It’s no secret, the Middle East is just bursting with cultural festivals that feature everything from music and poetry to falconry and futuristic art. So whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking authentic cultural experiences, we’ve got you covered. These festivals are your front-row ticket to the region’s rich heritage.
1. Dubai Shopping Festival (Dubai, UAE)
When: December – January
Yes shopping culture in Dubai is off the charts! A retail and cultural extravaganza, the Dubai Shopping Festival is an celebration that involves mega sales, live concerts, fireworks, fashion shows, and culinary events across the city. It’s a shopper’s paradise and a cultural showcase rolled into one. Just briliant, if you ask us!
Accommodation suggestions:
- Luxury: Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm
- Mid-range: Rove Downtown, Hyatt Place Al Rigga
Tip: Book early for Dubai Opera performances or desert cultural experiences during festival dates.
Also read: Dubai: Local culture & heritage
2. Janadriyah National Heritage Festival (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
When: February (dates vary)
Saudi’s biggest cultural event, Janadriyah showcases Bedouin traditions, camel racing, calligraphy, dance, and local crafts. It’s a living museum of the Kingdom’s diverse heritage.
Accommodation suggestions:
- Luxury: Ritz-Carlton Riyadh
- Affordable: Braira Qurtubah, Holiday Inn Riyadh Izdihar
Tip: Combine your trip with a visit to Diriyah, the birthplace of Saudi Arabia and a rising tourism gem. It’s stunning, super luxurious, you’ll feel like royalty there.
Also read: Aseer: A Spectacular Destination in the Mountains
3. Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts (Jerash, Jordan)
When: July – August
Held among ancient Roman ruins, this festival lights up Jerash with Arab music, dance, poetry readings, and drama. Think Shakespeare in Petra-style ruins.
Accommodation suggestions:
- In Amman: The House Boutique Suites, W Amman
- Nearby: Olive Branch Hotel (budget-friendly with views)
Tip: Book tours that include Petra and Wadi Rum to create an epic and picturesque culture and adventure experience.
Also read: Explore Jordan like a royal
4. Muscat Festival (Muscat, Oman)
When: January – February
Oman’s largest cultural celebration showcases folklore, traditional Omani music, food stalls, camel shows, and artisan displays. It’s authentic, warm, and welcoming.
Accommodation suggestions:
- Luxury: Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, The Chedi Muscat
- Affordable: Ramada Encore Muscat, Tulip Inn Downtown
Tip: Pair your visit with a dhow cruise or desert glamping near Wahiba Sands.
Also read: Oman’s untamed beauty: mountains, beaches, islands and wadis
5. Abu Dhabi Festival (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
When: March – April
This high-brow arts festival celebrates classical music, ballet, visual arts, and theatre and attracts world-renowned performers and regional talent alike.
Accommodation suggestions:
- Luxury: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
- Mid-range: Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Courtyard by Marriott
Tip: Tie in a visit to Louvre Abu Dhabi and the wider Saadiyat Cultural District to immerse in more of Abu Dhabi’s art and culture scene.
Also read: When in Abu Dhabi: 7 must-dos for a romantic stopover
6. Al Ula Winter at Tantora (AlUla, Saudi Arabia)
When: December – March
Held in a UNESCO heritage site surrounded by sandstone cliffs, this magical festival blends concerts in ancient tombs, light installations, and heritage storytelling.
Accommodation suggestions:
- Luxury: Banyan Tree Al Ula, Habitas Al Ula
- Eco-friendly: Shaden Resort, Caravan by Habitas
Tip: Book sunrise hot air balloons or night-time stargazing in the desert – they sell out fast!
Also read: Saudi Arabia’s surprising nature spots
7. Dubai Art Season (Dubai, UAE)
When: March – April
Encompassing Art Dubai, Sikka Art Fair, and creative pop-ups, Dubai Art Season transforms the city into an urban gallery of global contemporary art.
Accommodation suggestions:
- Boutique: 25hours Hotel One Central, Zabeel House
- Luxury: Palace Downtown, Armani Hotel
Tip: Explore the rise of AI art exhibitions and NFT galleries integrated into Dubai’s tech-forward art scene. You will not be discppinted!
Also read: Essential information about Abu Dhabi
8. Souq Waqif Spring Festival (Doha, Qatar)
When: January
Perfect for families, this festival is packed with cultural performances, falcon shows, street food, live music, and puppet theatre, all within the historical Souq Waqif.
Accommodation suggestions:
- Close to the action: Al Najada by Tivoli, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels
- Luxury: Mandarin Oriental Doha, The Ritz-Carlton Doha
Tip: Don’t miss camel parades and pearl diving demos – traditions that are making a comeback.
Also read: Qatar’s best-kept travel secrets: seven hidden gems to explore
9. Beiteddine Art Festival (Beiteddine Palace, Chouf Mountains, Lebanon)
When: July – August
Held in an Ottoman-era palace, this festival brings opera, jazz, modern dance, and Arabic music into one stunning location in the Lebanese hills.
Accommodation suggestions:
- Authentic: Mir Amin Palace Hotel
- In Beirut: Le Gray, Albergo Hotel
Tip: Combine with a winery tour in the Bekaa Valley – Lebanon’s cultural renaissance is thriving.
Also read: Unique Middle East adventures for cultural thrill-seekers
10. Bahrain Spring of Culture Festival (various locations, Bahrain)
When: February – April
With events spanning theatre, poetry, calligraphy, dance and visual art, this island-wide festival puts Bahrain’s historical and contemporary culture in the spotlight.
Accommodation suggestions:
- Luxury: Four Seasons Bahrain Bay, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain
- Mid-range: Downtown Rotana, Swiss-Belhotel Seef
Tip: Don’t miss pop-ups in Muharraq, a UNESCO-listed heritage city undergoing creative revival.
Also read: Bahrain is mini, but it sure is mighty fun!
Keep your travels smooth and seamless
- Book early: Especially for limited-access events like Al Ula or Beiteddine.
- Check dress codes: Modesty is expected at cultural and religious events.
- Use regional low-cost carriers: See our list of MENA’s LCCs.
- Travel off-peak: Where possible, arrive a day or two before the event starts to get your bearings
Cultural festivals are the heartbeat of the Middle East, where ancient traditions and modern creativity intertwine in the most spectacular way. From desert symphonies to palace concerts, we can assure you these experiences go beyond sightseeing into soul-touching moments you’ll never forget.
Also read: Culture meets modernity: 7 must-see museums in the Middle East
