The UAE in November 2026
The sweet spot. Frieze Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi art week, Sharjah International Book Fair and the Dubai Racing Carnival all land here, and Sheikh Zayed Festival is under way.
Highs about 30 to 31 degrees, nights about 20 to 21. Comfortable and clearer by the week.
First-time visitors, art and culture, and outdoor plans without the December crowds.
Prices rise sharply in the last week of the month, ahead of National Day and the Grand Prix.
15 events in November 2026
Abu Dhabi Comedy Season
A run of international comedy shows with Russell Peters, Morgan Jay, Mo Amer and Maz Jobrani announced, and more to come.
Dubai Miracle Garden reopens, Season 15
The flower park reopened for its 15th season with weekly themed celebrations and more than 50 floral displays.
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026, autumn programme
The autumn leg of the 23rd Abu Dhabi Festival runs from 10 October to 19 December 2026, opening with the UAE National Orchestra at Etihad Arena and closing at Louvre Abu Dhabi with Dhafer Youssef. Hans Zimmer plays on 13 November.
Dubai Safari Park reopens, Season 8
The wildlife park reopened for its eighth season with the “Live More Wild Life” theme and a Royal Safari Experience for groups of up to ten.
Global Village Dubai, Season 31
Dubai's open-air world fair opened its 31st season on 14 October 2026 and runs until May 2027, with national pavilions, stage shows, rides and food stalls. Tickets are Dh25 on weekdays and Dh30 from Friday to Sunday and on public holidays.
Traditional Handicrafts Festival
Master artisans, live craft demonstrations and a cultural market showcasing Emirati traditions.
Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial
New commissions bring contemporary art into public spaces, opening first in the Al Ain Region and then in Abu Dhabi, with works remaining on display into 2027.
Sheikh Zayed Festival 2026-27
Abu Dhabi's biggest heritage-and-entertainment festival opens its 2026-27 season at Al Wathba on 30 October and runs for 136 days to 14 March 2027, with new music and theatre, art and photography exhibitions and a redesigned aerial light show.
Dubai Fitness Challenge (10th edition)
Thirty minutes of activity a day for thirty days. Flagship events: Dubai Ride (1 Nov), Stand-Up Paddle at Hatta Dam (7 and 8 Nov), Dubai Run (22 Nov) and Dubai Yoga (29 Nov). Free; registration required.
Dubai Design Week (12th edition)
The region's leading design festival, with the Downtown Design fair running 4 to 8 November.
Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 (45th)
The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair runs from 4 to 15 November 2026 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Made of Stories”, with Oman as guest of honour, more than 2,600 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries and some 1,500 cultural events.
Dubai Racing Carnival opens
Sixteen race meetings over the winter at Meydan, with new restaurants and hospitality, building to the Dubai World Cup on 27 March 2027. Entry was reported from Dh10.
Frieze Abu Dhabi 2026 and Abu Dhabi Art Week
Frieze Abu Dhabi makes its debut on 19 to 22 November 2026 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the same week as NOMAD Abu Dhabi (18 to 22 November, Old Abu Dhabi Airport) and the opening of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial in the city on 15 November.
Maritime Heritage Festival
Performances, artisan demonstrations, storytelling and coastal cuisine celebrate the emirate's seafaring and pearling past, now in its fifth year.
Emirates Dubai 7s
Three days of international rugby sevens, with Gaelic football added to the programme this year.
Best in November
November 2026: common questions
What are the biggest events in the UAE in November 2026?+
Abu Dhabi Comedy Season (1 Oct to 30 Nov 2026); Dubai Miracle Garden reopens, Season 15 (Opened 8 Oct 2026, runs to 31 May 2027); Abu Dhabi Festival 2026, autumn programme (10 Oct to 19 Dec 2026); Dubai Safari Park reopens, Season 8 (Opened 12 Oct 2026); Global Village Dubai, Season 31 (Opened 14 Oct 2026, runs until May 2027).
What is the weather like in the UAE in November?+
Highs about 30 to 31 degrees, nights about 20 to 21. Comfortable and clearer by the week.
Is November a good time to visit the UAE?+
The sweet spot. Frieze Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi art week, Sharjah International Book Fair and the Dubai Racing Carnival all land here, and Sheikh Zayed Festival is under way. Prices rise sharply in the last week of the month, ahead of National Day and the Grand Prix.
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