4 November 20260411 ShareLeisureDubai Design Week is back at d3 until 8 November, and the main festival is free to visit. The National highlights installations inspired by desert gardens, craft and Kashmiri weaving. The separate Downtown Design fair opens to paying public visitors on 5 November, with tickets from Dh80. The festival also has workshops, talks and a weekend marketplace.
4 November 20260411 ShareHuman Interest|LeisureA cancer diagnosis and heart scare made UAE resident Mauro Cirelli rethink what success meant. He swapped long corporate hours for mountain trails and founded The Lost Hikers, an outdoor community bringing people together through hiking and camping. Gulf News reports that Wadi Shawka became part of his new chapter. Sometimes a change of scenery leads to a change of life.
3 November 20260311 ShareLeisure|EducationThe Sharjah International Book Fair opens today with 1.7 million titles and plenty for families. Getting there is easier too. Khaleej Times says buses depart from Etisalat Metro Station in Dubai and City Centre Ajman at 9am, 1pm and 5pm daily. There are also free boats from Al Qasba and Sharjah Aquarium, plus extra parking and shuttle buses.
3 November 20260311 ShareEducation|LeisureSchool gamers, this one's for you. Dubai has opened registration for EGAMES DUBAI27, an international schools esports championship featuring EA SPORTS FC 27, Rocket League and Minecraft. The finals will be held in April 2027 at GEMS School of Research & Innovation, Khaleej Times reports. Students must qualify through national competitions. Time to put those gaming hours to the test.
3 November 20260311 ShareHuman Interest|Community|LeisureAt seven, Tatum Lafuente dreamed of becoming a CEO. Now 14, the UAE-born student, who is on the autism spectrum, has had his artwork selected for exhibitions in Peru this December and Ras Al Khaimah in January. Gulf News reports that his drawings reflect a love of cities, buildings and everyday life. His mother hopes the milestone encourages families to nurture every child's talents.
3 November 20260311 ShareLeisure|CommunityDubai Design Week opens at d3 today, with free exhibitions, installations and talks until 8 November. The weekend brings a marketplace of local makers and independent brands, Gulf News reports. General entry is free, although some workshops and Downtown Design require tickets. Parking is free for the first two hours.
3 November 20260311 ShareLeisure|CommunityDh10 gets you into the Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba, open until 13 March 2027. There's a floating market, VR rides, international pavilions and plenty of food, according to Khaleej Times. Children under three, visitors aged 60-plus and People of Determination enter free. Some attractions cost extra.
2 November 20260211 ShareLeisure|CommunityFalconry takes centre stage at Abu Dhabi's Zayed National Museum this November and December. WAM reports that the programme includes guided tours, children's art workshops, wildlife activities and a chance for falcon owners to bring their birds to the museum. There's also a special UAE–India history programme on 7–8 November. Check individual activity bookings before visiting.
2 November 20260211 ShareCrime & Safety|LeisureYou can still head into Sharjah's open desert for an evening with friends or family. Police have clarified there is no blanket ban on desert gatherings, Gulf News reports, following complaints about fines issued to five vehicles. Just observe traffic rules and stay out of restricted areas. Sitting in the desert isn't an offence by itself.
2 November 20260211 ShareCommunity|LeisureDubai's National Month celebrations begin tomorrow and run until 2 December. The programme includes the return of the beachfront Flag Garden near Burj Al Arab, UAE Parade activities and community celebrations leading up to Eid Al Etihad. Brand Dubai is coordinating events across the emirate, with more locations and dates to be announced. A month of reasons to get outdoors and celebrate, not just one day.