The UAE’s winter tourism season begins with vibrant events, heritage festivals and outdoor attractions across all emirates, reinforcing the country’s global appeal.
ABU DHABI: The UAE has officially launched its winter tourism season, highlighting the country’s growing appeal as a top global destination for seasonal travel. With cooler weather and a broad lineup of cultural, entertainment, and heritage activities, the winter months from December to April promise rich and diverse experiences for residents and visitors alike.
This year’s season is expected to see a surge in both local and international tourism, supported by rising demand for open-air events, heritage showcases, winter festivals, and outdoor recreation. From heritage dunes to beach celebrations and mountain markets, each emirate is offering unique attractions that reflect the depth of the UAE’s tourism strategy.
Abu Dhabi is hosting the Liwa International Festival until January 3 in the Al Dhafra region, with desert sports at Tal Moreeb, concerts, heritage events and shopping zones. Complementing this are family-focused winter activities at Umm Al Emarat Park and Yas Island’s theme parks, including festive attractions and the Yas Winter Festival.
Dubai continues to deliver large-scale events like the Dubai Shopping Festival, Global Village, Winter City at Expo City Dubai, and drone shows at Bluewaters and JBR. Seasonal markets in Madinat Jumeirah and Dubai Festival City are also attracting festive crowds. Hatta adds to the mix with its annual Hatta Winter Festival, combining eco-tourism, adventure and cultural markets amid its mountainous setting.
Sharjah is preparing events at Al Majaz Waterfront, Kalba, and Shees Park, while Ajman and Umm Al Qaiwain focus on waterfronts and nature-based camping destinations. Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah are capitalising on their coastal and mountain settings with beach events and community sports activities.
Al Ain also plays a key role in the winter calendar with activities at Al Ain Oasis, Jebel Hafeet, public parks and cultural venues. Safari trips and heritage-themed events continue to make the city a top inland attraction.
Across the country, winter camps are thriving. These include desert camps for tourists and educational camps run by local authorities that offer youth programmes in arts, sports, environment, and innovation, turning the season into a platform for personal development and community engagement.
The collective efforts of federal and emirate-level tourism bodies reflect a unified approach to creating a vibrant, people-centric tourism model that supports the economy and strengthens the UAE’s global tourism reputation.
