Dubai has never stood still, and 2026 is no exception. Heritage neighbourhoods sit alongside new hotels, restaurants and infrastructure, and innovation is part of everyday life. From electric air taxis to immersive cultural experiences, the city continues to evolve, showcasing history, innovation and the very latest in luxury.
For travellers who value time as much as experience, Dubai in 2026 offers scale, ambition and style. Whether staying at Six Senses The Palm, Baccarat Hotel and Residences, or exploring the latest dining from Nobu One Za’abeel to Abra Restaurant, the city makes it easy to to savour every experience.
The Cultural Core
Some of the most compelling experiences in Dubai this year are found at street level. Old Dubai takes centre stage, with a cultural food tour through Bur Dubai and Deira named one of the top global experiences for 2026 by Lonely Planet. Walking these neighbourhoods offers a reminder that Dubai’s story began long before glass towers, shaped by trade, migration and shared meals along the creek.
Art Dubai celebrates its 20th anniversary this April at Madinat Jumeirah, bringing together more than 100 modern, contemporary and digital galleries from over 35 countries. Under the theme Future, Past, Present, the fair hosts history and innovation in one place.
Meanwhile, Global Village continues its 30th season until May, with 30 pavilions representing countries from across the world, more than 250 eateries and thousands of handcrafted goods. It is lively, international and inclusive.
Creative energy thrives at Alserkal Avenue, where Quoz Arts Fest returns in January with exhibitions, live performances, film screenings at Cinema Akil and activities for families. In Al Shindagha Historic District, the Sikka Art and Design Festival transforms historic houses into galleries, performance spaces and creative studios, anchoring contemporary art in place and tradition.
The Global Stage
Dubai is a city that loves its sport, and 2026 gives visitors plenty of reasons to join in. The Dubai World Cup marks its 30th running on 28 March at Meydan Racecourse, bringing together top horses, jockeys, and an international crowd for a night to remember. Leading up to it, the Dubai Racing Carnival keeps the excitement going, with Fashion Friday and Emirates Super Saturday drawing fans from around the world.
Golfers can take in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club, featuring stars like Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Shane Lowry, while the Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort offers another reason to grab a club. Runners and cyclists also have their moment, from the Dubai Marathon to the Burj2Burj, enjoying routes that pass the city’s skyline and desert landscapes.
Endurance events take place alongside these fixtures. The Dubai Marathon celebrates its 25th edition in February, while L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France brings cyclists of all levels through closed city roads and desert landscapes. From elite athletes to casual participants, these events highlight Dubai’s ability to host competition at every level.
No matter the sport, Dubai makes it easy to be part of the action, it’s just one of the many ways the city keeps visitors coming back in 2026.
Stay in Style
Dubai’s hospitality scene continues to expand, with hotels in 2026 focus on privacy, wellness and identity. The most anticipated openings of the year include Six Senses The Palm, Dubai, the brand’s first Dubai outpost. On Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent, it offers 61 rooms alongside branded residences, a private beach and a signature Six Senses Spa, catering to travellers seeking restorative stays without losing access to the city.
In Downtown Dubai, the UAE’s first Baccarat Hotel and Residences Dubai brings the French crystal house’s heritage to the city with twin towers inspired by crystal forms. In Downtown Dubai, the UAE’s first Baccarat Hotel and Residences Dubai brings the French crystal house’s heritage to the city with twin towers inspired by crystal forms. Spanning a street-level promenade and plaza, diners can enjoy world-class food and beverage outlets offering refined and memorable experiences. For those seeking rest and rejuvenation, wellness spaces provide tranquility, whether at the Pool Sanctuary overlooking the Burj Khalifa or within the ultra-luxurious spa.
Above the hotel, the ultra-exclusive branded residences deliver the ‘Everyday Baccarat’ experience through the same inspirational design. Offering two-to-four-bedroom furnished apartments alongside four penthouses, including a five-bedroom palatial residence complete with a private gym, pool and wine cellar, each home boasts sweeping views of the Burj Khalifa. Residents have access to all hotel amenities, combining privacy with the full spectrum of luxury services.
Gran Meliá Dubai opens in Jumeirah with a 140 metre private beach and panoramic marina views, becoming home to the city’s first Novikov Beach. Kimpton Dubai debuts on the Business Bay Canal, offering a boutique approach that prioritises design and social spaces.
On The World Islands, InterContinental Resort Portofino and Côte d’Azur Nice Hotel expand the ambitious Heart of Europe project, creating Mediterranean escapes just minutes from the mainland. The Meydan Hotel reopens following renovations, reclaiming its position at the centre of Dubai’s racing and sports scene.
Dining as Destination
Dubai’s dining scene continues its ascent, driven by both global names and local voices. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa opens Nobu One Za’abeel, his third Dubai venue, high above the city on The Link. DIFC welcomes London favourite Barrafina, making its international debut, while Osaka Nikkei arrives at Mandarin Oriental Downtown with Japanese–Peruvian flair.
Palm Jumeirah remains a culinary hotspot, with AVLU introducing contemporary Aegean cuisine, and hospitality brands The MAINE and Canary Club launching beachside concepts at Club Vista Mare.
Perhaps most notably, Abra Restaurant opens at the Etihad Museum, led by Emirati chef Sahar Parham Al Awadhi. Offering a modern interpretation of Emirati flavours, guests can delight in a dining experience that celebrates local culinary heritage while complementing the culture and history showcased throughout the museum.
Innovation, Sustainability and the Next Frontier
Dubai continues to integrate innovation into everyday life. Fully electric air taxis begin operation under a partnership between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Joby Aviation, connecting Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai.
Sustainability initiatives take a tangible form at Jumeirah Eco Village in Madinat Jumeirah, showcasing biodiversity, marine conservation and food security through interactive exhibits, hydroponic farming and coral rehabilitation. Visitors can experience how luxury hospitality can operate responsibly without compromising the guest experience.
A City For All Generations
2026 is the Year of the Family in the UAE. Attractions like Dubai Miracle Garden, now in its 14th season, remain popular with installations such as the Emirates A380 floral display, while the adjacent Dubai Butterfly Garden offers a calmer, educational experience.
New venues such as Five Iron Golf in Business Bay combine high-tech simulators, social spaces and food and beverage options, accommodating both corporate groups and casual visitors.
Ramadan begins in mid February, bringing reflective yet lively experiences including night markets, special iftar menus and cultural programming. Eid Al Fitr follows with citywide celebrations, retail promotions and family-focused events.
Defining Dubai
Dubai in 2026 delivers on every level. Hotels, restaurants, events and transport operate efficiently, making the city easy to navigate and consistently reliable. For visitors, that clarity and consistency are the real measure of luxury. Beyond the marquee openings and headline events, it is the seamless integration of experiences, from fine dining to cultural attractions, that sets the city apart.