Thousands gathered at Burj Lake, capturing the dazzling return of Dubai Fountain after five months, with music, lights, and water jets soaring/ Image: DXB Media Office
Dubai is dishing out a power-packed weekend lineup with something for every kind of city dweller. Whether you’re a party person, a culture buff, or someone who just wants to escape the mundane, here’s what’s buzzing from Friday, 17th October to Sunday, 19th October.
Curtains up: Theatre & live performances
- Slava’s SNOWSHOW – A magical winter wonderland
Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the EmiratesDates: Oct 17–26 | Ticket: AED 208 (USD 56.68)Metro: Mall of the Emirates Station (Red Line)Remember the joy of snow days? This world-famous visual theatre act by Russian maestro Slava Polunin brings you just that – indoors. Think giant balloons, indoor snowstorms, and heartwarming clown acts. Perfect for families, dates or anyone who’s had a tough week and needs some whimsy.
- Le Porteur D’Histoire – A story within a story
Venue: The Junction, Alserkal AvenueDates: Oct 18–19 | 8 PM | Ticket: AED 156 (USD 42.51)A French play that blends time, fiction, and history – this one’s for the artsy crowd. Presented with English subtitles, it’s the perfect excuse to dress artsy, sip a cold brew from the Avenue, and support the indie scene.
Music Mania: Live gigs & global acts
- LOBODA Live – Pop with power
Venue: The Agenda, Dubai Media CityDate: Oct 17 | 8 PM | Ticket: AED 312 (USD 85.01)Metro: Nakheel Station, then short cab rideIf your playlist swings between Dua Lipa and Zara Larsson, Ukrainian pop queen Loboda is right up your alley. Known for her electric stage presence and theatrical visuals, this one promises a dancefloor-style concert.
- Zade Dirani – Music to heal your soul
Venue: Dubai OperaDate: Oct 17 | 8 PM | Ticket: AED 620 (USD 168.61)The Jordanian American pianist and composer returns to Dubai with his signature blend of orchestral world music. Expect moving melodies, stories in sound, and a pinch of spiritual calm. Dress classy.
- Oscar & The Wolf x Space Motion – Vibe check: 100%
Venue: HIVE, Soho Garden MeydanDate: Oct 18 | 10 PM till late | Ticket: AED 156 (USD 42.51)Belgian indie-electro act Oscar and the Wolf meets deep-house wizard Space Motion — this is the kind of night that starts chill and ends with you dancing barefoot at 3 AM.
- Andrea Jeremiah Live
Venue: Etisalat Academy, MuhaisnahDate: Oct 18 | 7:30 PM | Ticket: AED 52 (USD 14.17)Singer, actor, poet — Andrea Jeremiah does it all. This intimate Tamil-English concert features unplugged numbers and some surprises from her indie project. Very low-key. Very chill.
- Robin Schulz at Bohemia – Weekend banger alert
Venue: Bohemia at Five Palm JumeirahDate: Oct 18 | 10 PM onwards | Ticket: AED 156 (USD 42.51)With tracks like “Sugar” and “Waves”, German DJ Robin Schulz brings chill-meets-thump energy. Pair that with Dubai’s wild nightlife and you’ve got your party plan sorted.
Clubbing calendar: Beats for every mood
- Carl Cox – Dubai season opening
Venue: FIVE LUXE JBRDate: Oct 17 | Ticket: AED 156 (USD 42.51)If your soul beats to techno, don’t miss this. Carl Cox, the absolute legend, is in town to kick off the clubbing season. Expect long queues, longer sets, and that perfect bass drop moment.
- Chris Stussy at Soho Garden
Venue: Soho Garden, MeydanDate: Oct 17 | 10 PM | Ticket: AED 156 (USD 42.51)Dutch DJ Chris Stussy is all about groove-heavy house music. Soho Garden’s outdoor vibes and Meydan skyline make this a perfect date night for music heads.
- Tomorrowland presents Indo Warehouse
Venue: Terra Solis, Dubai DesertDate: Oct 18 | 4 PM onwards | Ticket: AED 208 (USD 56.68)Now this is a vibe. Indo Warehouse fuses Indian folk and percussive beats with global house music — set in a desert oasis by Tomorrowland. Think fairy lights, fire dancers, and earthy house sets. Sundowners mandatory.
Laugh riot: Stand-up specials
- The Laughter Factory – October Tour
Venues: Across Dubai, RAK & Abu DhabiDates: Oct 17–18 | Ticket: AED 166 (USD 45.34)This travelling circus of stand-up stars is a weekend staple. This month’s comics include international pros dropping punchlines on everything from marriage woes to airport chaos.
