Starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, the drama has been nominated for seven Academy Awards and, according to the release, is currently ranked No. 1 on IMDb’s Top 250 Movies of All Time. The cast also includes Clancy Brown and Bob Gunton.

The story

After banker Andy Dufresne is sentenced to life in Shawshank Prison, he forms an unlikely friendship with fellow inmate Red and holds onto hope amid the brutality and corruption of prison life. The film is listed as a drama.

The release calls it one of the most beloved films in cinema history and says it has become synonymous with hope, friendship and resilience, which makes this a rare chance to revisit it on the big screen. Frank Darabont directed the film.

Planning your November

Front Row Filmed Entertainment is bringing The Shawshank Redemption back to the big screen, in cinemas across the UAE from 5 November 2026. The release does not name the cinemas, the showtimes or the ticket prices, so check your local cinema’s listings for sessions and booking. You can watch the trailer on YouTube.

For more ideas around the same dates, see Dubai This Week, our guide to long weekends in the UAE and the Plaza Season at Uptown Dubai, which includes film among its events.

The Shawshank Redemption re-release: Details

• When: In cinemas from 5 November 2026
• Where: Cinemas across the UAE. The release names no venues, showtimes or prices
• Director: Frank Darabont
• Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Clancy Brown, Bob Gunton
• Genre: Drama
• Distributor: Front Row Filmed Entertainment
• Trailer: youtu.be/bYpJwdYU7e0

Image: courtesy of Front Row Filmed Entertainment.

What the Spooky Streak includes

The Spooky Streak combines attractions with hands-on activities. Children can go on the Spooky Ride, meet characters and visit The Boo Room, and every pass includes the choice of an activity or workshop. The venue says the mix is designed to give families a reason to return more than once and do something different each time.

Passes and prices

There are two Spooky Streak passes. The three-day pass costs AED 450 and includes three days of access and three activities or workshops of your choice. The five-day pass costs AED 600 and includes five days of access and five activities or workshops. Passes must be used within the event period, which runs until 1 November.

Halloween Haunt weekend

Halloween Haunt runs from 30 October to 1 November. It is included in the Spooky Streak pass, or families can buy a separate full-day entry pass for AED 250 per child per day. Children can also choose one activity for each day they buy a pass for, and families who already hold a Spooky Streak pass pay nothing extra to attend.

The weekend programme includes a performance by Louna on 30 October at 4pm and a Pro Show planned for 1 November at 4pm. The release does not say what the Pro Show involves, so it is worth asking when you book.

Lala Little Wonders opened in September, and we covered the venue in our story on its opening. For more family plans this month, see our guide to Halloween in Dubai.

Lala Little Wonders Spooky Streak: Details

• When: Spooky Streak until 1 November 2026, Halloween Haunt weekend 30 October to 1 November
• Where: Lala Little Wonders, Al Joud Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz, Dubai
• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday 9am to 9pm
• Price: Three-day pass AED 450, five-day pass AED 600, Halloween Haunt full-day entry AED 250 per child per day
• Book: Call or WhatsApp 056 911 0033
• Instagram: @lalalittlewonders

See also: Family brunches in Dubai.

Image: courtesy of Lala Little Wonders.

What you will see

Exhibitors cover camping gear and outdoor equipment, off-road vehicles, accessories and vehicle customisation. The organisers say visitors can compare products from specialist companies in one place, which makes it easier to find the latest equipment. Over the five days, the exhibition brings together companies and brands in camping equipment, outdoor adventures and off-road vehicle accessories, giving enthusiasts the chance to meet the sellers directly.

What the organisers say

Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said specialised exhibitions play a vital role in stimulating commercial activity and strengthening engagement between businesses and the public. He said the show reflects Sharjah’s efforts to diversify its specialised economic events and support the growth of camping and outdoor businesses.

Mohammed Musabah Al Tunaiji, Director of Expo Al Dhaid Centre, said the exhibition gives companies a platform to meet outdoor and off-road enthusiasts directly and to showcase their products.

The release does not give ticket prices or opening hours, so check with the venue before you go. For another recent show at a Sharjah expo centre, read how Expo Centre Sharjah’s perfumes, oud and cosmetics shows drew more than 120,000 visitors. If you would rather book a trip than buy the gear, see the new Airstream glamping retreat in the Hajar Mountains and Al Dhafra Resort’s seasonal desert packages.

Adventure and Camping Exhibition: Details

• When: 28 October to 1 November 2026
• Where: Expo Al Dhaid Centre, Sharjah

Image: courtesy of Expo Al Dhaid Centre.

The numbers

The country recorded 145,513 visits from GCC countries in 2025, up 3.4% on the previous year. Visits from Gulf countries reached a record 26,397 in the first half of 2026, according to the release, which does not say how the two figures are counted.

Mountains and wellness

Mountain retreats in Gudauri and Svaneti, Black Sea escapes in Batumi and wine tourism are among the experiences drawing GCC visitors. Summer is the busiest season, with visitors coming for cool mountain air and green landscapes, while winter tourism from the Gulf is growing, with snow experiences increasingly popular among UAE travellers.

Wellness is a growing draw too, including spa resorts and therapeutic destinations such as Borjomi, Tskaltubo and Sairme. In Tbilisi, sulphur baths in the old town make the capital a natural stop for rest and recovery.

Getting there

Direct flights and visa-free entry make Georgia one of the most accessible destinations for Gulf travellers, with about 154 flights a week, and it sits around four hours from major Gulf countries. Georgia is investing in more premium hotels with international chains and in eco-tourism and adventure products, and Georgian tourism companies have joined roadshows in Dubai, Riyadh and Kuwait City.

If you want a taste of Georgia in Dubai first, read about Shvili opening in DIFC. For other getaways, see Raffles The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia and the Colours of Oblu festive seasons in the Maldives.

Image: courtesy of Georgia tourism representatives.

