December is one of the most popular months to visit Dubai. The heat of summer has gone, the evenings are pleasant, and the city is busy with festivals, national celebrations and the build-up to New Year’s Eve. It is also peak season, so flights, hotels and transfers fill up early. This guide covers the weather, the main events of December 2026 and practical tips for arriving at a busy airport.
December weather
December brings warm days and cooler evenings. The Dubai Government Media Office describes the winter months as mild, and published climate summaries put December daytime highs in the mid-20s Celsius, with nights in the mid-to-high teens. Rain is possible but usually brief. Pack light clothes for the day, a layer for evenings outdoors and in air-conditioned malls, and swimwear: the sea is still warm enough for many visitors.
For the bigger picture across the year, see our guide to the best time to visit Dubai.
Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day)
The UAE celebrates its national day, now known as Eid Al Etihad, on 2 December. The UAE Government lists Eid Al Etihad as a public holiday, and in 2026 it falls on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December. Expect flags, fireworks, events and busy roads, and plan journeys with extra time on those days.
Dubai Shopping Festival 2026-27
The Dubai Shopping Festival returns from 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027, according to Visit Dubai. As well as shopping offers and raffles, the festival includes concerts, outdoor events and family activities across the city, with the full programme announced by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment. If you plan to shop with a lot of bags, an hourly chauffeur can wait while you move between malls.
Seasonal attractions open in December
- Global Village: the outdoor park of country pavilions is open for its 2026-27 season; see our Global Village guide.
- Dubai Miracle Garden: open for Season 15 from October; see our Miracle Garden guide.
- Beaches and outdoor dining: December is ideal for long lunches outdoors and evening walks along the waterfront.
- Day trips: cooler weather suits trips to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah.
New Year’s Eve in Dubai
New Year’s Eve is the busiest night of the year in Dubai, with the celebrations around the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai drawing huge crowds. Roads around Downtown and other fireworks locations are usually closed or restricted for hours, and public transport is extremely busy. If you are going out, plan how you will get home: agree a pickup point outside the closed area with your driver, and expect a walk to reach it. Book any car for the evening well in advance.
Arriving in December: airport tips
Dubai International is at its busiest around the school holidays, Christmas and New Year. A few tips make arrival smoother:
- Book your airport transfer when you book your flights, especially for arrivals between mid-December and early January.
- Send your flight number so the pickup follows the actual landing time.
- Allow extra time at immigration and baggage reclaim at peak hours.
- Read our guide to arriving at Dubai Airport and, if you land with Emirates, DXB Terminal 3 arrivals.
For departures over New Year, leave more time than usual for the drive to the airport and for check-in.
Getting around in December
Traffic is heavier in December, particularly in the evenings and around events. Taxis and app rides work well for short trips; see Uber, Careem and taxis in Dubai. For days with several stops or evenings when demand is high, a car with driver avoids waiting.
Planning tips for a December trip
December is one of the busiest months of the year in Dubai, so plan ahead. Hotels, restaurants and popular attractions fill up, particularly around the Eid Al Etihad holiday at the start of the month and the Christmas and New Year period at the end. Book flights, hotels and any New Year’s Eve dinners or events early, and expect prices to be higher than in quieter months.
Packing is easy: light summer clothes for the day, with a light jacket or jumper for evenings, desert trips and air-conditioned malls and restaurants. Pack modest clothing for visits to mosques and some heritage sites. Sun protection is still important, even in winter.
Travel tips for busy December days
Traffic is heavier than usual in December, with more visitors, events and shopping. On busy days, such as public holidays and New Year’s Eve, some roads close and public transport is very crowded. Plan journeys with plenty of time to spare and check the latest RTA and police announcements before major events.
- On New Year’s Eve, agree drop-off and pick-up points with your driver in advance, as roads near the main viewing areas close early.
- For airport runs over the holidays, leave earlier than usual.
- Combine nearby attractions on the same day to cut travel time.
- Use a driver for evening events so nobody has to worry about parking or driving.
December day trips
The cooler weather makes December ideal for day trips. Abu Dhabi, with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the theme parks on Yas Island, is a popular choice, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix often falls in early December. Ras Al Khaimah, the east coast and the Hatta mountains are also pleasant at this time of year.
Families in December
December is a popular month for family holidays, as it overlaps with winter school breaks in many countries. Theme parks, beaches, Global Village and the Miracle Garden are all open, and the weather is comfortable for days outdoors. Book family rooms early and ask for child seats when you book transfers. Our family transfers guide explains what to include.
If you are arriving on a busy holiday weekend, expect longer queues at immigration and taxi ranks. A pre-booked car waiting in the arrivals hall saves time when everyone is tired after the flight.
Whatever you plan, check the official event and attraction websites close to your dates. Event programmes for the festive season are often confirmed only a few weeks ahead, and opening hours can change on public holidays. Keeping a little flexibility in your plans makes a busy December trip much more relaxed, and leaves room for the things you discover once you arrive.
Related guide: GITEX Global (7-11 December 2026).
Request a quote
Use our quote request form, or email info@belgraviatransfers.com, with your flight details, hotel, passengers and any evenings when you would like a driver. We reply with availability and a quote. Nothing is booked until you accept. Start from our Dubai airport transfer page for arrivals.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Dubai?
Yes. It is one of the most popular months, with warm days, cooler evenings and many events, though prices and crowds are higher.
What is the weather like in Dubai in December?
Daytime highs are typically in the mid-20s Celsius, with cooler evenings.
When is the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026-27?
Visit Dubai lists 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027.
Is 2 December a holiday in the UAE?
Yes. Eid Al Etihad is a public holiday; in 2026 the UAE Government lists 2 and 3 December.
How do I get home after New Year’s Eve fireworks?
Agree a pickup point outside the closed roads with your driver in advance and expect some walking.
Facts on this page were checked against the sources linked above on 17 October 2026. Dates, prices and opening hours can change, so confirm them with the official source before you travel.
