Dubai in December 2026: Shopping Festival, New Year’s Eve and the Weather
December is when Dubai is at its best outside. Days are warm. Evenings are cool enough to eat outdoors. Many of the city’s big events land in a few short weeks. It is also the busiest month, so plan your stay around what you want to do.
What is the weather like in December?
Expect sunny days, usually in the mid-20s °C, and cooler evenings. It is beach weather by day. Rain is rare but possible. Pack light layers. Bring something that covers shoulders and knees for mosques and souks.
Dubai Shopping Festival 2026–27: 4 December to 17 January
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) runs from 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027 (Visit Dubai). For 45 days, malls run sales, raffles and shows. Fireworks and drone shows run on set dates.
- Big malls: Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall carry most of the festival programme.
- Older districts: Bur Dubai and BurJuman are good for textiles, gold and a calmer shopping day.
- Tip: check the official DSF calendar before you go. Shows move around the city.
New Year’s Eve in Dubai
The Burj Khalifa fireworks in Downtown are the best-known show. Roads and metro stations near Downtown get very busy from the afternoon. Some roads close. Arrive early, or watch a show nearer your hotel. Dubai Marina, the beaches and Global Village all hold their own.
Other big December dates
- GITEX Global, 7–11 December 2026. The GITEX Summit is on 7 December at Dubai World Trade Centre. The show then moves to Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City, 8–11 December (gitex.com).
- Global Village is open for Season 31 until May 2027. It opens in the late afternoon (globalvillage.ae).
- Late November: Big 5 Global runs at Dubai World Trade Centre, 23–26 November 2026 (big5global.com). Expect busy hotels on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Where to stay in December, by what you’ll do
| If you’re here for… | Stay in | Our hotel |
|---|---|---|
| DSF at Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai | Al Barsha | Rose Plaza Hotel Al Barsha, near Mall of the Emirates |
| Seeing the city by metro | Al Barsha, on the Red Line | Rose Park Hotel Al Barsha, opposite Insurance Market Metro Station |
| A family stay with a kitchen | Al Barsha | Rose Garden Hotel Apartments Al Barsha, studios to three bedrooms |
| GITEX Summit, Big 5, business | Sheikh Zayed Road | Rose Executive Hotel DWTC, opposite Dubai World Trade Centre |
| Old Dubai, souks, the Creek | Bur Dubai | Rose Garden Hotel Apartments Bur Dubai, behind BurJuman Mall and metro station |
December rooms go fast, and prices move with demand. Book on our official site for the best available rate. You deal with our team directly.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Dubai?
Yes. The weather is at its best and the big events are on. It is also busy, so book early.
When is the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026?
From 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027, according to Visit Dubai.
How hot is Dubai in December?
Days are usually in the mid-20s °C, with cooler evenings. Bring a light layer.
Where should I stay for New Year’s Eve in Dubai?
Downtown is the busiest. To avoid the crowds, stay in Al Barsha, Bur Dubai or Dubai Marina. Watch a local show, or travel in early.