Housie Night with Dhruv, 3 November

The Diwali edition starts at 8:30pm at The Huddle Bur Dubai. Prizes are worth up to AED 7,800, with giveaways from The Entertainer, Max Fashion, Balance Spa, Vocca Chocolates, E3K Jewellery, Titan and The Huddle, spanning fashion, jewellery, chocolates and spa experiences. To book a table, call +971 50 100 7065 or message @thehuddleuae on Instagram.

Loki’s Bollywood Quiz, 5 November

Two days later, also from 8:30pm, film buffs can put their Bollywood knowledge to the test at Indi 16. The festive edition of Loki’s Bollywood Quiz has prizes worth up to AED 10,500, with giveaways from The Entertainer, Ferns N Petals, Vocca Chocolates, E3K Jewellery, Titan and Indi16. For reservations and enquiries, call 050 461 7994 or message @indi16dxb on Instagram.

Citymax Hotels presents the pair as a relaxed, entertainment-led way into the Diwali spirit, whether through a classic game night or a celebration of Bollywood’s most memorable moments. They are aimed at friends, groups and Bollywood fans looking for something beyond the usual festive dinner. The release does not give entry prices, so check when you book.

More ways to mark Diwali

Our Diwali in Dubai guide lists dinners, set menus and community events, including Mausam’s all-day Diwali set menu and Rohini’s six nights of set menus. For a meal before or after the game, see our list of the best Indian restaurants in Dubai.

Citymax Hotels Diwali nights: Details

• When: 3 November 2026 (Housie Night) and 5 November 2026 (Bollywood Quiz), both from 8:30pm
• Where: The Huddle Bur Dubai (3 November); Indi 16 (5 November)
• Prizes: Up to AED 7,800 (Housie Night) and up to AED 10,500 (Bollywood Quiz)
• Book: Housie Night: call +971 50 100 7065 or DM @thehuddleuae. Quiz: call 050 461 7994 or DM @indi16dxb

Image: courtesy of Citymax Hotels.

Spooky Nights at The Underground Pub, JBR

The Underground Pub at Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, turns into a haunted hideout for two nights. Guests are invited to come in their spookiest costume, and the guest in the best costume has a chance to win a AED 500 dining voucher. The pub promises haunting beats, thrilling cocktails and plenty of dancing.

• When: 30 and 31 October 2026, from 7pm
• Where: The Underground Pub, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, JBR
• Book: +971 4 408 4257 or hgrs.fbreservation@habtoorhospitality.com
• Instagram: @alhabtoorgrandhappenings and @alhabtoorgrandresort

Halloween Tipsy at Tipsy Tikka, Bur Dubai

Tipsy Tikka is calling all ghosts, ghouls and party lovers to Halloween Tipsy on Saturday 31 October, a night of music, drinks and dressed-up fun. A special prize goes to the best-dressed guest.

• When: 31 October 2026, from 7pm until late
• Where: Tipsy Tikka, Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai
• Book: +971 50 211 6816

Halloween at Appaloosa Sports Bar, Abu Dhabi

Appaloosa Sports Bar at Marriott Al Forsan in Abu Dhabi marks Halloween with barbecue, three Halloween-inspired cocktails, live music and a Best Costume competition with prizes. Guests are invited to dress to impress or to terrify, and creativity and scare factor will be rewarded with prizes. It costs AED 149 per adult and AED 75 per child.

• When: Saturday 31 October, 7pm to 11pm
• Where: Appaloosa Sports Bar, Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
• Price: AED 149 per adult and AED 75 per child
• Book: +971 2 201 4131 or diningalforsan@marriott.com

See also: Dubai Marina, JBR and Palm Jumeirah guide, Bars and nightlife in Dubai.

Image: courtesy of Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection and Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai.

The exhibition

SYNCHRONICITY grows out of more than two decades of photography and looks at the unexpected relationships that appear between things that seem unconnected. Its title draws on Carl Jung’s idea of meaningful coincidence. Across photography, sculpture and painting, Koolhaas explores those encounters: large-format documentary photographs from her archive in China, where she lived for ten years, urban landscapes turned into sculptural pieces, and paintings that isolate chance meetings in everyday visual noise. The opening runs from 3pm to 6pm at XVA Gallery, and the exhibition stays on view until 12 November 2026.

The dinner

ROUTES & ROOTS is part of the XVA x Five Spice Supper Club series and takes place for one evening only. Guests share plates in the courtyard of XVA Café while the menu explores how regional ingredients took root to define the Chinese home table. Elements of it draw on flavours Koolhaas met during her time in China, reinterpreted by Xini and Starry, the founders of Five Spice, whose approach brings people together over food, storytelling and cultural heritage.

Doors open at 6pm and dinner is served at 6:30pm. Tickets cost AED 439 plus VAT per person and are booked through the XVA shop. The food photograph on this page is from an earlier XVA x Five Spice Supper Club, the Lunar New Year edition, supplied with the release. For another evening idea, see our date night guide.

XVA SYNCHRONICITY and ROUTES & ROOTS: Details

• When: Saturday 24 October 2026: exhibition opening 3pm to 6pm, dinner doors 6pm and dinner served 6:30pm. The exhibition stays on view until 12 November 2026
• Where: XVA Gallery and XVA Café courtyard, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai
• Price: Dinner AED 439 plus VAT per person
• Book: xvashop.com/products/xva-x-five-spice-supper-club-1
• Instagram: @thefivespice

See also: the best restaurants in Dubai by neighbourhood, Dubai This Week for 21 to 27 October and more things to do in Dubai.

Image: courtesy of Five Spice, XVA Gallery and the artist Charlie Koolhaas.

How the season got here

More than 150 acts auditioned across five Sundays, each taking three minutes on stage in front of judges who scored talent, stage presence and overall performance. A packed semi-final then cut the field to 28 acts, and only 15 of them earned a place in the final. Lucky Voice says the competition has given the city’s singers, solo performers and groups a real stage in front of real judges. We covered the start of the season in our earlier story.

