January
Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Expect the unexpected with the battle for the coveted Falcon Trophy in this curtain-raiser to the European PGA Tour at Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s National Course.Fans can expect to see some of the world’s top golfers compete and an astounding array of off-course entertainment at the Championship spectator village, which is surprisingly great for kids.

February
Gourmet Abu Dhabi
Various locations
This is a ‘lifestyle gastronomic extravaganza’ featuring a star-studded cast of world-renowned Michelin starred chefs and special guests, master classes, industry insights from hospitality experts, and
Chateau and gourmet dinners hosted by a range of the UAE capital’s top hotels. One of the region’s most significant festivals for foodies.

International Emirates Photography Competition
Various locations
Having an overall theme (it was ‘Decisive Moment’ in 2013), this acclaimed annual international competition, now in its ninth year, features a plethora of professional and amateur photographers vying for a share of a world record high Dhs.1,000,000 (US $270,270) prize pot. A selection of the winning artwork is presented as part of a free 30-day exhibition.

March
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
Empty Quarter Liwa
One of the world’s most prestigious annual international cross country events, running for five days around Liwa, in Abu Dhabi’s vast Rub al Khali desert. This ever-popular motorsport spectacle is the season-opening round of both the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup and the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship.

Abu Dhabi Festival
Various locations
This highly successful international festival advances classical music and fine arts among Abu Dhabi residents and visitors. A culturally-rich and diverse event, it features world-class performances and has seen performances from the likes of the Bolshoi Ballet, Andrea Bocelli, Natalie Cole and Sir James Galway.

Abu Dhabi International Triathlon
Abu Dhabi Corniche
This annual event attracts the world’s best triathletes and international amateurs. The race takes place across three distances – the 223km main ‘long course’ boasts a gruelling 3km swim, a 200km cycle and 20km closing run. There’s also a ‘short’ course and a sprint course which can be run as a team relay.

Dubai World Cup
Meydan Racecourse
The world’s richest horse race takes place at the stateof-the-art Meydan racecourse. The huge prize fund (last year’s was over $27 million), a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere, and the star-studded entertainment line-up ensure that the Dubai World Cup is one of the year’s big social occasions.

April
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
Held annually at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, this is the Arabian Gulf’s fastest growing book fair with in excess of 600,000 titles on display. Digital publishing, creative engagements with reading for children and even illustrators are all represented.

Al Gharbia Watersports Festival
Mirfa Public Beach
An all-watersports extravaganza on the beach in the charming fishing town of Mirfa in Al Gharbia – Abu Dhabi’s Western Region. The festival is filled with wonder, water and world-class athletes. From kiteboards and surf ski kayaks in the waves to chilledout camping and concerts on shore, it’s the UAE’s wettest, wildest week.

Dubai Fashion Week
Dubai World Trade Centre
One of the glitziest and most stylish events on the calendar, in which the top regional fashion designers present their collections to the world’s fashion media. The event is gaining increasing international awareness, with some of the major fashion houses getting involved.

June-August
SummerFest Abu Dhabi
Various locations
A mega summer promotion with spectacular flight, attraction and hotel deals, this is an extravaganza spanning mid-summer, the Holy Month of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and the destination’s traditional EidFest celebrations. SummerFest Abu Dhabi revolves around a family-friendly hub of education and entertainment activities, world-class theatrical performances and exciting international performances spread over four action-packed halls at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

July
Liwa Date Festival
Al Gharbia
This annual event explores the intricacies of dateproduction and the varied products this desert fruit is now lending itself to. A fascinating insight into many desert traditions, the festival includes a date beauty contest, a date auction and educational sessions on how to care for palm trees. While it is a little bit of a trek out of the city centre to reach Al Gharbia, you are sure to come back with a new found appreciation for this delicious fruit of the desert.

September
Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
This is the Arabian Gulf’s most renowned and most popular hunting and equestrian exhibition where visitors can witness camel auctions, saluki shows and falcon beauty contests as well as art and coffeemaking competitions and a variety of traditional hunting and equestrian activities.

September-October
Yasalam – Pulse Of The Capital
Various locations
Abu Dhabi will be alive with a packed Yasalam Festival programme of free events, and activities and surrounding the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Join the F1 FanZone™ on Abu Dhabi Corniche for free concerts during the Beats on the Beach weekend and a host of activities at Yas Marina and Yas Plaza.

October
Abu Dhabi Film Festival
Various locations
The Abu Dhabi Film Festival presents an exciting programme showcasing the best Arab filmmaking alongside the best of world cinema. This year, feature and short films from all over the world will compete and there will be nine days of cinema screenings, red carpet premieres, filmmaking classes and events at various venues. Previously, stars on the red carpet have included Forest Whitaker and Richard Gere.

