Halloween lands in Dubai with a full programme this October, and the city's restaurants and venues are leaning in hard — from kids' pizza-making sessions to a Kabuki-themed party night. If you're in town between 29 October and 1 November, here's what's on.
For families, the pickings are generous. Osterio Mario runs a kids' spooky pizza-making session with milkshakes and face painting across its Dubai Hills Mall, Circle Mall and Dubai Festival City Mall branches, 30 October to 1 November from 5.30pm, at Dhs129 per child. FireLake Grill House at the Radisson Dubai Damac Hills throws a family Halloween brunch on 31 October (1pm to 4pm) with live music, games, crafts, themed food stations and costume prizes — Dhs179 for adults, Dhs99 for kids aged four to 12, plus happy hour until 7pm.
Black Bunny in Al Quoz stretches the season across the whole month, with décor, interactive entertainment and a 10-challenge Spooky Passport kids can stamp through October, wrapping with a Halloween Carnival on the 31st. Entry starts from Dhs179. Stomping Grounds in Jumeirah is the pick for pet owners: a free all-day costume contest on 31 October (9am to 9pm) where the dog counts too, plus themed dishes like a Dhs101 BBQ Brekkie.
More active families can join City Walk's After Dark Fun Run, now in its third year and tied to the Dubai Fitness Challenge. On 31 October from 6.30pm, runners choose a 2.5km or 5km route in costume, with Dhs20,000 in prizes including iPhones and hotel stays. Entry costs from Dhs55 for adults and Dhs20 for under-12s.
Adults have plenty of options after dark. Treehouse at Taj Dubai hosts an evening brunch on 30 October (7pm to 10.30pm) with unlimited food, free-flowing drinks and skyline views — Dhs395 to Dhs575 per person depending on the drinks package, with a pay-for-four-party-for-five deal for groups. Bâoli at J1 Beach goes theatrical with a 'Kabuki Noir' night on 31 October from 8pm, mixing Japanese theatre-inspired performers with DJ sets and a chic dress code. And Voyage by Amelia, the speakeasy at Address Sky View, runs a Día de los Muertos takeover across three nights, 29 to 31 October from 11.30pm to 3am, with tequila cocktails and gothic styling.
Why it matters: Dubai isn't an obvious Halloween destination, but the city has built a genuine programme around it, and late October is one of the pleasant times of year to visit as summer heat eases. It works well for families relocating for half-term or travellers wanting a big-city party scene with a twist — just book ahead, as these events sell out.
