UAE National Day, Ramadan and the Christmas and year end season are the three busiest periods for company, hotel and community events in Dubai. Each one needs its own kind of programme: Emirati heritage for National Day, calm Arabic music after iftar in Ramadan, and festive characters and music in December. We plan the acts and the running order for offices, hotels, malls and private gatherings, and we book early, because the most requested performers are reserved first.
Price: corporate event entertainment in Dubai usually costs AED 3,500 to AED 45,000, depending on the acts. National Day week, Eid and December dates sit near the top of each range. See event entertainment prices.
UAE National Day
National Day on 2 December is the busiest period of the year for Emirati performance. A National Day programme can include:
- traditional Emirati dance troupes, such as Al Ayala with two facing rows of performers holding canes to the beat of the drums
- Emirati musicians and patriotic music with national songs
- themed set ups such as a heritage corner or a majlis
- choreography created for the National Day theme
- decor in the UAE colours and multimedia presentations
Troupes are booked by headcount: 4 to 6 performers suit a hotel lobby welcome or a smaller majlis, 8 to 12 a gala entrance, and 14 to 16 a large ballroom or an outdoor National Day stage. Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead for National Day week.
Ramadan
Ramadan events are quieter and more reflective. Performances usually start after iftar, and sets are shorter, around 15 to 20 minutes. Popular choices for iftar and suhoor tents:
- an Arabic band of four: singer, oud, violin and qanun, with more musicians on request
- traditional dance performances such as tanoura, dabke and zaffa
- Ramadan themed lighting and stage set designs
Book Ramadan entertainment 3 to 4 weeks ahead, as the evenings fill fast.
Christmas and year end parties
From office Christmas parties to hotel festive programmes and mall activations, December entertainment can include:
- Christmas carollers and choirs
- Santa Claus and Mrs Claus appearances
- elves and Christmas characters for families and children
- stilt walkers in festive costumes for entrances and photos
- Christmas themed dancers for a stage moment
- live music from an acoustic duo to a jazz band
For the company year end dinner itself, see corporate event entertainment.
Eid gatherings
Eid celebrations often bring adults and children together. Plan a separate kids corner with its own entertainer next to the main programme, and book 3 to 4 weeks ahead. See private party entertainment for family gatherings at home.
Book early
For all three seasons, the most requested troupes, bands and characters book out first. Send the date, the venue, the guest count and the season on WhatsApp or through the quote form. Events in the capital follow DCT rules; see event entertainment in Abu Dhabi.
