Winter tourism in the Emirates/experiences vibrant with life and culture
Abu Dhabi, December 14 / WAM / The UAE is witnessing the start of the winter tourism season with increasing momentum that reflects its position as one of the most prominent global tourist destinations during the winter months, benefiting from the low temperatures and the diversity of experiences that the emirates offer to visitors and residents alike.
This year’s season comes amid expectations of significant growth in domestic and foreign tourism, with increased demand for outdoor activities, heritage festivals, entertainment shows and winter camps, which have become among the most important pillars of winter attraction in the country, consolidating its position as a major center for seasonal tourism in the region.
From mid-December until the end of April, the country hosts a wide range of winter events that meet the aspirations of residents and visitors alike, as attention turns to the major events that take center stage in the country’s regions, most notably the Liwa International Festival in the Al Dhafra region in Abu Dhabi, which is held over 23 days from December 12 to January 3, and includes an expanded program that includes heritage events, sports demonstrations on the dunes of “Mereb Hill,” artistic performances and concerts. And shopping areas, reflecting the richness of the Emirati heritage and the depth of the desert experience that attracts visitors during the winter months.
The capital, Abu Dhabi, includes a number of winter programmes, including the “Winter Season Program at Umm Al Emarat Park”, which continues to provide family entertainment activities extending until April 2026, while Yas Island is witnessing great demand with the launch of winter activities in its international entertainment cities, which offer snow and festive experiences and live shows that contribute to strengthening the emirate’s position as a leading destination for family tourism. The island also hosts the “Yas Winter Festival”, which opens its doors for ten days from 12 to 12 December 21st.
In the same context, Dubai continues to attract visitors through a wide range of winter events, as the season witnesses great activity in the Global Village, which includes pavilions from different countries of the world, in addition to the Dubai Shopping Festival and its accompanying promotions, concerts, and fireworks displays, which constitute a major part of the winter map in the emirate.
The emirate will witness drone shows at the Dubai Shopping Festival, between December 5 and next January 11, through two evening shows presented at “Bluewaters” and “The Beach” opposite Jumeirah Beach Residence, and the Winter City event in Expo City, in addition to the “Dubai Winter District” events until the end of April 2026, while the winter markets in Madinat Jumeirah and Dubai Festival City receive visitors with a range of festive activities and seasonal offers.
The season’s activity extends to the mountainous areas of Hatta, which is witnessing the “Winter Hatta” Festival between December 5 and 28, which offers visitors mountain and cultural experiences that enhance the diversity of tourism options in the emirate: The festival includes adventure activities, mountain bike trails, and environmental trips, as well as heritage markets and local arts and crafts workshops that give visitors an experience that combines nature and culture.
The Emirate of Sharjah is preparing to launch a series of active winter activities in its tourist areas such as Al Majaz Front, Kalba City, and Shees Park, including light shows, open-air events, and seasonal markets.
In Ajman, the season witnesses activity at the waterfronts and cultural markets, while Umm Al Quwain offers winter camping experiences in its natural sites, which have become one of the favorite destinations for lovers of tranquility and open spaces. As for Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, they enjoy noticeable tourism activity in the mountainous areas and beaches, in addition to organizing sports and community events that take advantage of the moderate climate during this period.
The winter season also enjoys prominent contributions from the city of Al Ain, which in turn witnesses a wide range of family and heritage activities extending across the natural destinations that characterize it, including activities in Al Ain Oasis, activities in parks and public squares, and cultural programs in palaces and museums, in addition to the increasing demand for safaris and mountain adventures in Jebel Hafeet, which gives the city an important presence on the winter tourism map in the country.
On the other hand, winter camps play a pivotal role in promoting tourism, whether the desert tourist camps in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, or the educational and youth camps organized by government agencies, which include programs in technology, innovation, sports, arts and environmental challenges, which turns the season into a platform for building skills and discovering young talents.
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