Peter Mukanyima, Assistant Director of Marketing & E-Commerce at Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai, calls finals night the one the season builds toward: “We’ve watched these finalists grow with every round, and the energy in the room on finals night is unlike anything else we do at Lucky Voice.”

The prizes

• First place: prizes worth AED 25,000, including AED 15,000 cash, a recording studio deal with Parking Lot Studios and two performance bookings with Kattegat.app
• Second place: prizes worth AED 5,500, including AED 3,500 cash and a two-day luxury staycation with bed and breakfast
• Third place: prizes worth AED 3,000, including AED 1,500 cash and brunch for four at Lucky Voice

The season has been supported by MMI Dubai, Parking Lot Geniuses, GulfBuzz and Kattegat.app. A minimum spend of AED 149 applies on finals night and reservations are required. You can book on 800 58259 (LUCKY), by WhatsApp on +971 52 991 6979 or by email at reservations@luckyvoice.ae.

Lucky Voice Got Talent Vol. 7 final: Details

• When: Sunday 25 October 2026, 8pm to midnight
• Where: Lucky Voice, Grand Millennium Hotel, Barsha Heights, Dubai
• Price: Minimum spend AED 149, reservations required
• Book: 800 58259 (LUCKY), WhatsApp +971 52 991 6979 or reservations@luckyvoice.ae

See also: Bars and nightlife in Dubai, Lucky Voice Plans Two Days of Halloween Karaoke, Brunch and Costume Contests on 30 and 31 October and Dubai This Week for 21 to 27 October.

Image: courtesy of Lucky Voice.

What Knot Bakehouse is serving

Founded in Dubai and Emirati-owned, Knot Bakehouse brings together artisanal baking and modern café culture, with a focus on quality, craftsmanship and community. Its contemporary café and bakery offering comes alongside a selection of limited-edition creations made exclusively for the month. For its time on the rooftop, visitors can order hot and iced coffees, matcha drinks and a limited selection of pastries.

The seasonal twist is a pair of limited-edition drinks created for the pop-up: a Pecan Nut Latte and a Pecan Nut Matcha, both finished with an orange glitter foam for a playful touch. Visitors can also pick up talabat pro vouchers with their purchase.

What comes next

Each month a new restaurant takes over the talabat pop-up, and talabat has not yet said who follows Knot Bakehouse. The release simply asks people to stay tuned. If you are heading to the area, our Downtown Dubai and DIFC guide lists other places to eat and drink nearby.

About talabat

talabat is a delivery app for food, groceries and everyday essentials across the Middle East and North Africa. It was founded in Kuwait in 2004 and has expanded to the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt, serving more than seven million monthly active customers as of December 2025. It is headquartered in Dubai, completed its initial public offering on the Dubai Financial Market in December 2024 and is a subsidiary of Delivery Hero SE.

talabat x Knot Bakehouse pop-up: Details

• When: From 15 October 2026, running through October (a new restaurant takes over each month until December)
• Where: talabat pop-up, Roofline by DIFC, Dubai
• Offer: Limited-edition Pecan Nut Latte and Pecan Nut Matcha with orange glitter foam, and talabat pro vouchers with purchase
• Instagram: @talabatuae

See also: talabat Delivers 5.5 Million Meals Across the UAE During Ramadan, the best restaurants in Dubai by neighbourhood and more food and drink stories.

Image: courtesy of talabat.

Movement, then skincare

The classes pair Reform Athletica’s approach to movement with Ashri Skin’s idea of mindful skincare, so men can look after their bodies and their routines in one session. Both brands are homegrown, and the release says they share values around wellness. The aim is to challenge traditional ideas about men’s self-care by creating a supportive, inclusive space where men can invest in their physical and mental resilience.

ICD Brookfield Place presents the programme as part of its wider commitment to wellbeing. In line with Movember’s mission, it is meant to bring men together, build community and encourage open conversations about health. Combining fitness and recovery, the programme aims to reinforce the importance of community and connection in supporting men’s wellbeing.

The three classes

• Wednesday 11 November at 7:30am: RA Strength
• Wednesday 18 November at 8:30am: Microformer
• Wednesday 25 November at 8:30am: Reform Method

Every man who books a class also receives an Ashri Skin bag. It holds the Soothe & Protect Trio set, made up of a toner, an ampoule and a moisturiser, plus a Gentle Foaming Cleanser. The release puts the value of each bag at AED 619. Classes are booked through the Reform Athletica schedule at reformathletica.com/schedule.

ICD Brookfield Place is a design-led lifestyle and business destination in the heart of DIFC, centred on a public space called The Summer Garden. It is known for its restaurants and cultural programming, and hosts more than 100 events a year across arts, music, fashion and sustainability.

Reform Athletica men-only classes: Details

• When: Wednesday 11 November at 7:30am (RA Strength), Wednesday 18 November at 8:30am (Microformer) and Wednesday 25 November at 8:30am (Reform Method)
• Where: Reform Athletica, ICD Brookfield Place, Al Mustaqbal Street, DIFC, Dubai
• Offer: Every man who books receives an Ashri Skin bag worth AED 619, with the Soothe & Protect Trio set and a Gentle Foaming Cleanser
• Book: reformathletica.com/schedule

See also: Dubai's most aesthetic pilates studios, Downtown Dubai and DIFC guide, personal trainers in Dubai and Free F45 Bootcamp Comes to The Plaza at Uptown Dubai on 24 October.

Image: courtesy of Reform Athletica, Ashri Skin and ICD Brookfield Place.

Wednesday 21 October

SoBe at W Dubai – The Palm opens its season with DJ GuessHu from 8pm and complimentary selected drinks for ladies from 8pm to 11pm. Over at Uptown Dubai, Citronelle runs its weekly ladies’ night every Wednesday from 6pm to 11pm: one sushi roll and two hours of unlimited house wine and selected cocktails for AED 168, as listed in our Uptown Dubai October round-up.