- Sugar Sammy Live
Venue: Zabeel Theatre, Palm JumeirahDate: Oct 18 | 8 PM | Ticket: AED 198 (USD 53.84)Tip: Taxi recommended for Palm venuesMulti-lingual, multi-cultural, and hilariously on point, Sugar Sammy is known for his witty takes on race, language, and awkward social moments. Great date night pick.
- Irina Myagkova (Russian stand-up)
Venue: Dubai Heights AcademyDate: Oct 19 | Ticket: AED 219 (USD 59.51)If you’re part of Dubai’s growing Russian-speaking community, Irina Myagkova’s sharp, relatable humour is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Luxury experiences: Supercars & chill
- Porsche Farmhouse Escape
Location: Private desert retreat (pickup included)Dates: Oct 17–19 | Price: From AED 9,550 (USD 2,601.42)Drive the dream. Whether it’s the 911 GT3, Panamera GTS, or Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, this curated countryside driving escape blends speed, gourmet food, and luxury living. GT3 slots still open. Everything else? Already sold out.
Sports & stadium energy
- Al Wasl FC vs Al Nasr FC
Venue: Zabeel StadiumDate: Oct 18 | Status: Sold OutDubai’s biggest football rivalry returns. If you can score a resale ticket, be ready for chants, fireworks, and wild energy in the stands.
- Dubai Basketball vs U-BT Cluj-Napoca
Venue: Coca-Cola ArenaDate: Oct 19 | Ticket: AED 31 (USD 8.50)Dubai’s basketball team faces off against Romania’s U-BT Cluj-Napoca. Fast-paced, international flair, and family-friendly. Courtside energy guaranteed.
Events & cultural bazaars
- Custom Show Emirates 2025
Venue: Dubai World Trade CentreDates: Oct 17–19 | Ticket: AED 93 (USD 25.50)Metro: World Trade Centre Station (Red Line)A full-throttle festival of modified rides, drifting demos, and motorbike showcases. If you love your horsepower and body kits, this is your temple.
- Bandhan Without Rishta – The Big Fat Wedding Party
Venue: Vice, DubaiDate: Oct 17 | Ticket: AED 208 (USD 56.68)An Indian-style wedding celebration—without the marriage. Come dressed to impress, and enjoy baraat energy, dhol, and food, minus the family drama.
- Raatri Onam Season 2
Venue: Al Nasr LeisurelandDate: Oct 18 | Ticket: AED 52 (USD 14.17)A festive celebration of Kerala’s culture with traditional dance, music, and Onam sadhya. A warm, family-oriented evening perfect for nostalgic expats and culture lovers.
Diwali celebrations & fireworks
- UAE’s largest Indian Diwali celebration
Venue: Zabeel Park (Gates 1 and 3)Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025 | Time: 2 PM – 11 PMPrice: Free (registration required via WhatsApp by sending “India” to +971 4702 7721 for an entry QR code)Metro: Zabeel Park station (Green Line)Over 60,000 attendees expected for UAE’s biggest Indian community Diwali event. Features live music by Neha Kakkar, Mika Singh, Neeraj Madhav, and sarangi virtuoso Nabeel Khan. Supported by UAE Government Media Office and attended by dignitaries including Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State.
- Diwali Fireworks at Al Seef
Venue: Al Seef Waterfront, Dubai CreekDate: Friday, October 17, 2025 | Time: 9 PMHow to reach: Al Fahidi Metro station (Green Line), then a short taxi or walk to Al SeefOpening fireworks show amid Dubai’s charming heritage district along Dubai Creek. Part of the “Noor: Festival of Lights” cultural showcase featuring poetry, dance, henna art, and workshops from October 17 to 19.
- Fireworks & Diwali Festivities at Global Village
Venue: Global VillageDates: October 18 & 19, 2025 | Time: Fireworks at 9 PMPrice: Entry ticket requiredHow to reach: Global Village station (Red Line).Weekend fireworks paired with Diwali Mela at the India Pavilion featuring live entertainment, traditional food, and cultural shows.
- Riverland Dubai Fireworks and Events
Venue: Riverland Dubai, Dubai Parks and ResortsDates: October 17-19, 2025 | Time: 9:30 PM fireworksPrice: Starts at AED 99 (USD 27) for park entryHow to reach: Dubai Parks and Resorts Metro Station (Red Line) + shuttle or taxiFestive fireworks over water along with cultural performances, sitar solos, dance shows, and henna tattoo booths.
Your weekend sorted
For party animals: Carl Cox, Robin Schulz, Tomorrowland Desert NightsFor artsy types: Snowshow, Le Porteur, Andrea JeremiahFor laughs: Laughter Factory, Sugar Sammy, Irina MyagkovaFor car lovers: Custom Show, Porsche DrivesFor desi culture: Bandhan Party, Raatri Onam, Diwali firework showsSo what’s your plan, Dubai? Whether it’s a Porsche on a mountain road or dhol on the dancefloor, make sure your weekend lives up to the hype. Go to Source
