Dubai is set to come alive with the spirit of Chinese New Year, welcoming the Year of the Horse with celebrations beginning 8 February before the festival officially gets underway from 13-22 February with a spectacular citywide programme featuring authentic performances, curated dining experiences, thrilling attractions, shopping rewards, and more.
Organized by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the 2026 celebrations hold particular significance as Chinese New Year coincides with the Holy Month of Ramadan, creating a distinctive cultural moment within Dubai’s shared calendar of cultural experiences. This convergence reflects the UAE’s longstanding respect for cultural and religious occasions and the values of coexistence that define its society, while creating a shared cultural space that brings together Chinese and Islamic traditions through curated experiences that promote mutual respect and cultural exchange for communities and visitors alike.
The Year of the Horse symbolizes energy, optimism, and fresh beginnings - values that align with Dubai’s forward-looking outlook and its emphasis on renewal, progress, and connection. Horses also hold significance in both Chinese culture and Emirati tradition, where they are regarded as symbols of strength and power, adding a further layer of cultural meaning to this rare convergence.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: "Welcoming the Year of the Horse as Chinese New Year and Ramadan converge is a rare and truly special cultural moment. As home to over 200 nationalities, Dubai has always been a place where different cultures are not just welcomed but celebrated. This convergence represents exactly what Dubai stands for - a global city where diverse traditions not only coexist but enrich one another. Our programming has been specially curated to respect the significance of both occasions, while creating meaningful experiences that welcome everyone and bring communities together. Chinese New Year has become an integral part of our cultural calendar, reflecting our commitment to celebrating the communities that make our city so vibrant. These festivities demonstrate Dubai's inclusive spirit and reinforce our position as a destination where traditions are honoured, cultures connect, and everyone belongs."
FLAGSHIP CELEBRATION AT EXPO CITY DUBAI
The Happy Chinese New Year Parade at Expo City Dubai on 8 February serves as the city's flagship celebration, free and open to all. The spectacular event features a grand parade symbolising "Connect Future," three themed market zones showcasing heritage experiences, science and technology innovation, and cultural culinary delights. Visitors can enjoy authentic tea ceremonies, traditional crafts including Ningxia Embroidery and calligraphy, regional specialties from different Chinese provinces, plus captivating performances by the Jilin Folk Orchestra throughout the evening.
CONTEMPORARY CHINESE CULTURE AT MALLS ACROSS DUBAI
For three days (12-14 February), Mall of the Emirates becomes a hub for Chinese New Year celebrations through an exclusive collaboration with Jing Daily, the leading platform spotlighting contemporary Chinese culture. The activation features trunk shows by Chinese designers Yushan Li and Jun Zhou of PRONOUNCE and Susan Fang of her eponymous label, with meet-and-greets, styling moments, capsule drops, and curated shopping routes.
Visitors can experience the Middle East’s first Huangmei opera performance, "The Heavenly Match", a celebrated classic of traditional Chinese folk theater known for its lyrical singing and gentle melodies. This centuries-old artistic form will be performed live at Mall of the Emirates, bridging traditional Chinese cultural heritage with contemporary expression. Shoppers can enjoy cashback offers via Alipay and WeChat Pay, plus "red packet" wallet credits across Alipay, WeChat Pay, and SHARE to enhance their shopping experience.
Meanwhile, Dragon Mart hosts traditional Lion Dance performances (7, 13, and 15 February) and Fan Dance performances (6, 8, 14, and 17 February) alongside interactive workshops, creating a family-friendly destination for all ages.
THRILLING ATTRACTIONS
Dubai's iconic landmarks and attractions are bringing festive brilliance to the celebrations. MOTIONGATE™ Dubai (17 February-3 March) invites families to celebrate with Po and friends in the immersive Kung Fu Panda world, featuring themed activities, character meet-and-greets, and authentic Chinese cuisine. Global Village offers authentic shopping at the China Pavilion, delectable dining, and mesmerising entertainment. Ain Dubai (14-24 February) welcomes visitors to experience Chinese New Year from the world's tallest observation wheel with festive themed pastries and High Tea packages featuring panoramic views of Dubai's skyline. The iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab lights up with a stunning Year of the Horse animation projected on its sail (16-20 February at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm), alongside captivating paper art installations and specially curated Chinese-inspired dining across its world-class outlets.
