Dubai never sleeps, and neither should your adventure!
If you’re planning to travel to Dubai, or you are already in this city, in search of family-friendly things to do in Dubai, you landed in the right place. This is a colorful city that has an infinite number of experiences that would appeal to all tastes and budgets. The Downtown Dubai skyline, the bustling Business Bay, with its skilfully built skyscrapers, the Sheikh Zayed Road, the residential beauty of Al Barasha, and the modern development of JLT all have a different taste of their own to add to your Dubai adventure.
The cuisine in the city is as diverse as the skyline itself, with both the authentic Emirati Cuisine, the Indian Cuisine, the Lebanese Cuisine, and the Italian Cuisine that will never go out of fashion. These meals in the best restaurants in Dubai will ensure that every meal is a world trip.
Our collections are the most thrilling Things to do in Dubai this October, and we have all the things to do in Dubai that are affordable and those that are luxurious. You could be in the mood to immerse yourself in different cultures, embark on food festivals, stage shows, or unwind and have a respite; whatever you do, you will find that there is always something amazing that is going on in this city of limitless opportunities.
Read More: Things to in Abu Dhabi this October
Free things to do in Dubai
Take a trip to old Dubai.
Go back in time and observe the vibrant history of Dubai in the old areas of Deira and Bur Dubai. Explore the ancient souks, have a ride on the abra across Dubai Creek, and feel the real essence of old Dubai. The region is a great contrast to the contemporary Dubai, where traditional architecture, spice markets, and gold souks have been trading over the decades. This cultural tour will give you a glimpse of how Dubai has become a metropolis around the world for free of cost.
Imagine – Dubai Festival City Mall
The Dubai Festival City Mall is the largest laser and fountain show at Discover Dubai, and water, lights, and music are combined to form a stunning show against the Dubai Creek backdrop. This entertainment is free of charge and it operates a couple of times in a day. A family-friendly things to do in Dubai outing involves shopping and eating in the best restaurants near Dubai Festival City Mall. The show is a mixture of innovative technology with artistic narratives that make it an interactive experience and appeal to both young and old. It is by the creek and is easily accessible, and it offers good photo opportunities.
The Viewing Point at Dubai Creek Harbour
The breathtaking panoramic vistas of the skyline in Dubai are seen this way due to the high vantage point overlooking the Dubai Creek. This is a free attraction in Dubai and has beautiful views of both old and new Dubai, hence ideal with any photographer and sightseers. The observation deck gives different point of view of the architectural development of the city, from traditional buildings to modern skyscrapers. Go at sunset to make the best observations and take a camera to capture the magic of the golden hour.
Jameel Arts Centre
Explore contemporary art from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia at this cutting-edge cultural institution. The center features rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and a stunning architectural design that’s worth admiring. Entry is free, making it accessible to all art enthusiasts. The center also offers workshops, talks, and community programs that enrich Dubai’s cultural landscape. The building itself is an architectural marvel, with sustainable design elements and spaces that complement the artwork.
Festivals and celebrations
Noor Festival of Lights Dubai
October 17-19, 2025, at Souk Al Seef. Have a Diwali night of your own in the Dubai fashion with this huge festival that unites all communities. Noor Festival of Lights makes the Souk Al Seef look wonderland with its traditional decoration, cultural shows, and the best Indian food in Dubai. Feast on the warmth and cheer of Diwali festivities with dance performances, music, the purchase of traditional products, and tempting festival snacks. This three-day festival reflects the spirit of unity in diversity that Dubai is better known for generating in the minds of families and tourists to the city.
Dubai Global Village Season 30
Opens October 15, 2025, Dubai Global Village’s 30th Season, the world has been brought to Dubai by the name Global Village, which is the most renowned cultural and entertainment center in the city. The season will be laced with endless entertainment activities in Dubai because the season will consist of 100+ pavilions, thrilling rides, cultural shows, and lifestyle foods. Shop, dine, and entertain in the same sky with family-friendly activities in Dubai that are suitable for all ages. The park boasts of added attractions in Dubai, with new rides, better amenities, and an enlarged cultural experience, which makes all the visits distinct.
