How have we already made it to the third month of 2023?! Time is quite literally Marching by us… And our mission is to help you make the most Dubai every hour and every minute of this month. More so, since it’s packed with celebrations such as Holi, St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, and the start of Ramadan. Here are 14 fantastic things to do in Dubai in March.
1. Round up the clan and head to a family-friendly stage show of Fireman Sam
Beloved children’s TV show character Fireman Sam is making its musical debut in the UAE this weekend with shows scheduled for Dubai on March 4 and 5 at The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates and in Abu Dhabi from March 10 to 12 at the Cultural Foundation. This smash-hit production is the perfect way to relieve your childhood (the show first aired in 1987) or introduce your little ones to the antics of the residents of Pontypandy. Sam, Elvis, Station Officer Steele, Norman Price, Penny and the whole crew will be helping track down a travelling circus’ escaped tiger in this stage adaption. We bet you’ll be humming along the theme tune for days after!
2. Enjoy a glamorous night of ballet at the Dubai Opera
Ballet Icons Gala returns to Dubai Opera on March 4 to wow audiences with handpicked highlights from iconic classical ballets, accompanied by a gala dinner. You’ll get to enjoy performances by international ballet dancers and star principals from the Paris Opera Ballet, New York City Ballet, English National Ballet and more. They will be bringing to life pieces from classics such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliette and contemporary masterpieces. The London-based black-toe event that’s known to be a celebrity favourite for a dose of the arts and culture (actor Ralph Fiennes and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood) will host quite the star-studded affair in Dubai too. It’s the perfect excuse to dress up to the nines this weekend and enjoy a glamorous night out.
Price: Tickets from AED 300; get here
Booking: Call 04 440 8888 or visit www.dubaiopera.com
3. Test your endurance at the Hatta Hills Run
The hills of Hatta will be alive with the sound of running feet on March 5. The Hatta Hills Run offers runners a choice of 5k, 10k or a 21.1km (half-marathon) routes. You’ll find yourself sprinting through the mountainous destination’s scenery, soaking up views of the brilliant blue Hatta Dam, villages nestled in oasis of palm trees and the Hajar mountains in the background. Runners will star at the five-star JA Hatta Fort Hotel at 7am. Registration closes at 9:59pm on March 4
Tickets from AED 125; register here
4-5. Stock up on some culture at these art festivals and fairs in Dubai
Dubai Art Season has well and truly kicked off. This year’s theme is ‘Take A Walk on the Art Side’ and there’s plenty happening in various parts of the city that you absolutely must check out.
🎨The 16th edition of Art Dubai, the city’s leading international art fair is opening its doors to the public from March 3-5 at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference and Events Centre. You can browse through the annual art fair’s four sections – Contemporary, Modern, Bawwaba (Arabic for gateway) and Art Dubai Digital. Over 100 galleries from 40 countries around the world will be showcasing their art. Tickets cost AED 90 and 50% of the proceeds will be donated to charities helping earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
🎭 Sikka Art and Design Festival is running until March 5 in the Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood. The heritage district’s narrow alleys and sandstone houses are getting a colourful makeover with stunning installations, murals, food stalls and free workshops. The best party? Entry is absolutely free. Find details here.
7. Laugh till you cry this comedy-drama Lebanese play 
‘Mafroukeh’, an Arabic play takes to the stage at The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates on March 7 and 8 in celebration of Women’s Day. This empowering Lebanese play by female playwrights Marwa Khalil and Wafa’a Halawi blends drama and comedy as it delves into life of housewife Amal. While she seems to have it all from the outside, Amal is deeply unhappy within. Her choice to seek a divorce and the challenges she faces on her journey to independence will hook you right in.
Dates: March 7 and 8
Tickets: from AED 135, buy here
Timing: 8:30pm
7-8. Add some Irish luck to your March with these St.Patrick’s Day celebrations
☘️ Jumeirah Golf Estates is hosting a special evening brunch to celebrate the Emerald Isle of Ireland. The St.Patrick’s Day brunch will be held at Earth Terrace on March 17, serving traditional dishes and drinks along with a side of lively Irish music so good that you’ll find yourself breaking out into a jig. Kids will have separate entertainment to keep them busy.
