Dubai comes alive this week with a vibrant mix of art, music, sports, and theatre for all tastes. From the immersive Sikka Art and Design Festival in Al Shindagha, celebrating creativity across heritage houses, to world-class concerts by Lany and Tom Odell at Coca-Cola Arena, the city pulses with culture and entertainment.
Here's Connector's list of exciting events to catch up on this week in Dubai.
Sikka Art And Design Festival
Where: Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood
When: Daily
The Sikka Art and Design Festival returns to Dubai’s Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, featuring the theme ‘Imagining Dubai: Identities of the Future’. Expect open-air installations and artworks by Emirati, regional, and international creatives across 16 heritage houses, plus workshops, talks, live music, performances, a food market, and retail stalls. The festival encourages visitors to explore the winding streets and discover art in unexpected corners. It’s free to attend and celebrates community, creativity, and cross-disciplinary engagement.
Sikka Art and Design Festival
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Lany – Soft World Tour Live
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
When: 23 January
American alt-pop band Lany will bring their 'Soft by Lany’ world tour to Coca-Cola Arena on Friday, 23 January 2026. Presented by Live Nation Middle East, the show promises an unforgettable night of lush soundscapes, soaring melodies, and emotional connection.
Fronted by Paul Klein, Lany has captivated audiences worldwide with their nostalgic yet modern sound, blending heartfelt lyrics and cinematic production. Known for hits like Malibu Nights and Super Far, the band has built a devoted global following and earned critical acclaim for their magnetic live performances. Tickets start at Dhs 150.
Coca-Cola Arena
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Bollywood Beatdown
Where: Vice, Ramee Dream Hotel, Dubai
When: 23 January
Get ready to light up the night at Dubai’s ultimate Bollywood glow party, Bollywood Beatdown! Held at Vice in the Ramee Dream Hotel, this high-energy event features non-stop Bollywood and club tracks spun by VDJ Shaan with support from DJ Arsalan, keeping the dance floor alive all night long. Expect electrifying neon lighting, vibrant beats, and a crowd that knows how to party. Tickets start from Dhs 200.
Vice Dubai
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Anime Wonders Tribute Concert
Where: Zabeel Theatre, Dubai
When: 23 January
Anime Wonders is a concert celebrating the thrilling heritage of Anime Culture, made in Tokyo and brought to Dubai. As three talented musicians will be performing on stage some of the most iconic pieces of anime productions from these past few years, a singer will also join the night to sing along to openings and songs with the audience. Anime Wonders is an anthem and homage to Japan’s worldwide appreciated Anime Culture, transcending entertainment through education, compassion, and values. Tickets start at Dhs 144.
Art For All
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The Mannequin
Where: The New Covent Garden Theatre, Dubai
When: 23 January
The Mannequin is a unique theatrical experience where a mannequin is brought to life right on stage through interactive performance and audience imagination. Created by London-based theatre maker James Scarr, the show blends storytelling, physical theatre, and creative improvisation as participants help shape the mannequin’s character before it comes alive. This fresh, engaging performance pushes the boundaries between actor and audience and promises a fun, thought-provoking night out. Tickets start at Dhs 100.
The New Covent Garden Theatre, Dubai
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Kususa Live
Where: Cavo, Ramee Dream Hotel, Dubai
When: 23 January
Dance into the night with Kususa, the acclaimed Afro-house duo, as they bring deep grooves, tribal rhythms, and high-energy beats to one of Dubai’s hottest nightlife spots at Cavo. Expect a powerful blend of rhythm-driven sets, immersive visuals, and seamless support from top DJs that keep the crowd moving well into the early hours. It’s the perfect mix of culture and club energy for lovers of electronic and Afro-inspired sounds. Tickets start from Dhs 150.
Cavo Dubai
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Hamlet
Where: Zabeel Theatre, Dubai
When: 24 January
A dramatic ballet interpretation of Hamlet, this performance fuses flamenco with live choral music. Expect expressive dance, theatrical flair, and a reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s masterpiece through rhythm and emotion. The music, inspired by Mussorgsky and enriched by the powerful voices of the Orfeón Donostiarra choir, merges with flamenco singing to create a rare artistic synthesis, a collision of classical and contemporary worlds, of light and shadow, silence and rhythm. It’s an immersive experience for theatre and dance aficionados alike. Tickets start from Dhs 161.
