a menu from AED 650 per person. Deep house music DJ Paul Blondet’s groovy beats will keep the party alive into the dead of the night. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in circus-themed costumes.
Bookings via WhatsApp at 04 272 5373 or email reservations@raspoutine-dubai.com
15. Run helter-skelter for (joy) at this Nightmare On Elm Street-themed rager
Even Freddy Krueger might pump the breaks on his murderous rampage to admire the costumes at Miss Lily’s fabulous Halloween party on October 31. The no-costume-no-entry rule means you’ve got to put your most gruesome face forward or you can’t join the fun at this Sheraton Grand Hotel venue. Renowned DJ Scottie B’s bagin; music will keep the blood pumping as you dance all night long and thrilling Jamaican delicacies and cocktails will fuel you. The best costumes stand a chance to win dinner for 2 worth AED 500. Now that’s the stuff dreams are made of.
From 8pm to late; call 04 356 2900
16-17. Choose to be good or bad at these two Saints and Sinners-themed parties
Two rooftop bars are ready to scale the heights of heaven and the depths of the netherworld at their Saints and Sinners Halloween parties on October 31.
😇 It’s not Christmas yet but grown-up trick-or-treaters at SLS Dubai choose to be naughty or nice at the S Bar on the 71st floor. Guests can dance under the moonlight with themed cocktails such as Monster Mash margarita Green Goblin and a host of pumpkin-flavoured canapes such as pumpkin popcorn, pumpkin shitake gyoza, and classic pumpkin pie and more for AED 299 per person.
From 9pm to 1am; book here
😈 Paros, the rooftop restaurant at Taj JLT is hosting their wickedly good event on October 31. The five-hour event will feature unlimited drinks, DJs, musicians and dancers to entertain. A special ladies’ rate of AED 149 and a 50% discount on the food menu, while gentlemen can join in on the festivities for AED 199 from
From 8pm-11pm; call 04 5741 111 or email reservations.jltdubai@tajhotels.com
18. Dare to play at this Haunted Playground in Emirates Golf Club
The lawns of The Pavilion, Emirates Golf Club will transform into a petrifying playground of horrors on October 29 from 12:30pm to 3pm. A Frankenstein-inspired buffet, fun activities for little monsters aka kids, and more make this a perfect daytime Halloween celebration for families.
From AED 395 per person; AED 245 for children between 13-20 years and AED 95 for children between 6-12 years. Call 04 4179 999 or email emiratesdining@dubaigolf.com for bookings
19. Make eerie-sistible cookies with the kids at Waitrose outlets
The Blighty supermarket chain is helping parents with tots whip up some special Halloween memories this year. The Waitrose Motor City outlet is hosting a cookie-decorating sesh on October 29 from 12pm-4pm. Out at their Khalifa City branch, festivities kick off from 11am – 2pm with horrifyingly delicious gingerbread cookies decoration stations, pumpking painting and more and a performance by children’s magician Magic.
Find more info at www.waitrose.ae and @waitroseUAE
19. Switch up spooky for geeky at Rove Downtown’s Halloween bash
Hobby Nation and Rove Hotels have joined forces to help us enjoy the geekiest Halloween ever. Instead of just rocking up in a Captain America or Wonder Woman costume to an eerie party, you can geek out max at their ‘Rove’s Geek Community Day’ celebration of pop culture, including a Cosplay competition. For 12 hours straight from 10am to 10pm, you can play video games, roll the dice on tabletop adventures to battle droids and dragons and even purchase collectables, comic books, artwork and pose at a 360 photo booth for snaps
Entrance is free, but registration is must; register here. Call 04 561 9999 or WhatsApp 050 517 6833 for details
20. Travel through a Greek tragedy at Bar Du Port
Bar Du Port, the Dubai Marina nightspot will transform itself into the epic tales of ancient Greek poet Homer on October 31. Based on stories from the Odyssey the venue will feature drinks and ambience based on the parade of monsters mentioned in this Greek classic.
From AED AED 210 person; call 04 332 4868
21. Get your spirits up with this high-spirited party at QD’s
On October 28, QD’s the restaurant and lounge in Dubai Creek Resort will get the party started with music by DJ Keza and dance performances. Those sporting the best costumes stand a chance to win a one-night stay at Park Hyatt Dubai.