Also Read: Global Village VIP Packs
GITEX Global 2025
The 27th World Expo in Dubai, from October 13-17,2025. The future of tech and AI is on display at the largest tech and AI exhibition worldwide, with over 6,500 participants and 400+ governmental bodies representing 180+ countries. This historic event includes the new developments, startups, and the advancement in technology, which is the future. GITEX is an excellent networking experience that offers unparalleled exposure to the digital revolution and networking, and 40% of the attendees are C-level executives. The subject areas of the show include global technology realignments to digital resilience and are important to individuals who are interested in the technology of the future.
Brunch Offers / Lunch Offers
Tropical Brunch at Zero Gravity
Every Friday, 1-5 PM, Escape to a tropical paradise with this ultimate Friday experience, where the limitless amount of food and beverages are combined to enjoy all-day access to the pool and beach. The brunch offers in Dubai continue with 2-for-1 drinks from 5-8 PM, while resident DJs provide tropical and tribal sounds throughout the day. This adults-only restaurant is a combination of fun and leisure, and its atmosphere is lively and enjoys the beachfront. The long menu includes international, fresh seafood, and tropical cocktails, which supplement the island atmosphere.
Stargaze – The Ultimate Sky-high Brunch
Take your Friday brunches in Dubai to a whole new level with the panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and a delicious set menu of three courses. The packages will start with AED 295 with soft drinks, and the higher ones will go to AED 395. Live DJ music and divine entertainment will take your weekend to another level. The skyscraper offers an incredible view of the sunset, and it is the best one during special occasions and it is one of the best instagrammable restaurants in Dubai.
BRUNCH on 54 AT CÉ LA VIE
Saturday, October 4, 2025, have a MICHELIN-approved brunch with the classic dishes such as creamy Burrata Salad, Sushi Rice Risotto, and mind-melting black cod. The packages will vary between AED 390 soft brunch and AED 790 Rose Champagne brunch and birthday packages of ten people or more. It also features a panoramic view of the skyline of Dubai and Burj Khalifa with modern Asian cuisine. The ideal atmosphere during this fancy dining is developed by live performers and resident DJs.
Saffron Brunch 2.0
An ultimate party brunch with more than 220 dishes and 20 live cooking stations every Saturday, 1-4 P.M. Experience Dubai with the hottest DJs and live performances. Under T&Cs 20% discount, sports packages are priced between AED 420 and alcoholic drinks and to AED 620 alcoholic drinks. This is an upbeat place that offers an international buffet meal with the top hits and a celebratory mood. There is a great variety of dishes, due to which every taste will find something to its liking, both the dishes of Asian cuisine and the dishes of world cuisine.
Events in Dubai
Parajiya Soni Navratri 2025
September 26 – October 2, 2025, Thousands of dancers come together to celebrate the most legendary Navratri in Dubai, which has been arranged by Parajiya Soni since 1960. Traditional garba steps, new twists, colorful costumes, and funky music are experienced in a lightning atmosphere. The garba dancers, experienced or not, and every new member may find something to enjoy in this celebration with dandiya sticks, colorful costumes, and happy celebrations. The events in Dubai calendar wouldn’t be complete without this cultural extravaganza that brings communities together through dance and tradition.
Thangals Dandiya Nights
September 26 – October 4, 202,5, marks the longest Dandiya celebration in the UAE that will last 13 memorable years of dancing, music, and celebration. This fully air-conditioned indoor arena is also fully equipped with renowned performers like Pomal Shah, Chetan Rana, and others to create the right environment for the festival. This is a cultural tradition with mega prizes daily, such as TV sets, authentic Indian chaat, and spectacular Dandiya ambience. The show unites the traditional dancing with the modern production values and forms memories among family and friends.
Marwan Khoury & Faia Younan at Dubai Opera
October 1, 2025, 9 PM, two Arab voices become one in an unparalleled night at the Dubai Opera with poetic works of Marwan Khoury and the lyrical beauty of Faia Younan. Such a rare deviation is a musical experience that is sure to be emotional, nostalgic, and rich in culture. The concert features classic pieces of music and new interpretations that reveal the richness of Arab music. The acoustics of Dubai Opera and the small atmosphere of the place are the best place to celebrate this culture.
