10 things to look forward to in Dubai this February

Three massive festivals, Dubai Opera shows and some top nights out…

With a new month comes new things to do and if you’re looking for things to do in Dubai this February you’re in the right place. Whether it’s a food, literature or music festival, there’s some mega events happening, plus a huge hotel opening, a new musical and the return of Bongo’s Bingo.

Here’s 10 things to look forward to in Dubai this February. 

February 1 to 6: Embrace your inner bookworm at LitFest

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will take place from Wednesday, February 1 to Monday February 6. This event will mark the 15th anniversary of the Lit Fest. The festival is set to feature 250 authors and almost 300 sessions. Some of the incredible international authors to expect to include the likes of Brian Cox, Cecelia Ahern, Alexander McCall Smith as well as David Walliams and Ben Miller.

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City, Wed 1 Feb to Mon 6 Feb 2023. emirateslitfest.com

February 3 to 5: Food glorious food takes over Media City

Taste of Dubai is back and we’re getting hungry just thinking about it. Taking place from February 3 to 5, the brilliant food festival will take over Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, bringing together an expected 15,000 foodies over the three days. If you’ve been before, you’ll know that the event will feature a jam-packed itinerary, including some of the region’s best chefs and restaurants, interactive masterclasses, live entertainment, and more.

February 5: See Gipsy Kings live

The Grammy Award-winning Gipsy Kings return to Dubai Opera this February. The kings of Catalan rumba are famed for their unique blend of traditional flamenco fused with Western pop and Latin rhythms. Get ready to Bamboleo the night away.

The Gipsy Kings by Tonino Baliardo, Dubai Opera, Dubai Opera District, 7.30pm, Feb 5, from Dhs295. dubaiopera.com

From February 10: Check-in at Atlantis The Royal

A new icon of next-level luxury opens its doors this month, with Atlantis The Royal welcoming guests from February 10. The jaw-dropping array of features reads like a lust-list for the ultimate hospitality address, with 95 rooms and suites, a total of 90 swimming pools, eight celebrity chef restaurants and a world-first beach club from chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Rd, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, doubles from Dhs4,066. Tel: (0)4 426 3000, atlantis.com/atlantis-the-royal

February 17 and 18: Elrow takes over Dubai Design District

Elrow XXL will finally be making its way to Dubai, with headline sets at the two-day D3 festival from DJ Idris Alba, along with DJs such as Sonny Fodera, Armand Van Helden and many more. For the full lineup click here. You can still book tickets for Friday and they start from Dhs300. Doors open at 2pm.

Elrow XXL, Dubai Design District, Fri and Sat Feb 17 and 18 from 2pm to 2.30am. Tickets from Dhs300, dubai.platinumlist.net

February 19: Spinney’s Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge

‘On yer bike…’ This annual endurance race pedals into town this month, attracting cycling enthusiasts from around the world. For teens, there’s a shorter 40km stretch, while for everyone else, it’s time to saddle up for a 92km route that takes you all over the city.

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, 6.15am, Sun Feb 19. cyclechallenge.ae

Until February 20: Take a trip to the Alps at Chalet 105

It’s your last chance to say Bonjour to a pop-up we’re awfully fondue of. Step inside Chalet 105 and discover an Alpine-inspired wonderland that brings luxe mountain living to a pop-up at Twiggy by La Cantine. On the menu, expect Savoie-inspired cuisine that’s perfect for sharing: cheese fondue, raclette with charcuterie and a moreish chocolate fondue. It’s Dhs425 per person.

twiggy.ae/chalet-105

February 21 to 26: See Shrek the Musical at Dubai Opera

Based on the Oscar-winning Dreamworks film, the Broadway hit is coming to the Dubai Opera from Tuesday, February 21 and Sunday, February 26, 2023. There are eight shows in total all packed with nonstop laughter. Expect to see Shrek, his noble steed Donkey, Princess Fiona, and the rest of the well-loved characters, including the muffin man (THE MUFFIN MAN!!). Tickets are on sale now, you can get them on Platinumlist or directly on Dubai Opera, with prices starting from Dhs275.

Shrek the Musical, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai. open to all kids and adults over the age of 4. Dhs275 (silver), Dhs375 (gold), Dhs475 (platinum), and Dhs575 (VIP). Tel:(0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

February 24 and 25: Jazz Garden Series

Jubilee Park provides the perfect backdrop for a series of open-air jazz concerts this winter. The next one takes place on Feb 24 and 25, presenting a line-up of legends, divas and talented jazz stars for two nights only. Tickets are Dhs175, fully redeemable on food and drink.

Jubilee Park, Expo City, 7.30pm onwards, Feb 24 and 25, Dhs175. feverup.com 

February 25: Bongo’s Bingo

One of Dubai’s wildest nights out returns to the shores of Zero Gravity this month, bringing with it novelty prizes, impromptu raves and as much confetti as a cannon can hold. This is the game your grandparents play, given an injection of bonkers fun.