November brings the perfect mix of outdoor vibes and jam-packed events as Dubai's peak season kicks into high gear.

Global Village is celebrating its 30th season, UNTOLD Festival returns bigger than before, and the Dubai Fitness Challenge transforms the entire city into an active playground. It's that magical time when the weather is just right and every weekend offers at least five different things fighting for your calendar space.

Why it matters: With tourist season ramping up, locals know to book tickets early. Plus, with schools in full swing, these events offer that perfect balance of educational and fun experiences that make weekend parenting in Dubai actually enjoyable. Whether you're into fitness, music, culture or just need to burn some energy with the kids, November has you covered.

1️⃣ UNTOLD Dubai | Dubai Parks and Resorts | Nov 6-9 The region's biggest music festival brings 100+ artists across multiple stages. They're offering special combined tickets that include unlimited access to all theme parks including LEGOLAND. Parent hack: Take turns enjoying the festival while the kids have a blast on the rides. Tickets from 300 AED.

2️⃣ She Runs 2025 | Expo City Dubai | Nov 9 The Middle East's largest all-women race returns with distances for everyone (1K to 10K), including a dedicated Girls' Run. Registration prices vary by distance, and the community vibe is worth every dirham. Bonus: Post-run celebrations include music and family activities. Tickets from 26 AED.

3️⃣ Dubai Stand-Up Paddle | Hatta Dam | Nov 8-9 FREE family event in one of Dubai's most Instagram-worthy spots. Equipment rentals available on-site, plus sunrise and sunset yoga sessions with mountain backdrops that'll make your friends back home jealous. Perfect for first-timers and paddleboard pros alike.

4️⃣ Davido: 5IVE Alive Tour | Coca-Cola Arena | Nov 8 Afrobeats sensation brings global hits like "Fall" and "If" to Dubai. Tickets from 175 AED, perfect for teens and parents who actually have good music taste. Expect special guests and serious energy.

5️⃣ Cigna Run & Fitness | DIFC | Nov 9 FREE family-friendly event for ages 3+. Choose between 2.5km or 5km runs, or try yoga, HIIT, and spin classes. The community spirit is infectious, and kids love the medals. Register early as spots fill fast!

6️⃣ Dubai Design Week | D3 | Nov 4-9 The city's creative playground opens up with installations, pop-ups, and workshops. Kids can join design labs and craft sessions (many free), while parents browse furniture they'll want but probably shouldn't buy. Perfect for creative families.

7️⃣ The Music Run | Meydan Racecourse | Nov 15 5km of music-fueled fun with live DJs and a festival-style finish line party. Perfect for casual runners, dance enthusiasts, and families who prefer fun over serious fitness. Tickets 118 AED

8️⃣ Superheroes Run | City Walk | Nov 15 Evening fun run where costumes are basically required. Kids can be their favorite heroes while burning energy for a good cause. All speeds welcome, and the post-run festivities make it worth staying up past bedtime. Tickets 68 AED

9️⃣ Arabian Warrior | Dubai | Nov 15 Dubai's answer to Tough Mudder has family divisions for adventurous clans. Expect mud, obstacles, and stories to tell for weeks. Not for the faint-hearted, but perfect for families who bond through chaos. Tickets from 75 - 840 AED

🔟 Al Wasl Season | Expo City Dubai | Ongoing The iconic dome hosts a season of cultural shows, concerts, and activities. Many FREE events, some cost 50 AED for entry, it's a guaranteed way to entertain visitors and locals alike. Don't miss the upcoming Festival of Cake (further away: Nov 28-Dec 2) featuring workshops and bake-offs.

1️⃣1️⃣ Global Village Season 30 | Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road | Open Daily Dubai's beloved cultural melting pot celebrates 30 years! AED 25 weekdays/AED 30 weekends (free for under 3s). New this season: expanded green areas, a redesigned Floating Market, and the newly named Dessert District. With 30+ pavilions, 250+ food outlets and 190+ rides, you could visit weekly and still find something new.

1️⃣2️⃣ Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) Presents: The Fixies | TODA Dubai | Nov 7-15 An immersive digital art experience perfect for curious minds! Join animated characters Simka, Nolik, and Mega as they help kids learn about technology through music and storytelling inside TODA's spectacular 360° digital dome. The price seems like 60 AED (according to the website, you’ll have to call for exact prices). It combines entertainment with STEM learning in a visually stunning environment that will captivate both children and adults.