Navrang Navratri 2025
September 21 – October 2, 2025 The biggest AC Garba in Dubai will be held for the second time with 12 nights of electrifying action at the Ice Rink of Al Nasr Leisureland. Live bands and Kashyap Sompura beats, DJ Buddha selections, and traditional Gujarati food stalls (themes and dress codes are different every night). The air-conditioned setting provides comfortable dancing that is free of heat and humidity. This is the best Navratri experience in Dubai as it has daily competitions, spot prizes, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Concerts
Ilaiyaraaja Live at Dubai Opera
October 18, 2025, 8 PM. Be part of the history of UAE music by witnessing the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra play the first full-scale symphony of Western classical style, Symphony No. 1 of Ilaiyaraaja entitled Valiant, an Indian musical composition. This is a groundbreaking orchestral performance by the Maestro that shows his 550-year career involving 8,500 songs and 1,418 feature films. This rare blend of cultural heritage and orchestral mastery offers nightlife in Dubai at its most sophisticated level. The concert has offered bonus performances that will make the show of the night very special.
Youngr Live at P7 Arena
Youngr is the viral sensation that will play a strong one-night concert in the P7 Arena in Media One Hotel on October 2, 2025, at 8 PM. This multi-instrumentalist, based in the UK, is known to present dynamic looping and amazing live energy as well as viral one-take remixes and the breakout track, Out of My System. The audiences of Dubai will witness a memorable performance that is a blend of musical creativity and headbanging stage performance. The small-scale performance is the ideal location for this energetic performance.
The Fridge Presents: Peppe Voltarelli & Luca Ciarla
Italian folk, jazz, zydeco, and narrative on October 2, 2025, 8 PM in cooperation with the Italian cultural institute of Abu Dhabi. The performance is a fusion of Calabrian songs, soundscapes, and world music, stories of tradition and modern life. The duet offers songs by Voltarelli concerning his album, which was recorded in New York, as well as “La grande corsa verso Lupionopolis”. This cultural interchange is the manifestation of the diversity of international arts in Dubai.
Andrea Jeremiah Live at Etisalat Academy
October 18, 2025, 6 PM The scandalous South Indian star extends her greatest hits to Dubai with The Jeremiah Project in an event that is predicted to be the most anticipated concert of the year in the region. With first-class visuals and lights, accompanied by the best sound, the evening has the hits of Tamil, Malayalam, and multilinguals. The venue is served by Shuttle services that connect major places such as Rigga, Satwa, Sharjah, and Karama. The show is guaranteed to give an electric musical experience with sing-alongs and intense performances.
Staycations in Dubai
Jumeirah Escapes
You can save up to 25% on a 3-night or longer hotel reservation and receive special benefits such as resort credits when booking a suite and a pool, which can be privately heated. Staycations in Dubai don’t get better than Jumeirah’s luxury offerings, valid until January 2026. Jumeirah One members are provided with other exclusive offers and benefits. The package includes the world-class cuisine, the spa, and recreation facilities, which are the hallmarks of hospitality luxury in Dubai.
Conrad Dubai Oktoberfest Experience
Held at 7 PM-midnight. The first-ever Conrad Dubai introduces Bavarian tradition into the city as a partner with Paulaner. Get a taste of the olden days, live music, and freshly brewed Oktoberfest beer with a traditional Bavarian buffet at only AED 199 per person. This short-lived festival brings together German culture and Dubai hospitality. The celebratory environment has traditional music, traditional foods, and high-quality beer in a specially designed place.
Atlantis Birthday Celebrations
Birthday deals are offered, including such benefits as free birthday surprises, a week of free entry to the Waterpark, as well as special underwater messages, which you can use on special occasions at the most iconic resort in Dubai. The resort provides special birthday packages to children at Wavehouse and Kids Club, where the birthday celebrant can access free entry. Extra decorations of the rooms and deliveries of flowers can be organized to make the celebration really memorable. Birthday treatments in each of the restaurants are unique and are offered in advance.
