Top Things to Do Across the UAE This October 2026

October is when the UAE's calendar starts filling up again, from the return of Global Village and a packed Dubai Comedy Festival to outdoor films, Halloween events, Korean culture, live music and a major arts programme in Abu Dhabi. Whether you're looking for something free, family-friendly or worth making a weekend of, these are the events and experiences to have on your radar this month.

Global Village returns for Season 31

Global Village opens its 31st season on October 14, bringing back its familiar mix of international pavilions, street food, rides and live entertainment. The season runs through May 2027, making this one of the UAE's longest-running winter attractions and an easy one to return to throughout the cooler months.

When: From Wednesday, 14 October 2026

Where: Global Village, Dubai

Dubai Comedy Festival brings a month of stand-up

Dubai Comedy Festival returns with a line-up spanning international and regional names including Mo Gilligan, Vir Das, Katherine Ryan, Munawar Faruqui, Zarna Garg and Munawar Faruqui, alongside a series of smaller-format shows. Among them are Ahmed Ahmed & Friends on October 9, Pitch Them Perfect from October 9 to 15, and an Arabic Crowd Work Show on October 16 at Pepperoni Comedy Club. Families can also catch the Short + Sweet Comedy Junior Finale on October 10, where comedians aged 12 to 18 compete for the 2026 Junior Champion title.

When: Throughout October; Pepperoni Comedy Club shows run 9–18 October

Where: Various venues across Dubai, including Pepperoni Comedy Club

Tickets: From AED 125

Booking: dubaicomedyfest.ae

Watch environmental films at Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival

The fifth edition of Abu Dhabi's Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival takes place at NYU Abu Dhabi this month under the theme “Mend”. The programme moves beyond traditional environmental documentaries, with the Gulf premiere of Werner Herzog's Ghost Elephants, Fungi: Web of Life, narrated by Björk, and a restored 4K screening of the Indian classic Manthan. There is also a screening of Sara Dosa's Oscar-nominated Fire of Love and a masterclass with the filmmaker, alongside a family-focused animation programme.

When: 9–11 October 2026

Where: Blue Hall, NYU Abu Dhabi

Tickets: Through the NYUAD Arts Center

Watch films under the stars in JLT

Jumeirah Lakes Towers has brought its year-round events together under the new JLT Calendar, and the programme starts in October with Cinema Under the Stars. Every Saturday evening, Cluster Q Park becomes an outdoor cinema showing blockbuster and animated films, with Halloween and Christmas-themed screenings later in the season. Bring your own mat, seating and snacks, or upgrade to a beanbag and popcorn for AED 30. The month finishes with a free Halloween community celebration at JLT Park Amphitheatre.

When: Cinema Under the Stars, every Saturday from 3 October 2026; Halloween, 31 October

Where: Cluster Q Park and JLT Park Amphitheatre, Dubai

Price: Free; AED 30 for the beanbag and popcorn upgrade

View the full calendar and event information at jlt.ae/calendar 

Spend Halloween weekend at Snoopy Beats: Milkshake Ranch

Snoopy Beats returns to Fujairah for Halloween weekend, transforming Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort into the Milkshake Ranch from October 30 to November 1. This year's theme leans into retro Americana, with a denim-and-diamonds aesthetic spread across the resort, four music stages and a mix of international artists, regional talent, food, art and immersive experiences. The full line-up is still to be announced, but tickets and room packages are already on sale, making this one to book early if you're planning a Halloween staycation.

When: 30 October–1 November 2026

Where: Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort, Fujairah

Booking: snoopybeats.com

Put your general knowledge to the test at The Barrel

For something more low-key, The Barrel at Vida Creek Beach has launched a weekly Wednesday quiz night in collaboration with NOYZ. Rather than a traditional sit-down pub quiz, the evening mixes speed quizzing, music bingo, live games and interactive challenges, with prizes ranging from meals and cocktails to Jack Daniel's merchandise. There is no cover charge, and a dedicated bites menu and Happy Hour run alongside the games.

When: Every Wednesday, 8pm–10pm

Where: The Barrel, Vida Creek Beach, Dubai Creek Harbour

Price: Free entry

Booking: +971 54 581 1386

Mark Pinktober with brunch and a wellness talk

Vivaldi at Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers is marking Pinktober with two Saturday brunches and a complimentary wellness talk. The October 3 and 10 brunches pair an Italian-inspired buffet with live music, while the October 16 session brings a medical expert to the hotel's ballroom for a wellness discussion, with light bites and refreshments. The brunch offers a more traditional afternoon outing, while the talk is open to those looking for something centred on awareness and wellbeing.

When: Brunch, 3 and 10 October, 1 pm–4 pm; Wellness Talk, 16 October, 11 am–3 pm

Where: Vivaldi, Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers

Brunch: AED 255 with soft beverages; AED 375 with house beverages; AED 125 for children aged 6–12

Booking: +971 4 207 1717 or email vivaldi.reservations@sheraton.com or visit website

 Try Ladurée's beauty-inspired pâtisserie collaboration

Ladurée UAE and beauty brand Sorbé have teamed up on a collection inspired by some of the skincare brand's signature flavours. From October 1, the menu includes rose and lychee sorbet, three individual pâtisseries built around caramel, pomegranate and rose lychee, a collagen-infused fruit slushie and a limited-edition Rose Lychee Macaron. The collaboration also comes in macaron boxes of eight, 12, 18 and 24 pieces, combining the new flavour with Ladurée classics.

When: Daily from 1 October 2026

Where: Ladurée, across all outlets in the UAE

Price: From AED 39

For more information: Ladurée UAE 

Go full Halloween at LEGOLAND Dubai

LEGOLAND Dubai turns into a playground of LEGO monsters from October 7, with its Halloween programme running through November 2. Families can follow a HARIBO Brick or Treat trail, hunt for hidden ghosts in MINILAND, build pumpkins and Halloween creatures, meet LEGO Monsters and join the V.I.M. Dance Party. There is also a Halloween-themed 4D film, seasonal food and activities at LEGOLAND Hotel for families extending the visit into an overnight stay.

When: 7 October–2 November 2026

Where: LEGOLAND Dubai

Price: AED 330 at the gate; AED 295 online

Abu Dhabi Festival opens its October programme

Abu Dhabi Festival returns this month with a programme spanning orchestral music, opera, ballet and contemporary performance. The October programme opens on October 10 with the UAE National Orchestra at Etihad Arena, conducted by François López-Ferrer with pianist David Khrikuli. Later in the month, the Festival Recital Series heads to the Zayed National Museum on October 30 for a performance by Emirati cellist Elham Al Marzooqi and pianist Sooyeon Jun. The wider festival continues into November and December, but these are the October dates to know.

When: 10 and 30 October 2026

Where: Etihad Arena and Zayed National Museum, Abu Dhabi

Booking: abudhabifestival.ae