FESTIVE FLAVOURS
Restaurants are participating with specially curated dining experiences that capture the true essence of the season. Guests can enjoy MICHELIN-starred Cantonese dishes at Hakkasan at Atlantis, The Palm, family-friendly East Asian dining at Asia Republic at Atlantis, The Palm, MICHELIN-recommended Cantonese cuisine at Shang Palace at Shangri-La Dubai, China Tang at The Lana Promenade with its symbolic Chinese New Year menu, award-winning Northern Chinese cuisine at Hutong in DIFC with traditional Chinese entertainment, MiMi Mei Fair offering refined four-course sharing menus with its signature wishing tree installation, Mekong showcasing Chinese and Vietnamese flavours at Anantara The Palm, and authentic Chinese-inspired dining across Jumeirah Burj Al Arab's world-class outlets.
Additional dining experiences include Palazzo Versace Dubai with Chinese New Year-themed high tea at Mosaico and festive buffets at Giardino, Feast Restaurant at Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai, and many more venues across the city. Many venues are thoughtfully offering menus that honour both Chinese culinary traditions and Iftar hospitality, reflecting the harmonious celebration of both occasions.
SEASONAL SHOPPING AND MEGA PRIZES
Shoppers can celebrate in style with exciting promotions across the city. Community malls offer incredible raffles where 10 winners will each receive AED 5,000 (total AED 50,000 in prizes) when spending AED 200. Dubai Festival City Mall features a 48-hour gift card promotion from 14-16 February, with 5% extra value and festive packaging.
The Alipay+ promotion brings exclusive CNY rewards and seamless payment solutions at key destinations including Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Airport Duty Free, Dubai Mall, and Planet Tax refund - making it easier than ever for visitors to enjoy the celebrations. including Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Airport Duty Free, Dubai Mall, and Planet Tax refund.
Pre-trip, users are incentivised with flight and hotel booking coupons. Once in Dubai, Alipay+ customers find even more incredible deals including citywide shopping coupons redeemable at stores across Dubai, and lucky-draw prizes of DJI products, round-way flight tickets from Dubai to China, and taxi discount coupons - making it easier than ever for visitors to enjoy the celebrations.
Residents and visitors can discover exclusive Chinese New Year offers at leading retailers across fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and more. Luxury shopping experiences await at Pure Gold Jewellers, Swarovski, Coach, and Kate Spade with special seasonal promotions, while Longines unveils a special edition Master Collection "Year of the Horse" watch. Shoppers can explore collections and exclusive offers at Adidas and other fashion destinations, while families can enjoy gift-with-purchase promotions at LEGO, up to 45% off at Jumbo Electronics, and curated selections at Kenzo Kids, alongside leading brands across the city.
With discounts, gift-with-purchase promotions, and limited-edition collections at malls and retail destinations citywide, Chinese New Year is the perfect time to celebrate, gift, and indulge in Dubai's world-class shopping experience.
HOTEL STAYS AND CITY GETAWAYS
Special hotel offers across Dubai invite friends and families to turn Chinese New Year into an ultimate city getaway. The city's most iconic hotels are rolling out exclusive festive packages, including The Lana Dorchester Collection's 'stay four pay three' package, from 14 to 22 February, with guaranteed room upgrades and Year of the Horse amenities. Additionally, Shangri-La Dubai will be showcasing their traditional Lion Dance performances on Lunar New Year Day. Additional properties including Anantara The Palm, Palazzo Versace Dubai, InterContinental Dubai Business Bay, and many others are offering themed amenities and exclusive stays that blend luxury hospitality with authentic cultural celebrations.
With authentic cultural programming, world-class dining, thrilling entertainment, and the unique convergence of Chinese New Year and Ramadan, Dubai's Year of the Horse celebrations showcase the city's commitment to honouring cultural traditions while bringing communities together in the spirit of mutual respect and shared joy.
M283 Arabia covers all aspects of men's lifestyle; fashion, sports, self-care, and travel tips and destinations.
SHARE
