Things to Do in Dubai in February 2027

Our guide to things to do in February in the UAE

February is when the UAE’s event season hits full stride, and the list of things to do in February in Dubai and beyond is long: world-class tennis, cycling through the emirates, light shows in Sharjah and some of the best running weather of the year. Mornings are fresh, afternoons are warm and sunny, and the weekend calendar can feel overbooked. We have rounded up the patterns that repeat most years so you can plan around them.

February weather in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

February is very similar to January, with a slight warming towards the end of the month. Expect daytime highs of roughly 24 to 26°C and overnight lows of around 15 to 16°C on the coast. Humidity typically sits in the low to mid 60s, so early mornings can still bring fog. The sea is generally around 21 to 23°C, cool enough that many residents wait a few more weeks before long swims. Rain is possible but usually brief. In short, it is near perfect for anything active, from cycling at Al Qudra to hiking in Hatta.

A month made for sport

If you follow live sport, February is a highlight. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships usually take place over two weeks in mid to late February at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre in Garhoud, with the women’s WTA event typically first and the men’s ATP event following. The UAE Tour, the region’s top professional cycling race, usually runs in February with stages spread across several emirates, including mountain finishes such as Jebel Hafeet near Al Ain. Runners have the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon on Al Marjan Island, usually in February, and the Dubai Marathon has also been held in late January or early February. Road closures are common on race days, so check the RTA’s announcements. Our sports events page lists what is coming up.

Culture, heritage and light

• Sharjah Light Festival: usually held in February, when landmarks such as Sharjah Mosque, University City Hall and Al Majaz Waterfront are lit with free projection shows each evening, often with displays on the east coast too.
• Sharjah Heritage Days: usually runs in February or March in the Heart of Sharjah, with crafts, food and performances from many countries.
• Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival: its closing weekends usually spill into early February at Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village.
• Emirates Airline Festival of Literature: Dubai’s book festival has moved between late January and early February over the years.

For galleries and exhibitions across the month, see our art and culture page.

What to book ahead in February

Seats for the tennis finals go quickly, so book early if you want a particular day. Race entries for the half marathon and the city marathon usually close before race day, often weeks ahead. Valentine’s Day dinners at popular restaurants, especially those with a view, are typically fully booked well before 14 February; our dinner and brunch guide is a good starting point. Hotels in Ras Al Khaimah and on the east coast fill up on long weekends and race weekends, so reserve stays as soon as your plans are firm.

Ramadan and Eid: why February sometimes changes

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Ramadan begins about 11 days earlier each year. That means it passes through February in some years, and when it does the month feels different: daytime events may pause or shift later, restaurants offer iftar menus around sunset, and suhoor gatherings run late into the night. Concerts and loud outdoor events are usually scaled back. Eid Al Fitr, which follows Ramadan, brings public holidays and a burst of celebrations, fireworks and family days out. Since the start date depends on the moon sighting, plan with flexibility and follow official announcements.

School calendar and family plans

February is usually a full term month for UAE schools, with no long break, so weekends are where families focus their energy. Free events such as the Sharjah Light Festival are a strong choice for an easy evening with children, and the warm days suit parks such as Al Barsha Pond Park, Zabeel Park and Mushrif Park. For ticketed shows and activities, our kids’ events page keeps track of what is on.

Elsewhere in the UAE

Sharjah is the standout this month thanks to its light festival and heritage events; our Sharjah guide covers the museums and waterfronts too. Ras Al Khaimah combines a big running weekend with mountain walks and beach resorts. Fujairah and Khor Fakkan are good for a scenic drive with a picnic in the Hajar foothills, and Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat and Yas islands are easy day trips from Dubai by car or intercity bus.

Our last practical tips: start outdoor activities early, as late morning sun can already feel strong on clear days. For the tennis in Garhoud, consider the Red Line to GGICO station and a short taxi ride, as parking around the Aviation Club fills up on busy evenings. Pack a light layer for evening light shows. And when the month ends, turn to our March guide, as the last really cool weeks of the season are worth planning carefully.

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