From 9am-3pm; call 04 602 1587 or email qds@hyatt.com
22. Enter a gothic mansion at Billionaire Dubai’s dinner show
The five-day Halloween celebration at Billionaire Dubai sees the theatrical venue at the Taj Hotel Business Bay magically change into a gothic mansion of mystery and secrets based on the witchy series The Secret Circle. Horrifying legendswill be brought to life by performers in brilliant costumes and mind-boggling choreography featuring acrobatics from October 28th to November 1. You can enjoy an extravagant menu while live DJs, singers and stage acts perform, followed by a night of clubbing.
From 12am-3am; WhatsApp 0 56 678 3357 for bookings
23. Come under the spell of Baylon’s Cursed Gardens theatrical experience
The DIFC dinner theatre club Babylon based on the ancient gardens is morphing into a seductively dark Cursed Gardens for two days on October 28 and October 31. A special Halloween dinner show will unfold as a brunch on Saturday from 1pm-4pm and a late dinner on Tuesday, on all Hallow’s Eve from 8pm till 3am.
From AED 395 per person; call 04 352 7750 or email reservations@babylondifc.com.
24. Be bewitched by glow-in-the-dark musical night at Q’s Bar and Lounge
On October 28 and 29, Q’s Bar & Lounge at Palazzo Versace Dubai will transform into a glowing neon wonder as part of Halloween festivities. Guests aged over 21 can enjoy live musicians and singers and resident bands from 7pm to 1am.
Call 04 556 8805 or email dining@palazzoversace.ae
25-26. Dive into the deep dark depths of these Halloween pool parties
💧 La Piscina at Palazzo Versace is hosting a Halloween Pool Party on October 28th from 1pm-4pm. It’s AED 150 for ladies and AED 300 for gents.
Call 04 556 8805 or email dining@palazzoversace.ae
🌊 Things get peachy at the Peach Party in SLS Hotel’s 75th-floor pool bar – Privilege Dubai. On October 28, you can drown your fears at their Halloween special pool party under the moonlight. AED 199 for gents and AED 99 per lady including two drinks.
Call 054 991 8120
27-28. Sink your fangs into one of these horror movie nights
🎞️ Sola Jazz Lounge at Raffles The Palm is hosting a Halloween-themed Gastrocinema Soiree experience on October 29 with a screening of Phantom of the Opera followed by Sweeny Todd on October 30. The AED 295 per person experience brings films come to life nt just on screen but also with a themed 3-course food and beverage menu that recreate the cinematic experience through the senses of taste and aroma. Book here
🍿 The Screening Room, Studio One Hotel’s private cinema hall a perfect night out planned for Horror movie buffs on October 31. A scary movie will play as soon as the clock strikes 12am on November 1 so be at this Studio City venue by 11:45pm on October 31. Packages start from AED99 and include free popcorn. Advance booking is a must.
WhatsApp 052 767 9300 for bookings
29. Crawl to this Graveyard Shift drunch at McGettigan’s
Working the graveyard shift is never as fun as it will be at McGettigan’s Factory at Hilton The Palm. On October 28 enjoy a Halloween-themed five-hour drunch and on October 31 you can enjoy a bone-chilling quiz night and unlimited drinks from 9pm to 12am. Guests who come dressed in their scariest attire on both events win prizes. Drunch starts from AED 149 per person and unlimited drinks on Tuesday from AED 199.
Call 04 230 0062 for bookings
30-31. Get (witch)crafty at these pumpkin carving and Halloween arts events
👻 LDC Kitchen + Coffee in DIFC is the perfect place to sweep into with little witches and wizards on October 28. They’ve teamed up with After Work Studios to host a Halloween painting event for moms and kids to unleash their ghoulish visions on tote bags. AED 199 will get mum and kid unlimited appetizers, homemade pizza and pasta and two scoops of premium London Dairy ice cream.
Reservations are a must; book here
🎃 Cafe Java at Novotel Hotel in Al Barsha is hosting a pumpkin carving session on October 31 from 3pm to 5pm. Pumpkins and carving equipment and tools to make Jack-o-lanterns will be provided to guests by the cafe. Little one dressed in the best costumes also get to take home a free ‘Haunting Howling Donut’.
32. Turn up the heat at Sushisamba’s infernal brunch
One of the prettiest restaurants in Dubai, Sushisamba’s fiery Latin charm is getting an infernal makeover for Halloween. The Inferno Brunch on October 28 will feature entertainment by life DJs, dancers and live acts alongside a menu of limited-edition cocktails and delectable dishes that are a blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines.
