Chinese New Year coincides with Ramadan as Dubai hosts festivities from 13-22 February
Citywide celebrations feature flagship parade at Expo City Dubai, the Middle East’s first Huangmei opera performance at Mall of the Emirates, and curated experiences across retail destinations, restaurants, attractions and more
The Year of the Horse symbolises energy and new beginnings, with horses holding significance in both Chinese culture and Emirati tradition
Dubai will host Chinese New Year celebrations welcoming the Year of the Horse. Festivities begin 8 February before the festival runs from 13-22 February with a citywide programme featuring performances, dining experiences, attractions, shopping rewards and more.
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) organises the 2026 celebrations. Chinese New Year coincides with the Holy Month of Ramadan this year, creating a cultural moment within Dubai’s calendar. This convergence reflects the UAE’s respect for cultural and religious occasions and values of coexistence, while creating a shared cultural space that brings together Chinese and Islamic traditions through curated experiences for communities and visitors.
The Year of the Horse symbolises energy, optimism and fresh beginnings. Horses hold significance in both Chinese culture and Emirati tradition, where they represent strength and power, adding cultural meaning to this convergence.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said:
“Welcoming the Year of the Horse as Chinese New Year and Ramadan converge is a rare and truly special cultural moment. As home to over 200 nationalities, Dubai has always been a place where different cultures are not just welcomed but celebrated. This convergence represents exactly what Dubai stands for – a global city where diverse traditions not only coexist but enrich one another. Our programming has been specially curated to respect the significance of both occasions, while creating meaningful experiences that welcome everyone and bring communities together. Chinese New Year has become an integral part of our cultural calendar, reflecting our commitment to celebrating the communities that make our city so vibrant. These festivities demonstrate Dubai’s inclusive spirit and reinforce our position as a destination where traditions are honoured, cultures connect, and everyone belongs.”
FLAGSHIP CELEBRATION AT EXPO CITY DUBAI
The Happy Chinese New Year Parade at Expo City Dubai on 8 February serves as the city’s flagship celebration. The free event features a grand parade symbolising “Connect Future” and three themed market zones showcasing heritage experiences, science and technology innovation, and cultural culinary delights. Visitors can experience tea ceremonies, traditional crafts including Ningxia Embroidery and calligraphy, regional specialities from different Chinese provinces, and performances by the Jilin Folk Orchestra throughout the evening.
CONTEMPORARY CHINESE CULTURE AT MALLS ACROSS DUBAI
Mall of the Emirates becomes a centre for Chinese New Year celebrations from 12-14 February through a collaboration with Jing Daily, the platform spotlighting contemporary Chinese culture. The activation features trunk shows by Chinese designers Yushan Li and Jun Zhou of PRONOUNCE and Susan Fang of her eponymous label, with meet-and-greets, styling moments, capsule drops and curated shopping routes.
Visitors can experience the Middle East’s first Huangmei opera performance, “The Heavenly Match”, a classic of traditional Chinese folk theatre known for its lyrical singing and gentle melodies. This centuries-old artistic form will be performed live at Mall of the Emirates. Shoppers can access cashback offers via Alipay and WeChat Pay, plus “red packet” wallet credits across Alipay, WeChat Pay and SHARE.
Dragon Mart hosts traditional Lion Dance performances (7, 13 and 15 February) and Fan Dance performances (6, 8, 14 and 17 February) alongside interactive workshops for all ages.
THRILLING ATTRACTIONS
Dubai’s landmarks and attractions bring festive elements to the celebrations. MOTIONGATE™ Dubai (17 February-3 March) invites families to celebrate with Po and friends in the Kung Fu Panda world, featuring themed activities, character meet-and-greets and authentic Chinese cuisine. Global Village offers shopping at the China Pavilion, dining and entertainment. Ain Dubai (14-24 February) welcomes visitors to experience Chinese New Year from the world’s tallest observation wheel with festive themed pastries and High Tea packages featuring views of Dubai’s skyline. Jumeirah Burj Al Arab displays a Year of the Horse animation projected on its sail (16-20 February at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm), alongside paper art installations and Chinese-inspired dining across its outlets.
FESTIVE FLAVOURS
Restaurants participate with specially curated dining experiences. Guests can enjoy MICHELIN-starred Cantonese dishes at Hakkasan at Atlantis, The Palm, family-friendly East Asian dining at Asia Republic at Atlantis, The Palm, MICHELIN-recommended Cantonese cuisine at Shang Palace at Shangri-La Dubai, China Tang at The Lana Promenade with its symbolic Chinese New Year menu, award-winning Northern Chinese cuisine at Hutong in DIFC with traditional Chinese entertainment, MiMi Mei Fair offering refined four-course sharing menus with its signature wishing tree installation, Mekong showcasing Chinese and Vietnamese flavours at Anantara The Palm, and authentic Chinese-inspired dining across Jumeirah Burj Al Arab’s outlets.
Additional dining experiences include Palazzo Versace Dubai with Chinese New Year-themed high tea at Mosaico and festive buffets at Giardino, Feast Restaurant at Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai, and venues across the city. Many venues offer menus that honour both Chinese culinary traditions and Iftar hospitality, reflecting the celebration of both occasions.
SEASONAL SHOPPING AND MEGA PRIZES
Shoppers can access promotions across the city. Community malls offer raffles where 10 winners will each receive AED 5,000 (total AED 50,000 in prizes) when spending AED 200. Dubai Festival City Mall features a 48-hour gift card promotion from 14-16 February, with 5 per cent extra value and festive packaging.
The Alipay+ promotion brings exclusive CNY rewards and payment solutions at key destinations including Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Airport Duty Free, Dubai Mall and Planet Tax refund. Pre-trip, users receive flight and hotel booking coupons. In Dubai, Alipay+ customers find deals including citywide shopping coupons redeemable at stores across Dubai, and lucky-draw prizes of DJI products, round-way flight tickets from Dubai to China, and taxi discount coupons.
Residents and visitors can discover Chinese New Year offers at retailers across fashion, beauty, lifestyle and more. Luxury shopping experiences await at Pure Gold Jewellers, Swarovski, Coach and Kate Spade with seasonal promotions, while Longines unveils a special edition Master Collection “Year of the Horse” watch. Shoppers can explore collections and offers at Adidas and other fashion destinations, while families can enjoy gift-with-purchase promotions at LEGO, up to 45 per cent off at Jumbo Electronics, and curated selections at Kenzo Kids, alongside leading brands across the city.
Chinese New Year offers discounts, gift-with-purchase promotions and limited-edition collections at malls and retail destinations citywide.
HOTEL STAYS AND CITY GETAWAYS
Hotels across Dubai offer packages for Chinese New Year. The city’s hotels present festive packages, including The Lana Dorchester Collection’s ‘stay four pay three’ package from 14 to 22 February, with guaranteed room upgrades and Year of the Horse amenities. Shangri-La Dubai will showcase traditional Lion Dance performances on Lunar New Year Day. Properties including Anantara The Palm, Palazzo Versace Dubai, InterContinental Dubai Business Bay and others offer themed amenities and exclusive stays that blend luxury hospitality with cultural celebrations.
Dubai’s Year of the Horse celebrations feature cultural programming, dining, entertainment and the convergence of Chinese New Year and Ramadan, showcasing the city’s commitment to honouring cultural traditions while bringing communities together.
For more information, visit @DubaiFestivals on Instagram and TikTok.
