Hey there! Let's skip the fluff and dive straight into making the next 10 days amazing for your family. There's something for every age, budget, and interest. Let's go!
🎭 ARTS & CULTURE
1️⃣ Theatre of Digital Art: The Fixies | TODA Dubai | Nov 23 | AED 80-120 | Best for: Ages 4-12 Step inside TODA's 360° digital dome where animated characters Simka, Nolik, and Mega teach kids about technology through immersive storytelling.
2️⃣ Dubai Watch Week | DIFC | Nov 19-23 | FREE entry | Best for: Ages 10+ Over 90 luxury brands showcase horological craftsmanship with interactive masterclasses and creative workshops. Next week, but keep your calendars ready. Perfect for curious minds.
3️⃣ Al Wasl Season at Expo City | Al Wasl Dome | Ongoing From AED 50 | Best for: All ages | The iconic dome hosts a rotation of cultural shows and immersive experiences. This week features special light shows choreographed to global music - we went last weekend and the kids couldn't stop pointing at everything.
🏃♀️ ACTIVE & OUTDOORS
4️⃣ T100 Triathlon | Meydan Racecourse | Nov 13-16 | FREE to watch, registration closed | Best for: Ages 7+ Elite athletes tackle a 100km challenge across swimming, cycling, and running. Spectating is free and the energy is electric - bring signs and cowbells to cheer them on!
5️⃣ The Music Run | Meydan Racecourse | Nov 15 From AED 149 | Best for: Ages 6+ 5km of music-fueled fun with live DJs and a festival-style finish line party.
6️⃣ Turf Games Dubai City Series | ISD Stadium, Dubai Sports City | Nov 21-22 AED 175-250 | Best for: Ages 14+ Team challenges and functional fitness competitions designed for all fitness levels - from beginners to athletes. The family division lets parents and teens compete together, and the festival atmosphere makes it fun even for spectators.
7️⃣ Dubai Run | Sheikh Zayed Road | 6:30 AM | Nov 23 | FREE | Best for: All ages The world's largest fun run returns! Choose between a 5km family route through Downtown or 10km challenge.
🎵 SHOWS & ENTERTAINMENT
8️⃣ Deep Purple Live | Coca-Cola Arena | Nov 20 From AED 249 | Best for: Ages 10+ Rock legends perform their iconic hits, including "Smoke On The Water." Perfect for introducing kids to classic rock - be the cool parent who gives them bragging rights at school!
9️⃣ Bassem Youssef Comedy Show | Coca-Cola Arena | Nov 16 From AED 350 | Best for: Ages 13+ Known as "The Egyptian Jon Stewart," Youssef delivers sharp, intelligent comedy.
🔟 BJÖRN AGAIN: ABBA Tribute: Celebrating 50 Years | Dubai Opera | Nov 18-19 From AED 290 | Best for: Ages 6+ Experience the magic of ABBA's greatest hits performed live with stunning production values and perfect harmonies. It's one of those rare shows that genuinely appeals to every generation.
🍽️ FOOD & MARKETS
1️⃣1️⃣ Global Village Culinary Season | Global Village | Daily AED 25 weekdays/30 weekends, Minors and Seniors: FREE | Best for: All ages Season 30 brings 250+ food outlets across 30+ cultural pavilions. Don't miss the new Dessert District or the redesigned Floating Market. Pro tip: The Turkish baklava near the entrance is worth every calorie.
1️⃣2️⃣ Winter Markets | Various Locations | Nov 1 onward | FREE entry, pay per dish | Best for: All ages The city's festive celebration brings seasonal treats, hot chocolate stations, and food stalls from around the world.
💸 FREE & BUDGET-FRIENDLY
1️⃣3️⃣ DP World Tour Championship | Jumeirah Golf Estates | Nov 13-16 FREE entry on Thu-Fri, discounted weekend | Best for: Ages 8+ The golf season finale with the world's top players. Kids can join free golf clinics on Thursday afternoon, and the tournament atmosphere is surprisingly kid-friendly.
1️⃣4️⃣ Emirates NBD Unity Run | Dubai Festival City | Nov 16 AED 50 onward. FREE for people of determination | Best for: All ages Inclusive 3km and 7km run/walk supporting people of determination.
1️⃣5️⃣ Library Daily Programme | Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi | Daily Ongoing | FREE | Best for: Ages 4-14 Daily storytelling sessions, STEAM workshops, and creative activities at one of the UAE's most beautiful cultural spaces.
1️⃣6️⃣ SKECHERS Performance Night Run | Al Qudra | Nov 19 | AED 125 onward | Best for: Ages 12+ Take in the Dubai nighttime lights and views at the midweek SKECHERS Performance Night Run as you run on the iconic Meydan Royal Bridge! Choose to do the 3k, 5k, or 10k and experience a run with an unbelievable lit up skyline of Sheikh Zayed Road and Business Bay with the Burj Khalifa as the centerpiece. Lots of music, electrifying start line vibe, and wear your brightest neon racing gear so that you glow in the dark, and the blue bridge light will illuminate you.
⏰ MARK YOUR CALENDAR (Future Events)
• Icons of Porsche | Dubai Design District | Nov 22-23 | Car festival with family activities and Porsche displays from classic to futuristic. Tickets from AED 75 onward.
• Festival of Cake | Expo City Dubai | Nov 28-Dec 2 | Dubai's first cake festival with workshops, bake-offs and live demos by world pastry chefs. Tickets from AED 40 onward.
• Emirates Dubai 7s | Nov 28-30 | The Middle East's biggest rugby tournament with family entertainment zone and dedicated kids' activities. Tickets from AED 75 onward.
📰 FAMILY NEWS THAT MATTERS
Dubai Boosts Access to Affordable Private Schools
On Nov 6, 2025, Dubai announced plans to build 60 new affordable private schools by 2033, supplying around 120,000 new student seats and helping families with lower- and middle-income school options. A major push in the city’s education strategy.
Read more.
Abu Dhabi Kicks Off Early Childhood Week — Free & Family-Focused
Starting Nov 17, the emirate launches its “Early Childhood Week 2025” with 209 community events across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra — workshops, play-based learning and cultural shows, mostly free, designed for families with young children. Read more.
😂 DAD JOKE CORNER
Q: What do you call a fake noodle? A: An impasta!
Q: Why don't scientists trust atoms? A: Because they make up everything!
Q: How does the ocean say hello? A: It waves!
🎮 ONLINE FUN
CosmicKids.com just launched an interactive space adventure game that combines movement, mindfulness, and astronomy facts.
💌 BEFORE YOU GO...
What's been your family's favorite Dubai discovery this year? Hit reply and let me know - I'm always on the lookout for hidden gems to share!
See you next week!
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