From 12:30pm – 4:00pm; staring AED 649 per person. Call 04 278 4888
33-35. Try these family-friendly Halloween brunches that scream bone-appetit!
Will it be scarier than Gordon Ramsay screaming at contestants in Hell’s Kitchen? Well, the British celebrity chef’s Atlantis The Palm restaurant, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, will muster all the thrills and screams but give it a fun Halloween spin at their brunch on October 28. From 12:30 pm to 4pm. From AED 495 per person;AED 160 per child (aged 4-11). Call 04 262 626
Palazzo Versace’s all-day dining restaurant Giardino is hosting an ‘Into the Jungle’ Halloween brunch on October 28 from 1pm-5pm. From AED 350 per person and free of charged for kids up to 3 years of age. AED 165 for kis aged 4-11 years. Call 04 556 8805
C Central Resort is hosting a Halloween-themed evening brunch on October 31 from 7pm at Waves Restaurant. From AED199 per person. Call 04 873 5500
36. Have the liveliest undead party at CLAW BBQ’s Zombieland party
Dead men (and women) will walk, talk, and have the Franken-time of their lives at CLAW BBQ’s Zombieland-themed event on October 31 at Palm Jumeirah. Spooky cupcakes for kiddos, and terrifying spins on classic American food will ensure you raise the roof and the dead at this killer party.
From 7pm to 1am ; AED 125 per lady and AED 195 per gent. Call 04 230 0054
37. Solve the murder at the Addams Family murder mystery experience
Halloween’s not falling on a Wednesday but the most macabre family of all times, the Addams Family, know how to creep it real this Halloween Tuesday. Paramount Hotel’s murder mystery experience called ‘A Creepy Kooky Murder: Cleopatra’s Amulet’ is running at Flashback Speakeasy on October 31, November 2 and 9. The speakeasy’s weekly murder mystery events are taking players into the home of pop culture’s favourite gothic family.
Staged in the form of a live musical, all your beloved macabre characters, from Gomez and Morticia to Wednesday and Pugzley will be present and it’ll be your job to unravel the crime. All while eating devilishly delicious food and participating in spooky seances. From AED 299
From 8pm-11pm; WhatsApp 055 180 7559 or call 04 246 664 for bookings
38. Take your sacred cats and dogs to this pet-friendly Halloween brunch
On October 29, Pet Set Go are hosting a pet-friendly Halloween brunch at Century Village, Garhoud. Pets can enter for free, and guests can enjoy live music, a photo booth, a ‘paint my dog’ station and treats for your fur-friend to ensure they have a perfect Howl-oween. There’ll be prizes for cutest costumes for your pups and kittens.
From 2pm-5pm; from AED 257 and AED 103 for kids ages 6 to 12 years. Call 058 592 2492.
39. Howl at the full moon this Halloween Full Moon Party
It’s not quite twilight but from 8pm onwards on October 28, you can unleash your inner werewolf at Level 43 Sky Lounge at Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road. They’re hosting a Full Moon Halloween party with beats, music, drinks and wicked vibes. If you’ve been itching to break out a Wolverine or Teen Wolf costume, this is your time to shine.
Call 056 414 2213 for reservations and details
40. Say bao instead of boo with this Halloween dim sum deal at Jixiang
From October 27 to November 3, Jixiang, the fine-dining Chinese takeaway food stall has conjured Halloween-themed dim sums. Five pumpkin-shaped dim sum stuffed to the brim with veggies can be had for AED 40 with a bevvie of your choice. The offer is valid at both Jixiang outlets in JBR Beach and The Last Exit Al Khawaneej food trucks. The offers are valid on takeaway and delivery if all you want to do is eat scrummy Chinese food while watching horror flicks in the comfort of your house.
From 11am-1am; call 055 426 3225
41. Make a splash at Wild Wadi with trick-or-treating
Wild Wadi Waterpark has a host of events lined up for little ones all weekend. From 1pm-5pm, on October 28 and 29, families can enjoy Face Painting, Pumpkin Painting, Carnival Games such as ‘‘Frankenstein Needs a Brain Toss’ and ‘Pumpkin Toss’ and more. However, on October 29, the family-friendly Dubai destination will be handing out 200 bags of candy to treat young trick-or-treaters.