Thursday 22 October

Savant⁶ at Uptown Dubai holds its Thursday aperitivo from 5pm to 8pm, with drinks and a counter of savoury bites for AED 89. Spooky Sips & Fright Bites, the Halloween menu at Uptown Social, is also running from 20 October to 15 November.

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October

Saturday starts early with a free F45 Bootcamp at The Plaza, Uptown Dubai, from 8am to 10am. Registration is required, the first 100 guests get a giveaway bag, and the first 200 get breakfast at Uptown Social.

Later the same day, the Reetii Diwali Exhibition opens at Al Bader Ballroom, Shangri-La Dubai. It runs from 12 noon to 9pm on both Saturday and Sunday, with free entry and free valet parking, and you can walk in without registering.

Plan ahead: Halloween and beyond

Halloween plans are worth making now. Lucky Voice runs two days of karaoke and costume contests on 30 and 31 October, and Orilla hosts a Halloween drunch on 31 October. Families can head to Times Square Center for a free Halloween weekend from 30 October to 1 November.

Further out, Gymkhana Dubai serves a one-day Diwali tasting menu on 8 November. Check each venue for the latest times before you go, as programmes can change.

Planning further ahead? Our Halloween in Dubai 2026 guide gathers the Halloween events announced so far, including the haunted yacht weekend at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi from 30 October to 1 November, and our Diwali in Dubai 2026 guide covers the festive menus and events.

Also this week: BBQ Fridays at Timo start on Friday 23 October, XVA Gallery opens SYNCHRONICITY in Al Fahidi on Saturday 24 October, and the Dubai’s Got Talent Vol. 7 grand final at Lucky Voice is on Sunday 25 October.

Image: courtesy of Uptown Dubai, W Dubai - The Palm and Miracle Events.

What is on offer

More than 40 brands are taking part. The line-up covers festive clothing, jewellery, home decor, festive packaging, gifting and Diwali decor, alongside food and matcha. The organiser’s pitch is a Diwali shopping list in one room over two days, so visitors can find an outfit, pick gifts and browse festive finds in a single trip.

Brands named by the organiser include Brassica DXB, a newly launched doughnut concept from Thailand, Vinni Ki Rasoi with food favourites, Elite Glow with fragrances shown exclusively at Reetii, and Box Vox with festive packaging and hampers.

Free extras for visitors

Entry and valet parking are both free. Brassica DXB is offering complimentary doughnuts, ladies can have henna done at no charge, and Mad About Dance is handing out free dance vouchers. Hourly lucky draws carry gifts from Khiara Stores, Derzi, Blissful Balloons and other participating sponsors. The organiser notes that a draw gives a chance to win, so not every visitor will take a gift home.

Items sold by exhibitors are paid for separately, and the organiser says complimentary experiences are available across both days.

Who it suits

Reetii is aimed at friends and families who want to shop, try the festive activities and see a range of participating brands in one place before Diwali. It runs for two days only and closes at 9pm on Sunday 25 October.

For more Diwali plans across the city, see our Diwali in Dubai 2026 guide.

Reetii Diwali Exhibition: Details

• Where: Al Bader Ballroom, Shangri-La Dubai
• When: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026, 12 noon to 9pm both days
• Entry: free, with free valet parking. Walk in, no advance registration
• Organiser: Miracle Events, info@miracleevents.ae or +971 58 534 6475
• Website: miracleevents.ae
• Instagram: @miracle.exhibition (the organiser)

See also: Diwali in Dubai 2026, Dubai This Week for 21 to 27 October, Mausam at Dubai Mall Serves an All-Day Diwali Set Menu With Fountain and Burj Khalifa Views on 8 November and Rohini Marks Diwali in JLT With Six Nights of Set Menus and a Daily Best Dressed Winner.

Image: courtesy of Miracle Events, from a previous exhibition.

Friday 30 October: Halloween Eve with Jean Pearl

The weekend opens with Halloween Eve, featuring Jean Pearl. From 5pm to 11pm, the Friday Ladies’ Day packages include three hours of unlimited selected house beverages and one entree.

Saturday 31 October: We Know What You Did Last Halloween

Saturday is split into two sessions, each with its own entertainment and its own costume competition.

The Haunted Brunch, 1pm to 4pm. A live DJ sets the mood while open-mic karaoke lets guests take the stage. A special Halloween drinks menu features spooky cocktails. The best costume wins prizes worth AED 2,000, and the venue is open to anything from elaborate cosplay to classic Halloween characters.

Brunch packages are priced at AED 195 with unlimited selected soft beverages, AED 275 with unlimited selected house beverages and AED 350 with unlimited selected sparkling beverages.

Welcome to the Darkside, 7pm to 10pm. The evening drunch brings a live DJ and a live band performance from The Rooftop Riffs, plus the same Halloween drinks menu. A second costume competition offers another AED 2,000 in prizes for the best costume. The drunch package is AED 275 with unlimited selected house beverages.

If you want to see how the venue handles its weekend sessions the rest of the year, read our earlier story on the Lucky Voice Saturday karaoke brunch.

Lucky Voice Halloween Weekend: Details

• Where: Lucky Voice, Dubai
• Friday 30 October: Halloween Eve with Jean Pearl, 5pm to 11pm. Ladies’ Day packages include three hours of unlimited selected house beverages and one entree
• Saturday 31 October: The Haunted Brunch from 1pm to 4pm, and Welcome to the Darkside evening drunch from 7pm to 10pm
• Prices as announced: brunch AED 195, AED 275 or AED 350 depending on the beverage package; evening drunch AED 275
• Costume prizes: AED 2,000 for the best costume at each session
• Reservations: call 800 58259 (LUCKY), WhatsApp 050 494 2390 or email reservations@luckyvoice.ae

See also: Halloween in Dubai 2026, Bars and nightlife in Dubai.

Image: courtesy of Lucky Voice.

Last checked 20 October 2026. Every figure is as published by the operator on that date, or on the date shown in the table.

Editor's pick: Seven Yachts

Disclosure: Seven Yachts is highlighted by the publisher. This is the editor's own recommendation after using the service, and links to Seven Yachts are marked as sponsored.