Radisson Hotels Neighborhood Discovery
Venture into the nooks and crannies of Dubai by having the best strategic places in the vicinity of key attractions such as The Three Fingers Statue, Urban Maze Jumble, and other cultural spots. Special brunch and stay packages begin at AED 245, and some of the packages also include free rooms in cases of booking the brunch. The hotels offer an exclusive experience of the local experiences, including archaeological sites in Ajman or driverless vehicles testing in Silicon Oasis. These packages are where accommodation is added together with local revelations.
Attractions opening in Dubai
The Messi Experience at Dubai Festival City Mall
Open Daily 12 PM -10 PM until December 31, 2025. Explore a 2,500 sqm experience through the life of football legend Leo Messi, in 9 themed areas, with interactive activities, narratives, and technology-driven exhibits. Starting at AED 109, visitors can see how Messi rose to be a global star since Rosario through fan zones, merchandise, as well as themed dining and limited-time attractions in Dubai experience blends sports history with cutting-edge technology. The displays incorporate intimate objects, fun challenges to participate in, and taking photos, which takes the fans to their football star.
Dubai Safari Park Season 7
Re-opening October 14, 2025, the largest wildlife park in Dubai re-opens with more than 3,000 animals in 6 areas, with 2 exciting safari experiences and 15 close-up animal experiences. The park also offers wildlife talks, live presentations, food, and future rides all related through an enjoyable/adventurous shuttle train. There are educational activities in Dubai that aim at protecting wildlife, animal rescue, and combating extinction. This is an eco-friendly family destination that allows guests to enjoy entertainment and, at the same time, visit it as a learning experience.
Dubai Fountain Returns
Anticipated Early October 2025 The globally known choreographed water, music, and light show on the Burj Khalifa Lake reappears with water jets that rise to 500 feet. Designed by WET Design, the fountains have daily performances close to the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa, using different genres of music. This free attraction is still among the popular things to do in Dubai. The spectacular events blend with innovative technology and artistic choreography, producing memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year.
Global Village Season 30
Opening date: October 15, 2025. Welcome to the world without boundaries, where more than 90 cultures can enjoy their time in the most popular seasonal attraction in Dubai. In this 30th season, there are upgraded VIP packages that enable priority access, restaurant reservations, and special privileges. The park has amazing artists, performers, and creators with talents that are distributed in the world every single day. The new privileges would be priority carnival queue lines, VIP parking, and additional services to guests that would make the Global Village experience even greater.
FAQs – Things to do in Dubai this October (26–30 September 2025)
Q1. What are the best free Things to do in Dubai this October?
You can visit the Old Dubai, Dubai Creek Harbour Viewing Point, Jameel Arts Centre, and Imagine Show at Dubai Festival City Mall.
Q2. Where are the cultural events in Dubai this week?
You can join Navratri celebrations like Parajiya Soni Navratri and Thangals Dandiya Nights.
Q3. What brunch offers are popular in Dubai right now?
Try Zero Gravity Tropical Brunch, Stargaze Brunch, Cé La Vi Brunch on 54, or Saffron Brunch 2.0.
Q4. Are there family-friendly activities in Dubai this week?
Yes, abra rides in Old Dubai, Imagine light show, Messi Experience at Dubai Festival City, and Global Village (opening soon).
Q5. Which concerts are happening in Dubai this week?
Youngr Live at P7 Arena (Oct 2), Peppe Voltarelli & Luca Ciarla (Oct 2), Andrea Jeremiah Live (Oct 18).
Q6. What festivals are coming up in Dubai soon?
Noor Festival of Lights (Oct 17–19), Global Village Season 30 (from Oct 15), and Dubai Home Festival (Oct 13–17).
Q7. Where can I stay in Dubai with special offers this week?
Check Jumeirah Escapes, Conrad Dubai Oktoberfest, Radisson Neighborhood Discovery, or Atlantis Birthday deals.
Q8. What attractions are opening in Dubai this month?
The Messi Experience at Dubai Festival City Mall is open now; Dubai Safari Park reopens Oct 14.
Q9. What’s a must-see night show in Dubai for free?
The Dubai Festival City Imagine Show and the upcoming Dubai Fountain performances.
Q10. Is Dubai good for food lovers this week?
Yes, from street food to luxury brunches like Cé La Vi and Saffron Brunch 2.0.
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