From concerts and comedy to family attractions and shopping, here’s what’s happening across the UAE this August.
Dubai: From Bollywood legends and a Michael Jackson tribute to a Filipino pop takeover, Hindi stand-up, South Indian fusion and enough family fun to keep the kids entertained all month, August in the UAE is packed with events. Whether you’re after live music, comedy, food or shopping, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what’s on.
1. Emirati Chefs x VOX
Cinema dining gets a local twist this August as VOX Cinemas teams up with Dubai Economy and Tourism for a limited-time menu celebrating Emirati culinary talent. Available at THEATRE by VOX, the special menu features three signature creations: a Date and Chami Cheese Salad and slow-cooked Beef Short Ribs by twin chefs Abdulrahman and Maitha Al Hashmi—the region’s youngest qualified Emirati chefs—as well as a Sticky Date Pudding crafted by pastry chef Ahmad Al Fardan.
When: From 29 July for a limited time
Where: THEATRE by VOX at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, Nakheel Mall and Wafi Mall in Dubai, as well as The Galleria Al Maryah Island and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi
Price: Included with the THEATRE by VOX cinema dining experience.
2. Modesh World
One of the region’s biggest indoor family attractions is back for another summer, bringing together carnival rides, arcade-style games, hands-on workshops, live stage performances and the popular Modesh Market under one roof. Families can also catch the final days of a special Baby Shark collaboration, featuring daily sing-along shows and meet-and-greet sessions until 31 July.
When: Daily, 12pm to 10pm, until 23 August
Where: Sheikh Saeed Halls 1–3, Dubai World Trade Centre
Price: Free entry, with six hours of complimentary parking.
3. Summer Restaurant Week
Food lovers have one final chance to take advantage of Summer Restaurant Week, with specially priced set menus at more than 55 restaurants across Dubai. Participating venues include Leña Dubai, Duo Gastrobar, Pie House, Bebek and Shamiana, offering a chance to sample signature dishes at discounted prices. Reservations can be made through Careem DineOut on the Careem app.
When: Until 2 August
Where: Participating restaurants across Dubai
Price: Two-course lunch Dh80; three-course dinner Dh120
4. Great Dubai Summer Sale
It’s the final stretch of the Great Dubai Summer Sale, giving shoppers one last opportunity to score major bargains across the city. More than 1,000 brands are taking part, with discounts of up to 80 per cent, while limited-time flash sales offer savings of up to 90 per cent on selected items.
When: Until 2 August
Where: Participating retailers across Dubai
Price: Free to browse
5. Beat The Heat DXB ft. Rasha Rizk
Relive the soundtracks of your childhood as Rasha Rizk—the voice behind theme songs from some of the Arab world’s most beloved animated series—takes to the stage at Dubai World Trade Centre. The nostalgic concert is part of the Beat The Heat DXB summer music series and promises an evening of fan-favourite classics and live performances.
When: 1 August, 8.30pm
Where: Exhibition Hall 8, Dubai World Trade Centre
Price: Tickets from Dh105
6. Dance Battle at Dubai Festival Plaza
Get ready for an afternoon of high-energy performances as Dubai Festival Plaza hosts its Dance Battle, bringing together young dancers, families and local talent for a lively celebration of music, movement and creativity. Expect impressive routines, friendly competition and plenty of entertainment for spectators.
When: 1 August
Where: Dubai Festival Plaza
Price: Free
7. Ibn Battuta Mall Indoor Run Series 9
Beat the summer heat with the latest edition of the Ibn Battuta Mall Indoor Run Series. Open to runners of all ages and abilities, the event features 1km, 2.5km, 5km and 10km race categories, along with live music, hydration stations and family-friendly activities throughout the morning.
When: 2 August
Where: Ibn Battuta Mall
Price: Check with the organisers
8. Get Get Aww: SB Girls Live
Filipino pop takes centre stage at Etihad Arena as SB Girls headline Get Get Aww, a one-night-only concert promising high-energy performances, dazzling production and chart-topping hits. Billed as a first-of-its-kind Filipino concert experience in the UAE, the show is designed to match the scale of one of the region’s biggest indoor venues.
When: 8 August, doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Price: Tickets from Dh349
9. Thaalam Beats ft. Benny Dayal, Usha Uthup and Thaikkudam Bridge
South Indian music takes centre stage at Coca-Cola Arena as playback sensation Benny Dayal, legendary singer Usha Uthup and fusion band Thaikkudam Bridge come together for a special musical showcase. The concert will celebrate Malayalam, Tamil and contemporary sounds, blending iconic hits with modern fusion. The event is part of Dubai Summer Surprises.
When: 15 August, 8pm
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Price: Tickets from Dh75
10. Lucky Ali Live
Few voices evoke nostalgia quite like Lucky Ali’s. The singer-songwriter behind timeless favourites such as O Sanam, Ek Pal Ka Jeena and Safarnama returns to Dubai for an evening of soulful melodies and unforgettable hits, bringing fans a chance to relive some of his most iconic tracks live.
When: 16 August, 8pm
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Price: Tickets from Dh125
11. Sunil Grover Live
One of India’s most popular entertainers, Sunil Grover, brings his signature comedy, beloved characters and spot-on impersonations to the stage. Performed in Hindi, the show promises an evening of family-friendly humour, memorable moments and plenty of laughter.
When: 21 August, 8pm
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Price: Tickets from Dh125
12. Sonu Nigam: The Revolution Tour
Bollywood icon Sonu Nigam brings his global The Revolution Tour to the UAE capital, launching the worldwide tour with a celebration of his illustrious career. Fans can expect a night of unforgettable performances featuring three decades of chart-topping Bollywood hits from one of India’s most celebrated vocalists.
When: 21 August, doors open at 7.30pm, show starts at 9pm
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Price: Tickets from Dh150
13. This Is Michael
Celebrate the legacy of the King of Pop with one of the world’s biggest Michael Jackson tribute productions. Brought to the UAE by Live Nation, the show stars performer Lenny Jay alongside an international cast, featuring more than 20 iconic songs and a spectacular two-hour performance packed with music, dance and nostalgia.
When: 22 August, doors open at 6.30pm, show starts at 8pm
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Price: Tickets from Dh160
14. Riahiyat with Lamia Riahi
Mark Emirati Women’s Day with a special women-only Tarab evening led by Tunisian singer Lamia Riahi. Featuring The Arab Choir Ladies and a live band, the immersive experience invites audiences to sing along and celebrate the power of Arabic music in an intimate setting.
When: 28 August, doors open at 7.30pm, show starts at 8pm
Where: Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
Price: Tickets from Dh350