1️⃣3️⃣ Defected Dubai | Bohemia at FIVE Palm Jumeirah | Nov 8 Beach party with international acts including headliner Purple Disco Machine. Not strictly family-focused, but worth mentioning for parents who need a sophisticated day out while the kids enjoy kids' club. Tickets from 150 AED

1️⃣4️⃣ Winter Carnival 2025 | Various Locations | Nov 16 The city's festive outdoor celebration brings food stalls, carnival rides, snow-inspired games, and live entertainment for all ages. Perfect for getting into the winter spirit even when temperatures stay mild. Tickets 15 AED

1️⃣5️⃣ Bassem Youssef Comedy Show | Coca-Cola Arena | Nov 16 Known as "The Egyptian Jon Stewart," Youssef's sharp wit creates an unforgettable evening of comedy. From 180 AED, it's perfect for parents and teens who appreciate intelligent humor. Worth planning ahead!

Manna Burgers: Opening Nov 6 at Alserkal Avenue, this burger spot is getting serious buzz.

Il Gattopardo: New lunchtime deal offers three courses of Italian favorites from 155 AED. The pasta is authentic and the staff actually likes kids, so, erm, go try?

Cloud 22: Atlantis The Royal's sky pool has been transformed with a new Dolce & Gabbana print. From 300 AED weekdays (non-redeemable), it's a splurge but the floating beds and striped loungers make for a luxe family day.

Ciel Dubai Marina: The world's tallest hotel opens mid-November with rooms from AED 2,212 per night. Soaring 377 meters with 1,000+ rooms across 80+ floors, it'll feature eight restaurants including three concepts from UK-born Tattu. Worth a visit even if you don't stay overnight.

Brrn Barre: This Instagram-loved fitness studio in Al Quoz hosts ladies-only barre, functional training and core Pilates classes in heated rooms. From 155 AED, it's where the cool moms are sweating it out while kids are in school.

Dubai Opera Ball 2025: On November 23, this elegant black-tie gala brings international performers, live orchestras, and world-class hospitality under Dubai Opera's glittering dome. If you're looking for a parents' night out that feels truly special, this is it. Tickets from 350 AED

Dubai Fitness Challenge Breaks Records — Movement Goes Mainstream. Sheikh Hamdan's initiative to get Dubai moving for 30 minutes a day for 30 days has grown exponentially since its 2017 launch. Last year saw 2.7 million participants (up 244% from the first edition), and 2025 is expected to be even bigger. The initiative has transformed Dubai's infrastructure, with more running tracks, cycling paths, and outdoor gyms appearing throughout the city. As Alreem Alredha from Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment notes, "It's just become a part of everyone's daily life," creating a healthier population that brings "more creativity and more energy in workplaces." For families, this means more active kids, more outdoor quality time, and a city designed for movement.

Untold Festival's Second Edition — After a successful debut that drew 185,000 attendees, UNTOLD Dubai returns with even bigger ambitions. Moving to Dubai Parks and Resorts allows for expanded experiences, with organizers promising to "push the boundaries of live entertainment." The festival bridges entertainment worlds by offering combined passes that include theme park access, making it unusually family-friendly for a major music event. This signals Dubai's continued evolution as a global entertainment hub that can simultaneously cater to international festival-goers and families seeking diverse experiences.

🔭 Don't forget Dubai Parks and Resorts: While UNTOLD takes over part of the complex Nov 6-9, the theme parks remain open. With the special festival + park combo tickets, you can enjoy both music and rides in one visit. LEGOLAND, MOTIONGATE, and the new Real Madrid World offer different vibes depending on your family's interests. Cool weather makes this the perfect time to visit before holiday crowds arrive.

📌 MARK YOUR CALENDAR Looking ahead: Dubai Run (Nov 23) will see thousands taking over Sheikh Zayed Road, and Emirates Dubai 7s (Nov 28-30) brings one of the Middle East's most celebrated sporting and social events. The Dubai Opera Ball (Nov 23) offers elegance under the iconic dome, while Deep Purple rocks Coca-Cola Arena (Nov 20). Book early for all of these!

If you found this helpful, I would love it if you could forward it to one friend who always says, “There’s nothing to do in Dubai.” They’ll always be wrong

Till next week,

Parves