Date: March 17; from 5pm-8pm
Price: From AED 315 for adults and AED 135 for kids aged 5 to 12
Bookings: Call 04 587 7777 or email jevents@dubaigolf.com
🍻Taj Exotica’s Roaring Rabbit is all set to have a roaring good time on March 15 and 17 in lieu of St. Patrick’s Day. Tuck into a special a la carte beverage menu, unlimited Irish cocktails and beers, a live DJ. Try your hand at fun games such as snooker, dart board, and beer pong and more.
Date: March 15-17; from 5pm-8pm
Price: Beverage packages start from AED 149 and a la carte menu from AED 35
Bookings: Call 04 275 4444 or email restaurants.exoticadubai@tajhotels.com
9-10. Show mommy dearest how special she is with these Mother’s Day celebrations
Whether you’re a mum, want to celebrate your own mother or show some appreciation for the ladies in your life who are mums, these special events and ideas will help you celebrate motherhood.
🧖♀️ Mothers and Daughters can enjoy a day out at the spa at Shangri-La Dubai. The hotel’s special Mum and Me Time package let’s offspring and parents bond with a 30-minute relaxing back massage and a 60-minute prescribed Margys Facial
Price: AED 1000 for two people
Booking: Call 04 343 8888
👩👦 Mothers dine for free from March 14-21 at the M One restaurant’s evening buffets. Mums who show up with one other paying dinner companion will be able to enjoy a complimentary meal. Located at Millennium Place Barsha Heights, the buffet has a different theme each night. You can sample international delicacies from Italy, Mexico, the UAE and more. Swing by on a Friday for Seafood Fri-yay.
Date: March 14-21; from 7pm-10:30pm
Time: 7pm – 10:30pm
Booking: Call or WhatsApp 058 606 0831 or email restaurants.mpbh@millenniumhotels.com
11-14. Drench yourself in colours and delicious Indian food at these Holi events in Dubai
Holi, the Indian festival of colours, falls on March 8 this year. We’ve found the best of Dubai’s concerts and dining offers to add a blast of colour to your life.
🥳 Dubai Sports City’s Rugby Square is going to be a riot of colours on March 5 when the Atrangi Holi Fest unfolds. From 12pm-10pm, pop musicians Zephyrtone and Knox Artiste will be performing at the venue alongside local DJs. The Holi party will also have a kids play area, live dohl music, licensed food and beverage stalls. Plus, they will be handing out only herbal colours so you’re guaranteed a safe Holi.
Tickets: from AED 55; find here
Bookings: Call 054 7161114 or 056 4567897
🎉The Color Beach Party at La Mer North Beach is set to get revelers dancing and throwing colours on March 11. You’ll be partying to 12 hours of non-stop music on the beach, including a live performance by Punjabi singer Kaka.
Tickets: AED 100; find here
🍲 Rang Mahal, the Indian fine-dining restaurant at JW Marriott Marquis by chef Atul Kochhar is serving a special six-course set menu for Holi. Featuring vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from various regions of India, you’ll find yourself gorging on appetisers like gujiya ragda chat and jhal muri scallops. Mains include the likes of lamb cutlets with wild mushrooms and rogan sauce and cassata kulfi for dessert.
Date: March 8; from 6pm-12am
Price: From AED 225 per person
Booking: Call 04 414 3000
🍛 Celebrity chef Kunal Kapur’s newest Dubai eatery, Pincode, has created a special Holi menu available only on March 7 and 8. Feast on chaat such as dahi kachori, appetisers like bread pakora sliders, and paneer kofta and tandoori chicken tawa pulao for mains. Don’t miss their unique Indian take on tres leches, which combines the Mexican milk cake with the traditional Indian milk-based cold drink thandai, consumed during Holi.
15.Groove away to hip and afro beats at an underground party (March 10)
All the way from France, DJ AYANE has arrived in Dubai to play the city’s party people some bangin’ afro, hip hop and dancehall music. You can catch her behind the decks at La Carnita on March 10 from 8pm until late. The underground party by The Spot events is transforming the Mexican restaurant at Intercontinental Dubai Marina into a happening club for one night. Djs Colione, 1Takenandos and Crown Prince will also be performing.
Entry fee of AED 100, including drink; call 058 589 2771