The headline highlights five no-cost attractions across Dubai, ranging from the iconic Fountain shows to the Flag Garden, encouraging residents and visitors to experience them before their scheduled closure dates.
From Dubai Fountain performances to Flag Garden attractions: five free experiences to enjoy before they conclude
New Year 2026 may be behind us, but the festive mood across the UAE is far from fading. With pleasant winter weather setting the scene, residents and visitors are stepping outdoors to enjoy memorable experiences with loved ones.
Across the country, a mix of brand-new attractions, dazzling shows and rewarding shopping experiences are drawing crowds. From spectacular performances to vibrant light displays, here are five free events you can still enjoy before they wrap up.
1. Dubai Shopping Festival
Widely regarded as the most anticipated retail season of the year, the Dubai Shopping Festival delivers massive discounts of up to 90 per cent across stores. But DSF goes well beyond bargain hunting.
True to its name, the festival blends shopping with entertainment, featuring drone displays, fireworks and appearances by popular celebrities. Shoppers can also enter grand raffles, with prizes ranging from luxury cars like the Nissan Patrol to Dh1 million in cash and one million Blue Points.
The Dubai Shopping Festival runs until January 11.
2. New Year Dubai Fountain spectacle
In the UAE, welcoming the New Year is closely tied to the iconic Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. Every year, the fireworks and light displays draw spectators from around the globe.
Once again, the world’s tallest tower raised the bar. This year’s celebration featured a breathtaking moment as Lebanese conductor Yasmina Sabah led a live orchestra while suspended high above the fountain.
The festivities continue beyond January 1, with special Dubai Fountain shows running through January 7.
3. Flag Garden
Each year, Umm Suqeim Beach becomes a striking visual landmark during UAE Flag Day and National Day celebrations. Thousands of national flags blanket the shoreline, creating a powerful display of unity and pride.
The arrangement is carefully designed, forming large-scale portraits of the nation’s founding leaders, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, when viewed from above.
This year’s Flag Garden installation will remain open for visitors until January 10.
4. Drone show at Bluewaters
Bluewaters is lighting up the night sky with a dazzling drone spectacle themed around “Celebrations.” Every evening, more than a thousand drones perform synchronised aerial routines over the water between Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR.
Adding to the visual drama, Ain Dubai hosts a parallel lighting display. Highlights include drone formations inspired by Johnny Depp’s artwork The Bunnyman, while January 10 will feature thrilling skydiver jumps.
The drone shows will run daily until January 11.
5. Fireworks at Festival City
Festival City continues to sparkle with nightly fireworks that illuminate the sky at 8.30pm. Alongside the pyrotechnics, visitors can enjoy complimentary live performances spanning music, dance and theatrical acts.
Set within one of Dubai’s most immersive waterfront destinations, the celebrations offer 38 consecutive days of entertainment.
The festive programme at Festival City will come to a close on January 11.
Extended winter festivities across the UAE
Beyond these headline events, the winter season in the UAE continues to bring communities together through open-air celebrations, pop-up performances and family-friendly activities. Parks, promenades and waterfronts across Dubai and neighbouring emirates are seeing increased footfall as residents take advantage of the cooler evenings. Street entertainers, food stalls and cultural showcases add to the festive ambience, making simple evening outings feel special. Many families are turning these events into weekend traditions, meeting friends, picnicking outdoors and soaking in the lively atmosphere that defines the UAE’s winter calendar, even after the New Year countdown has ended.
Tourism boost and community spirit
These free events are also playing a key role in supporting tourism during the peak winter travel season. Visitors arriving in the UAE are greeted with a packed calendar that showcases the country’s flair for large-scale entertainment and hospitality. For residents, the celebrations reinforce a sense of shared experience, bringing together people from different backgrounds in public spaces. From children watching fireworks for the first time to long-time residents revisiting annual favourites, the events foster connection and joy. This blend of tourism appeal and community bonding remains one of the UAE’s strongest draws during winter.
Making the most of the season
With several days still remaining before these attractions conclude, residents are encouraged to plan ahead and experience more than one event while they can. Weekday visits can help avoid crowds, while early arrivals often secure the best viewing spots for shows and fireworks. Many of these venues are also surrounded by cafés and promenades, allowing visitors to turn a short outing into a relaxed evening. As January progresses, these final celebrations serve as a cheerful bridge between the festive season and the return to everyday routines, leaving lasting winter memories.