From the editor, Sam Allcock: I have used Seven Yachts and I recommend it above the other operators in this guide.

This is the editor's recommendation, not the result of the comparison below. The other operators are compared on stated criteria.

Seven Yachts (trading name of Seven Star Leisure Yachts & Boat Rental L.L.C.) describes its Dubai page as "32 crewed yachts from Dubai Harbour, Marsa Al Arab, JA Marina, chartered by the hour or the day". What the page says, read on 20 October 2026:

• Fleet: 32 yachts in Dubai, 60 to 200 ft, up to 100 guests. The page lists 29 at Dubai Harbour, 2 at Marsa Al Arab and 1 at JA Marina.
• Price and minimums: "from AED 1,350 an hour", "minimum 3 hours". Individual yachts carry minimums of 3, 4 or 6 hours, or overnight, and two yachts are "POA" (price on application).
• Rates: the page footer says "Rates are indicative and confirmed on enquiry; nothing on this site is booked automatically." Its Terms say displayed prices may exclude VAT, fuel, provisioning, berthing, catering and other costs, and that only a written quotation can be relied on.
• How to enquire: a form that opens your mail app or WhatsApp. The page says: "We reply within the hour during the day, Dubai time." Contact as published: info@sevenyachts.com, +971 52 121 7833, Loft Offices 217, Dubai Media City.
• Who you contract with: the Terms say Seven Yachts acts as a broker and, where applicable, as an agent for owners, and "does not contract as the principal provider of the yachts". The contracting party is communicated during the enquiry.
• Licence: the Dubai page does not show a licence number. The Terms page states a Dubai trade licence number, 790906. A trade licence is a commercial licence; it is not the same as a maritime authorisation for the vessel, so ask for both (see the checklist).

Seven highlighted yachts from the Dubai fleet, chosen to show the range (specifications from each yacht's own Seven Yachts page, read 20 October 2026):

Seven's pages do not label any yacht a party boat; Onda is shown because it is the other 100-guest vessel. Rates exclude any extras described above.

Six of the seven highlighted yachts as Seven Yachts shows them (Lucien is the photo at the top of this guide):

See the Seven Yachts Dubai page

Other operators compared

Charter types in Dubai fall into a few groups. Motor yachts (about 40 to 110 ft) are the standard private charter. Superyachts (110 ft and above) add cabins and bigger crews. Catamarans have wide open decks. Party boats and houseboats are built for large groups and music. Dhows are traditional wooden boats, usually sold per person with dinner.

Prices below are the lowest hourly figure each operator publishes, unless stated. VAT of 5 per cent is shown as excluded by some operators.

Which type for which occasion

• Sunset or a romantic evening: a small or mid-size motor yacht keeps cost per hour down. Seven's Morrigan (12 guests) and Dubriani's Novia 55 (15 guests) are examples of small-group boats with published rates.
• Dinner on the water: Alexandra Dhow publishes an international buffet dinner, a live Tanoura show and a licensed bar charged separately, on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. It is a per-person product, not a private charter.
• Celebrations and parties: Xclusive's party package is published as a fixed price, for example AED 15,000 for a 92 ft yacht with 35 guests, three hours from 8 pm, with a DJ, BBQ and open bar. Check which vessel you will get.
• Corporate: large vessels such as Xclusive's X15 event yacht (190 guests) or Mala's Desert Rose (300 guests) are published for events.
• Swimming and water toys: Dubriani's Dolce Vita lists jet skis, kayaks and snorkelling gear, and several operators list them as paid add-ons.

What a charter really costs

Built only from the figures above, and before extras:

• Small boats (about 28 to 56 ft): AED 263 to AED 700 per hour (Yacht Marina Dubai, Dubai Charter Yachts, Nanje, Xclusive, Al Ali, Mala, Gold's).
• Mid-size (about 60 to 80 ft): AED 650 to AED 10,000 per hour (Dubai Charter Yachts at the low end, Seven's 63 ft Lamborghini at the high end). Seven's Reno is AED 1,350 and Jude AED 5,750.
• Large (about 85 to 110 ft): AED 1,400 (Dubai Charter Yachts' 90 ft Big Daddy) to AED 8,600 (Seven's Khalili).
• Superyachts (110 ft and above): from AED 2,925 per hour (Xclusive's published start for the category) to AED 21,500 (Seven's Behike).

Minimums matter more than the headline rate. Three hours is the most common minimum (Xclusive, Gold's, Seven), so a 62 ft yacht at AED 1,350 per hour comes to AED 4,050 for three hours, or about AED 162 a head with 25 guests. Seven's Lucien at AED 14,300 per hour with a four-hour minimum is AED 57,200. Catering, decorations, DJs and water sports are usually extra, and Seven's Terms list fuel, provisioning, berthing and VAT as possible additions.

How to book safely

1. Ask for the operator's trade licence number and the vessel's licence details, then check them with the regulator. Dubai's marine regulator is the Dubai Maritime Authority (also named in older legislation as the Dubai Maritime City Authority). We found no public customer-facing register, so ask the authority or the operator for evidence. Most operator pages we read do not publish a licence number on the main page; ask for it in writing.
2. Know who you are contracting with. Some companies broker boats owned or operated by others, and the same yacht can appear on more than one site at different rates. For example, Dolce Vita is listed by Seven Yachts at AED 7,900 per hour (105 ft, 2016) and by Dubriani at AED 7,500 (107 ft, 2017).
3. Get a written quote showing the hourly rate, the minimum hours, VAT, fuel, crew, catering and any deposit.
4. Check what is included. Typical published inclusions are captain, crew, fuel, water, ice, soft drinks and a sound system. Alcohol, catering and DJs are separate.
5. Check the cancellation terms. Xclusive's terms keep 50 per cent of the charter value for cancellations 72 hours or more before departure and the full value inside 72 hours, with a card pre-authorisation of AED 2,000 to AED 10,000 depending on the yacht.
6. Ask about safety equipment and the crew. Dubai's technical inspection rules require navigation, communication, safety and rescue, and fire-fighting equipment on board.
7. Ask about alcohol in writing. Operators differ on what is served and what you may bring, and Xclusive's terms warn that abuse of alcohol can end a charter without refund. We could not find an official page setting out the on-board alcohol rule, so we do not state one.
8. Take ID. Xclusive asks guests to bring a valid passport or Emirates ID.