EidFest Abu Dhabi
Various locations
Our Eid. Your Eid. This concept – in its fourth edition in 2014 – brings together a collection of celebratory activities and the spirit of sharing to Abu Dhabi, centred on the Islamic festivities of Eid Al Adha. It’s the final part of SummerFest, which sees a whole host of family-friendly activities and shows.

Gulf Bike Week
Dubai Media City Amphitheater
Over 50,000 visitors attended last year’s event, enjoying stunt shows, motorbike displays, test rides and rock concerts, with previous acts including Nickelback, N.E.R.D and Megadeth. JW Marriott even hosted a Biker Brunch in 2013, which included a ‘fire water’ option.

November
Abu Dhabi Art
UAE Pavilion & Manarat Al Saadiyat
A popular art fair and a modern and contemporary art platform with public programmes, Abu Dhabi Art brings together leading galleries from across the world. Showcasing a variety of artwork, from museum quality pieces to those by emerging artists, the event is at the UAE Pavilion and Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island. Participants have to register and some areas have age restrictions. Entry is free but workshops are charged.

Coutts Polo At The Palace
Emirates Palace
Coutts Polo at the Palace takes place at the Emirates Palace hotel with a ‘Palace Rules’ concept designed by the world’s best players to enhance the spectator experience. It’s a smaller pitch than traditional polo with easier to follow rules, made even more special by the Emirates Palace backdrop and service.


Dubai International Motor Show
Dubai World Trade Centre DIFC
Possibly the most influential car show in the Middle East region, the Dubai event attracts not only the major automotive manufacturers but also sees global and regional new car reveals. There are always added attractions like pit-stop challenges and demonstrations making for a great day out even if you’re not bothered about the futuristic concept cars. The next show will be in 2015.

Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens
The Sevens Stadium
Arguably the biggest social event on the sporting calendar, over 130,000 spectators from die-hard rugby fans to families with young children all make their way to The Sevens Stadium to watch top international teams compete for the 7s trophy, as Gulf teams contest the local competitions. With friendly rivalry between competing nations and prizes for the best fancy dress, the party atmosphere carries on well into the small hours.

Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Yas Marina Circuit
Whether you’re a first timer or a Grand Prix veteran, there’s more to Formula F1 in Abu Dhabi. Held yearly at Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, this is where fans get a close view of the action. The new Yasalam Y1 Access gives ticket holders a year-round package of value-added benefits and concert ticket discounts.

HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
Suit up in your Sunday best and head to Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club for the finale of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival – a globetrotting 10 race series. Launched to increase the global diversity of purebred Arabian horse racing, this year’s event also includes the finale of the inaugural Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship – the first international purebred Arabian series specifically-created for female jockeys.

December
Al Dhafra Camel Festival
Madinat Zayed
Held in Madinat Zayed in Abu Dhabi’s Al Gharbia (Western) region, this annual festival celebrates the importance of the ship of the desert in Emirati society. An intriguing insight into the relationship of this crucial desert animal and man, the festival is a visitor experience with a difference and includes the world’s only camel beauty contest.

Dubai International Film Festival
Madinat Jumeirah
A hotly anticipated annual event showcasing Hollywood and international arthouse films, as well as work from the Middle East region. Premieres are generally held at Madinat Jumeirah, while screenings take place in cinemas across the city, with a giant screen beneath the Burj Khalifa serving up some free cinematic experiences in the evenings. It’s a great opportunity to catch non mainstream films and do a bit of celebrity spotting. Past events have seen big names such as Cate Blanchett, Freida Pinto, Martin Sheen and Tom Cruise hit the red carpet.

Mubadala World Tennis Championship
Zayed Sports City
Six of the world’s top 10 players compete for the ‘winner takes all’ US $250,000 prize. Staged yearly at Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City, and presented by FLASH Entertainment, this is one of the Arabian Gulf’s fastest-growing and most popular sporting events.

The Life & Style Show UAE
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
The Life & Style Show UAE is a family-friendly day out comprising of six individual exhibitions ranging from gadgets and techy gizmos to homeware and living accessories as well as fashion and beauty and sports and leisure stands. There’s also the opportunity to get involved with celebrity cooking demonstrations, makeup and beauty advice, catwalk shows and interactive game challenges as well as a Santa’s grotto for the little ones.

December-January
Volvo Ocean Race
Nr Marina Mall, Destination Village Breakwater
Abu Dhabi is the host of the third 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race stopover from mid-December 2014 until 3 January, 2015. The In-Port Race takes place on 2 January, 2015, with the fleet departing for Sanya, China the following day. The stopover, which coincides with the New Year 2015 holiday, features a fan-friendly Destination Village on the Corniche breakwater and multiple concert and entertainment offerings. A rare treat for the UAE’s sailing fans.