Art For All
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Tom Odell Live
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
When: 24 January
BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter Tom Odell performs hits from his A Wonderful Life Tour, delivering emotional piano-driven songs and live vocals. Since his breakthrough with the global hit Another Love, Odell has become one of the most influential voices in modern music. With over three billion streams and a reputation for deeply moving performances, Tom Odell continues to inspire audiences around the world. Fans can expect cinematic production, intimate storytelling, and a captivating stage presence. Tickets start from Dhs 295.
Coca-Cola Arena
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Dubai Polo Silver Cup 2026
Where: Al Habtoor Polo Resort And Club
When: 24 January
The grand finale of the prestigious Dubai Polo Silver Cup showcases high-goal polo matches with top regional and international teams. The Silver Cup returns for its 16th edition, letting guests enjoy unparalleled entertainment, exclusive prizes, and world-class polo action. General admission tickets start at Dhs 150.
Al Habtoor Polo Resort And Club
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Tomorrowland Presents Bora Uzer
Where: Terra Solis Dubai
When: 24 January
Tomorrowland presents Bora Uzer at Terra Solis Dubai on 24 January. Get ready for a magical night in the heart of the desert, where the people of tomorrow unite under a million stars and to the sounds of Bora Uzer. Tickets start at Dhs 150.
Terra Solis Dubai
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Spartan Race
Where: Dubai Parks And Resorts
When: 24 January
Spartan Middle East is bringing its obstacle course race back to Dubai Parks and Resorts on 24 January, promising a high-energy fitness and endurance event for all levels. The race features multiple formats, letting you pick from a 5km sprint with 20 obstacles or a 10km route with 25 obstacles. There’s also a dedicated 1km or 3km route for children. Participants can expect a challenging mix of running and obstacles designed to test strength, stamina, and mental resilience in a festival-style outdoor setting. Tickets start at Dhs 295.
Spartan Race
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Quoz Arts Fest 2026
Where: Alserkal Avenue
When: 24 And 25 January
Quoz Arts Fest by Alserkal Avenue is an annual celebration of arts and culture that has been held since 2012. The festival takes place in Alserkal Avenue and across the surrounding Al Quoz area, celebrating the thinkers and makers from this creative neighbourhood. Quoz Arts Fest includes activities for all ages, such as live performances, exhibitions, art installations, talks, workshops, music, food, creative pop-ups, and more. Tickets start from Dhs 100.
Quoz Arts Fest
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Charlie Cook's Favourite Book
Where: Zabeel Theatre - Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
When: 25 January
Come and delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs, and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book. Designed for children and families, the show celebrates the excitement of discovering new stories. It invites audiences to see how books inspire curiosity, fuel imagination, and connect people, even those who may not think of themselves as readers.
Art For All
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Emirates Litfest 2026
Where: InterContinental Dubai Festival City
When: Daily
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature returns to Dubai with an expansive programme featuring some of the world’s most celebrated authors, regional literary voices, and engaging cultural experiences. The 18th edition of this much-anticipated annual event promises a vibrant mix of talks, workshops, performances, and interactive sessions designed to inspire and connect readers, writers, and thinkers from across the globe. Tickets for sessions start at Dhs 50. Here’s the line-up for this weekend.
- RF Kuang- Author of Yellowface, appearing on 23 and 24 January
- Samantha Shannon, author of The Bone Season. Sessions on 24 and 25 January
- Big Manny, TikTok Science Creator, will entertain families on 23 January
- Curtis Jobling , writer of Wereworld Animation, will share insights on 25 January
- Ruth Ware will host an exclusive masterclass on crime on 25 January
- Asma Khan, London-based restaurateur and star of Netflix’s Chef’s Table, will treat her guests with a Business Breakfast on 23 January and an exclusive dinner on 24 January
Click here for the complete lineup, awards, events, and everything you need to know.
Emirates Litfest 2026