What the rules say

Dubai's Executive Council Resolution No. 9 of 2020, on the Dubai legislation portal, covers businesses conducting maritime activities including chartering. It requires a vessel licence, supported by a valid technical inspection and insurance, and it states that businesses carrying out these activities need authorisation from the maritime authority. Administrative Resolution No. 2 of 2024 sets the technical inspection regime for vessels carrying people for tourism. In August 2025 the authority also opened local boating licences to visitors who hold a licence from an IMO member state; that applies to people who drive a boat themselves, not to guests on a crewed charter. Check the primary texts before relying on this summary.

Best time of year

Seven Yachts says the Gulf charter season runs from October to April, with temperatures of 20 to 28 degrees and calm seas, and that summer charters are available. It also advises booking around six months ahead for the strongest selection at peak periods.

FAQs

Do I need a boating licence to charter a yacht? Dubai Charter Yachts says "No license is needed. All charters come with a licensed captain and trained crew", and Al Ali and Dubriani also say a licensed captain is included. Xclusive describes an experienced captain and crew with STCW paperwork. Self-drive hire is a separate matter and some operators do not offer it.

What is the minimum charter? Published minimums are 2 hours (Dubai Charter Yachts; Gold's FAQ, although its yacht pages show 3), 3 hours (Xclusive, Gold's and Seven on most yachts) and up to 6 hours on some Seven vessels.

Where do yachts leave from? Dubai Marina and Dubai Harbour are most common, with Marsa Al Arab, Marasi Marina, Business Bay and JA Marina named by some operators.

Are prices fixed? No. Seven says its rates are indicative and confirmed on enquiry, and other operators vary with date and season.

Can I pay by card or crypto? Some operators publish payment methods, including crypto at Xclusive and Dubriani. Ask the operator before you pay, and keep the receipt.

About this guide

Seven Yachts is the editor's pick: it is the publisher's own recommendation, with a disclosure above, and it was not selected by the criteria below. The other operators are compared on stated criteria applied equally: a website with published prices, a vessel and departure point shown, the size of the fleet, and what is included. The list is not a ranking and it is not exhaustive. We left out operators with no published price (SKT), with unverifiable figures, or whose site we could not open. Facts come from the operators' own sites and the official sources linked above, with the date read. We do not take commission and there are no affiliate links in the comparison table. The guide has no hero photo while we request press images from operators.

Related reading: beach clubs in Dubai, Dubai Marina, JBR and Palm Jumeirah and Rixos Premium Dubai's yacht charters from AED 1,200 per hour.

Hero image: courtesy of Seven Yachts.

Last checked 20 October 2026. Prices and details are as announced by the venues; confirm before booking.

Where to eat

Boardwalk, Dubai Creek Resort. Squisito Brunch every Saturday from 17 October, 1pm to 4pm, with creek views and packages from AED 275. Read the full story.

Timo, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel. BBQ Fridays from 23 October, 6pm to 10:30pm, at AED 179 per person, with an alcoholic package for AED 125 more. Read the Friday roundup.

Lakeview, Dubai Creek Golf Clubhouse. The Backyard Movie Brunch every Sunday, 1pm to 4pm, from Dhs195 per person. Read the full story.

Pierre's TT, InterContinental Dubai Festival City

Chef Pierre Gagnaire's French restaurant on the promenade level looks over Dubai Creek. Dinner runs 6:30pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and the five-course Menu Découverte is AED 590 per person. It was announced with Three Toques from Gault&Millau UAE. Read the full story.

99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant. The Japanese restaurant is moving to Dubai Creek Harbour, opening in Q4 2026. Read the full story.

Aroos Damascus, Deira. Our neighbourhood map picks this Syrian restaurant for comfort food and shawarma. One Restaurant From Every Neighborhood.

Where to stay

Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek

The hotel, open since 1975, offers an Advance Purchase Room Offer until 31 December, with rates from AED 275 per night, terms apply. For the festive season it has announced Creekmas: a roast turkey at The Pub on weekends, hot chocolate with a gingerbread man at AED 35, Korean Christmas fried chicken at AED 4 per piece, and Bibingka at AED 25. Exhibition season stay and Creekmas. It also held an Early Christmas Brunch at Greenhouse Social (brunch story).

Al Jaddaf Rotana hotels. Three Rotana properties in Al Jaddaf gave 476 kg of belongings to Malabes by Beit Al Khair Society through a guest Blessing Box scheme. Read the full story.

Where to play and what's on

X Distrikt, Dubai Festival City Mall

More than 62,000 square feet and more than 100 activities on the second floor, including a virtual reality experience for ages 10 and above. Open 10am to 10pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to midnight Friday to Sunday. Read the full story.

Swissôtel Al Ghurair, Deira. Liwan Restaurant hosts a Halloween brunch on Saturday 31 October, 1pm to 4pm, at AED 159 per adult and AED 80 per child aged 6 to 11. Read the full story.

Hero image: courtesy of Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek.

Last checked 20 October 2026. Prices and details are as announced by the venues; confirm before booking.

Where to eat

Gymkhana, DIFC. Dinner 6pm to 1am, with lunch starting on 21 October and a Business Lunch Menu at AED 145 per person on weekdays. Read the full story. It marks its first Diwali with a one-day tasting menu on 8 November (Diwali story).

Jun's. Chef Kelvin Cheung's 10-course tasting menu is AED 560 per person, or AED 490 for the vegetarian version. Read the full story.

