Spring isn’t an actual season in Dubai, but April sure knows how to put a spring in our steps with fantastic events. Kicking off things is the exciting slew of Eid concerts and shows. Plus, this is your last chance to walk around and experience the city on foot, before May brings the heat! Here’s our list of top things to do in Dubai in April.
1. Get colourful at this belated Holi party
The Indian festival of colours was on March 14 but celebrations were either delayed or held in advance to accommodate Ramadan. The Holi Hai – Color Mela party opted for the former. Turn your Eid break into a kaleidoscope of colours with an open-air event in Zabeel Park with live DJs, colour blasts, scrumptious food stalls, live dhol and organic colours.
🎟️: AED 30 onwards per person; book tickets here
📅: April 1; from 10:30am
📍: Zabeel Park Amphitheatre, Karama, Dubai
2. Laugh out loud with Max Amini
The Iranian-American comedian Max Amini is best known for his appearances on TV shows like Heroes and Real Life with Rob Schneider. The funnyman is bringing his brand of observational humour touching on cross-cultural experiences to Dubai this April with two editions each in different languages- one in Persian and one in English.
🎟️: AED 220 per person onwards; get tickets here
📅: April 2; shows at 5:30pm and 9:30pm
📍: Coca Cola Arena, City Walk
3. Party like the USA at this country music festival
Summer In Nashville, a country music festival, is making its debut in Dubai this April. Gear up for a day of bbq, line dancing, rodeo bull rides, cowboy hats and family-friendly fun at this wholesome throwdown.
🎟️: AED 50 per person
📅: April 19
📍: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
4. Attend this theatre festival of 10-minute plays
Storytelling gets quick and pithy at the Short + Sweet Theatre 2025. Watch local talent perform monologues, ensemble pieces, musicals and even mimes across languages at The Junction for the Dubai edition of this global theatre festival. The only caveat? Each performance is only 10 minutes or less. Find details here
📅: April 12 – June 1
📍: The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
5. Celebrate Eid Al Fitr in Dubai
Although the dates for Eid Al Fitr 2025 haven’t been announced yet, we do know that the religious holiday will fall around March 30 and April 1, promising UAE residents a 5-day weekend. Watch this space as we update it with all the festive fireworks, shows, dining offers and deals Dubai will have.
6. Enjoy a day at the races at the Dubai World Cup
World-class steeds, fashionable fascinators and appearances by celebs and royalty are just a few of the reasons that make Dubai’s own horse racing tournament one for the books. With prize money of USD 30.5 million up for grabs, this high-stakes racing event is one of the most glamorous sporting events in the world and features concerts by big music stars. More info here
🎟️: General admission tickets from AED 20
📅: April 5
📍: Meydan Racecourse Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba
7. Go clue hunting at this floating hotel’s murder mystery
QE2 is hosting an immersive murder mystery dinner called ‘All That Glitters’ for fans of the whodunnit format. Written by Moxie Anderson, this Hollywood-themed storyline made its sell-out premiere at the Emirates Airlines Literature Festival and is now set to enthral Dubai residents again on popular demand. Go dressed as a detective and jump head-first into solving a murder on a film set populated by impossible divas, overworked assistants, scheming directors and a killer.
🎟️: AED 345 per person, book here
📅: April 5; doors open at 7:30pm and show starts at 8pm
📍: Theatre by QE2, Queen Elizabeth II, Port Rashid
8. Catch some hoops at this Dubai Basketball VS Zadar game
Homegrown professional basketball club Dubai Basketball is going up against Croatian club KK Zadar this April. See the action live on the court as the five-time Yugoslavian Championship-winning Zadar test the mettle of the UAE’s first international sports franchise. Who knows, the next LeBron James could be from Dubai! Buy tickets here
🎟️: from AED 75 per person
📅: April 6; 6pm
📍: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk
9. Sign up for the Pocari Sweat Run
Get your last sprint in before summer makes the outdoors unbearable at the inaugural Pocari Sweat Run. Choose from three distances of 5km, 10km and 21km if you’ve got your sights set on a half marathon. Both seasoned runners and beginners can participate and there’s a cash prize for winners. Register here
🎟️: AED 50 for 5k, AED 100 for 10k and AED 200 for 21k as registration fees
📅: April 12; from 4:30am-11:00am
📍: Al Forsan Park, Expo City Dubai
10. Get lost in the magic of this stunning ballet show
A Thousand Tales Ballet is a spectacular classical ballet show with world-class dancers that brings to live timeless tales like Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and Aladdin in one entertaining and artistic narrative.
🎟️: Get tickets here
📅: April 4-5
📍: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
11. Let your creativity flow at Art Dubai
The city’s annual art fair, Art Dubai, will return in April to showcase around 120 contemporary, modern and digital galleries from over 40 countries. Participate in talks, and artist-led workshops and discover commissioned public art installations, from mediums as diverse as painting, digital and sculptures. More info here
🎟️: Tickets will go live soon
📅: April 18-20
📍: Madinat Jumeirah
12. Let a tango performance tantalise you
World Tango champions German Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi will gracefully stride their way from the stage into your hearts at Tango After Dark. This show will recreate the vibrance of Argentinian tango in Dubai with a live band of seven musicians, two vocalists and 10 ensemble dancers. Cornejo and Galeassi will sway, stride and spin to the playful rhythms of compositions of legendary tango composer Astor Piazzolla.
🎟️: Tickets from AED 199 per person; book tickets here
📅: April 26, 27
📍: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
13. Get your game on at this e-sports festival
The Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) will transform Trade Centre into a haven for geeks and tech buffs this April for a full 17 days. Meet fellow gamers and industry experts at engaging panels, cosplay and gaming tournaments, and workshops to upgrade your skills. Find details here
🎟️: AED 29 for single day, AED 149 and AED 220 per person packages
📅: April 25 to May 11
📍: Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 at Dubai World Trade Centre
14. Attend the InClassica International Music Festival
The 14th edition of this beloved music festival is back in Dubai to celebrate 13 classical soloists, 5 conductors, and two major orchestras who will mesmerise you for two weeks in 16 shows.
🎟️: Tickets from AED 199 per person, details here
📅: April 6-21
📍: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai