The first event of its kind in the UAE and wider GCC, Dubai Curl Festival has been created to address the challenges of caring for curly hair in the Gulf, from hard water to heat and humidity. Research conducted by Oh My Knots found that 69% of its community are actively seeking UAE-specific product recommendations, while 77% want simpler routines using fewer products rather than complicated multi-step regimens.

Founded in Dubai by Gertrud Mackenzie, Oh My Knots has built a growing community around practical, locally relevant advice for curly, coily and kinky hair.

“Dubai Curl Festival is something I wanted to create because our community has been asking for a space like this,” says Gertrud Mackenzie, Founder of Oh My Knots. “There is so much information about curly hair online, but much of it doesn’t account for what our hair experiences living in the Gulf. We wanted to bring people together, give them access to experts and brands, and most importantly create a space where curls are celebrated rather than treated as something that needs to be fixed.”

Designed as a celebration, not a correction, the festival will feature expert education, brand demonstrations, wellness sessions, interactive activations, and dedicated experiences for children. The event will also include live demonstrations and styling talks throughout the day, offering practical advice, expert techniques and plenty of inspiration for the curly-hair community.

The festival will also place a strong focus on confidence and representation, particularly for younger generations. A dedicated Kids’ Curl Corner will give children the opportunity to have fun, see all curly hair types positively represented, and celebrate their natural hair.

Leading beauty and lifestyle brands will join the inaugural event, with partners including LUSH and lululemon, alongside a wider programme of curl specialists, demonstrations and activities, with attendees also able to discover samples and goodie bags from participating hair brands throughout the day.

Dubai Curl Festival takes place on Saturday, 10th October 2026, from 10:00am to 6:00pm in Dubai. Tickets will be available online via Oh My Knots and selected third-party platforms.