Le Guilan. Modern Persian cooking with a terrace and Burj Khalifa views, open daily 12pm to 11pm. Read the full story.

Felicità, Address Sky View. A three-course lunch at AED 135 from Tuesday to Friday, as announced in August. Read the full story.

LION, Mandarin Oriental Downtown. Mediterranean cooking on the 62nd floor, reopened on 25 September. Read the full story.

CQ French Brasserie, Time Out Market, Souk Al Bahar. Steak frites, escargots and a Market-exclusive fish frites, opened on 26 March. Read the full story.

Mausam, Dubai Mall. A Breakfast Thali daily from 10am to 12pm, from AED 40. Read the full story. For Diwali it serves an all-day set menu on 8 November at AED 189 per person (Diwali story).

Where to drink and eat late

Sexy Fish, DIFC. The Depths cocktail menu launched on 8 October. Read the full story. Its new executive chef, George Gkoregias, joined in October (appointment story).

Zenon, Kempinski Central Avenue. The Downtown restaurant and nightlife destination ran five Negroni creations from AED 75 in September. Read the full story.

Where to stay

ME by Meliá Dubai, Business Bay

A five-star hotel in the Opus building, which the hotel says is the only one designed inside and out by Zaha Hadid. It retained One MICHELIN Key and was named Dubai's Leading Lifestyle Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2026. Dining includes Central Restaurant, The Maine, ROKA, Salmon Guru and Le Relais de L'Entrecôte. Read the full story. Its Saturday brunch, BRUNCH:ED, is in our January story.

Grazer, Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown. A Pinktober menu runs until 31 October: pink drinks and pastries at AED 30 each, 25 percent of Pink Menu sales donated to Al Jalila Foundation, and 10 percent off the bill if you wear pink. Read the full story.

What's on

Ministry of Sound Classical, Dubai Opera. The orchestral dance-music show returns on 7 November, with tickets from AED 350. Read the full story.

Afternoon tea at the Top. Afternoon tea 442 metres above Dubai at the Burj Khalifa. Read the full story.

Reform Athletica, ICD Brookfield Place. Three men-only classes in November for Movember, with every man who books receiving an Ashri Skin bag worth AED 619. Read the full story.

Roofline by DIFC. talabat's three-month rooftop pop-up series began with Knot Bakehouse on 15 October. Read the full story.

Hero image: courtesy of ME by Meliá Dubai.

Last checked 20 October 2026. Prices and details are as announced by the venues; confirm before booking.

Dubai Marina and JBR

TATTU Dubai, Ciel Dubai Marina. Pan-Asian dining under a suspended cherry blossom tree, with a Level 81 sky lounge. Read the full story.

Chalco's Cantina, Marina Walk. A Taco and Karaoke Night Brunch on the first Saturday of the month, 8pm to 11pm, AED 250. Read the full story.

The Underground Pub, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, JBR. Two haunted-hideout nights on 30 and 31 October, from 7pm, with a AED 500 dining voucher for the best costume. Read the full story.

Luciano's, Al Habtoor Grand Resort. Italian cooking in a garden, reopened on 29 September. Read the full story.

Tamoka, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai. A beachfront Sunday brunch, 1.30pm to 4.30pm, from AED 299, as announced in April. Read the full story.

Playa Pacha, FIVE Luxe JBR. Beach entry is free from Monday to Thursday, and the club is open daily from 10am until sunset. Read the full story.

Origins, Vida Dubai Marina and Yacht Club. The Christmas lunch buffet on 25 December, 1pm to 5pm, starts at AED 349 per adult for food and soft beverages, with a children's price of AED 175 for ages 6 to 12. Read the full story. A pool pass was announced at AED 99, redeemable on food and drink: Read the full story.

Palm Jumeirah

AKA Sushi, Mileo The Palm

A Japanese restaurant and lounge with live DJ evenings, open 12pm to 1am on weekdays and 12pm to 2am at weekends. Read the full story.

One&Only The Palm. Casea 101 by Yannick Alléno serves Italian coastal cooking daily from 12:30pm, and L'Abysse is a 34-seat omakase closed on Tuesdays; both opened on 19 October. Casea 101 and L'Abysse.

Riva Beach Club. The Friday Community BBQ Night, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, is AED 199 for adults and AED 99 for children aged 8 to 12. Read the full story.

Byron Bathers

The Byron Weekender, Friday to Sunday from 5pm, is AED 250 and includes a main course and four drinks. The venue is in the Al Manhal Building on the Palm. Read the full story.

Cucina, Palm West Beach. Sips and Serenata on Wednesdays from 7pm, AED 299 per couple. Read the full story.

WET Deck, W Dubai, The Palm

The Winter Series brings guest DJs on Sundays, with Ollie Skye on 25 October and Bianca Blanco on 8 November. The deck is open daily 10am to 9pm. Read the full story.

SoBe, W Dubai, The Palm

The rooftop terrace opens its season on Wednesday 21 October with a party from 8pm and a Scandalous Ladies' Night, with complimentary free-flowing selected beverages for ladies from 8pm to 11pm. The terrace is open daily from 5pm. Read the full story.

Dubai Harbour and night swims

Son of a Fish, Dubai Harbour Pier Club. A Saturday Greek brunch, 1pm to 5pm, with packages from AED 290 as announced in January. Read the full story. For evening swims, see 12 places for night swims.

Related coverage

On the water instead? Our yacht charter guide lists published rates, boats and marinas.

• Luxury Yacht Charters in Dubai: Prices, Boats and How to Book (2026)

Hero image: courtesy of Byron Bathers.

Last checked 20 October 2026. Prices and details are as announced by the venues; confirm before booking.

Free events and family days out

Haunted Timesylvania at Times Square Center

A free, family-friendly weekend led by entertainer Magic Phil, from 30 October to 1 November, 12pm to 7pm each day. There is a stage show, crafts, face painting and games, a children's costume competition on 1 November at 5pm, and a Spooky Sweet Trail for trick-or-treating on 31 October from 2pm to 4pm at participating stores. Read the full story.

Halloween at JLT Park

DMCC's JLT Calendar lists a free community Halloween celebration at the JLT Park Amphitheatre on Saturday 31 October, from 4pm to 9pm. Details are in our story on the calendar: DMCC launches the JLT Calendar.

Family brunches and lunches

Spooktacular Halloween Brunch at Swissôtel Al Ghurair

Liwan Restaurant serves a Halloween-themed buffet on Saturday 31 October, 1pm to 4pm, with pumpkin painting, face painting, trick-or-treating, a cooking class and a Best Dressed Family competition. It costs AED 159 per adult and AED 80 per child aged 6 to 11, and children aged 0 to 5 dine complimentary. Read the full story.

Halloween Brunch at Sevilla, Al Raha Beach Resort and Spa

Sevilla turns its Weekend Family Lunch into a Halloween meal on Saturday 31 October, 1pm to 4pm, at AED 210 per person. There is face painting, a kids' play area and live music, and the dessert spread includes Eyeball Panna Cotta, Brain Cake and a Chocolate Graveyard. Read the full story.

Yalumba Halloween Family Brunch at Le Méridien Dubai

Yalumba turns its Sunday Family Brunch Halloween-themed on Sunday 25 October, 1pm to 4pm. Packages start at AED 225 for the non-alcoholic option, AED 325 for the pouring package and AED 395 for the premium package. A kids' package for ages 6 to 12 is AED 115, and the best-dressed child gets a gift. Read the full story.

Brunches with a party edge

Vampire Tide Brunch at Sexy Fish

Sexy Fish Dubai's Scary Fish returns on Saturday 31 October. The Halloween More than Brunch runs from 12:30pm to 4pm, at AED 450 per person for the non-alcoholic Shell package and AED 650 for the Coral package, and ends in a Vampire Tide Candy Room. Read the full story.

Scarehouse Brunch at Warehouse, Le Méridien Dubai

Warehouse closes its Scarehouse weekend with a Halloween brunch on Saturday 31 October, 1pm to 4pm. Packages are AED 195 (Soft), AED 295 (Standard) and AED 395 (Premium). See the same story: Le Méridien Dubai Halloween line-up.

Parties and nights out

Vampire Tide night at Sexy Fish

From 6pm on Saturday 31 October a DJ, dancers and roaming performers take over, with a Halloween cocktail menu and a vampire-inspired dessert platter. Minimum spend starts from AED 450 per person. Read the full story.

The AMARU Masquerade at Souk Madinat Jumeirah

On Saturday 31 October Amaru becomes a four-chapter dinner and late-night party that blends Halloween with Día de los Muertos, with projection mapping, live performers, a DJ and a Best Dressed Masquerade. It is limited to 180 guests, with advance reservation and prepayment required. The release gave no price. Read the full story.

Halloween at Chalco's Cantina, Marina Walk

Saturday 31 October, 8pm to 11pm, at AED 250 per person, including sharing starters, one main course, sharing desserts and free-flowing selected drinks. A DJ plays Latino tunes, and the best costume wins a dinner for four. Read the full story.

Orilla After Dark, Jumeirah Village Triangle

On Saturday 31 October, from 8pm, Orilla on the 27th floor of Hotel Local, Autograph Collection, runs a Halloween drunch. Packages are AED 275 (Soft), AED 390 (House Pouring) and AED 475 (Prosecco), per person, and costumes are encouraged for adults and children. Read the full story.

Lucky Voice Halloween weekend

Lucky Voice has Halloween Eve with Jean Pearl on Friday 30 October from 5pm to 11pm, then a Haunted Brunch from 1pm to 4pm and a Welcome to the Darkside evening drunch from 7pm to 10pm on Saturday 31 October. Brunch is AED 195, AED 275 or AED 350 depending on the beverage package, the evening drunch is AED 275, and the best costume at each session wins AED 2,000. Read the full story.

Scarehouse nights and Jules at Le Méridien Dubai

Warehouse's three-day Scarehouse runs from 29 to 31 October. Ladies' Night on 29 October, 8pm to 11pm, offers free-flowing selected wine and cocktails and 50 percent off the food menu. Halloween Night on 30 October starts at 7pm, with selected drinks from AED 50. Jules hosts a Halloween night on 31 October with live music, special performances and a DJ, with food and drink à la carte. Read the full story.

The Underground Pub, Tipsy Tikka and Appaloosa

The Underground Pub at Al Habtoor Grand Resort in JBR holds two spooky nights on 30 and 31 October, from 7pm, with a AED 500 dining voucher for the best costume. Tipsy Tikka hosts Halloween Tipsy on 31 October, and Appaloosa in Abu Dhabi serves a barbecue Halloween from AED 149. Read the full story.

Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina Halloween weekend

From 30 October to 1 November, Yas Marina on Yas Island turns haunted. The Marina After Dark experience on the yacht Rose Royale costs AED 150 per person for a 20-minute visit, with sessions from 7pm to 11pm at Berth V05 and tickets sold online. Bla Bla Bar offers AED 10,000 in venue credit for the best costumes on 31 October and 1 November, from 10pm to 3am, and the marina's restaurants add themed brunches and nights. Stars N Bars holds a free Kids' Best Dressed Competition on Sunday 1 November from 12pm to 6pm. Read the full story. For another Abu Dhabi family option, see the Sevilla brunch above.

Halloween scents

Mortal by Canéza

Canéza puts forward its Mortal fragrance as the finishing touch for Halloween night: a 100ml bottle at AED 245, with free UAE delivery, available online now. Read the full story.

How to choose

Families should look at the Swissôtel, Sevilla and Yalumba lunches, or the free Times Square Center weekend. For a party, Sexy Fish, Amaru, Chalco's Cantina, Orilla and Lucky Voice all run on Saturday 31 October, so book early. For a night away from Dubai, Yas Marina's haunted yacht runs from 30 October to 1 November.

Hero image: courtesy of Sexy Fish Dubai.