Halloween in Dubai 2025 is all set to become one of the most exciting and talked-about celebrations in the UAE. From thrilling haunted houses to cheerful family parades, Dubai is turning into a city of lights, costumes, and candy this October.
Whether you’re a local, an expat, or a tourist, the 2025 Halloween season promises something for everyone. The city’s top entertainment venues, malls, and communities are already preparing for weeks of spooky fun that stretch far beyond just one night.
Halloween in Dubai isn’t just about costumes anymore. It’s a showcase of creativity, family entertainment, and culture blended with luxury.
In this article, I’ll guide you through all confirmed parades, event schedules, timings, and venues so you can make the most of Halloween 2025 in Dubai and other major UAE cities.
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Halloween in Dubai 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main Date | Friday, October 31, 2025 |
| Event Duration | From mid-October to early November |
| Timings | 4 PM to midnight (varies by event) |
| Key Venues | Motiongate Dubai, The Green Planet, JLT Park, Global Village, City Walk |
| Entry Fee | Free to AED 600 depending on event type |
| Highlights | Costume parades, haunted zones, trick-or-treating, live shows, themed brunches |
| Expected Crowd Size | Tens of thousands across the Halloween weekend |
| Best Cities to Visit | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Al Ain |
How Halloween Became Big in Dubai
It’s hard to imagine that Halloween was once a quiet affair in Dubai. Just a few years ago, celebrations were mostly limited to small expat gatherings.
Today, the city has transformed the spooky season into a grand carnival of creativity and culture. Themed attractions, hotel parties, and outdoor parades are now regular highlights of Dubai’s October calendar.
The growth of tourism and Dubai’s love for global trends turned Halloween into one of the city’s most visually spectacular events. Every October, shops, restaurants, and parks turn orange and black, inviting visitors to join the fun.
Families plan their weekends around community trick-or-treat events, while partygoers look forward to the grand masquerades hosted in luxury hotels.
Dates, Timings, and Main Locations for Halloween 2025
Halloween in Dubai 2025 officially peaks on Friday, October 31, but the celebrations begin much earlier. Themed events start as early as the third week of October and continue through the first week of November. Since the date falls on a weekend, expect nonstop festivities for three full days.
Most Halloween events open around 4 PM, with family-friendly shows in the early evening followed by parties for adults that run late into the night.
For families, daytime trick-or-treat trails and outdoor markets are available in several residential communities. For thrill-seekers, theme parks like Motiongate and IMG Worlds of Adventure host late-night horror shows until midnight.
Major Halloween Events and Parades in Dubai
Motiongate Dubai – Fright Nights 8: Phantasmagoria
Motiongate Dubai is bringing back its famous Fright Nights for the eighth time in 2025 under the theme Phantasmagoria. The event runs throughout October and concludes in early November.
Visitors can experience haunted mazes, live scare performances, and interactive parades featuring costumed characters roaming through the park.
The main Halloween night parade is set for October 31, with performances beginning at 6 PM and continuing until closing time at midnight.
The Green Planet – Haunted Rainforest
Families looking for a less scary but equally exciting experience can visit The Green Planet at City Walk. Its Haunted Rainforest event returns in 2025, transforming the biodome into a misty jungle of eerie lights and animal-themed decorations. It runs from October 28 to November 3, offering daytime adventure walks, storytelling sessions, and costume parades for children starting at 4 PM.
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
JLT Park – Haunted Village Parade
The Jumeirah Lakes Towers community hosts one of Dubai’s most popular public parades every year. The Haunted Village Parade is free to attend and takes place on the evening of October 31 from 5 PM to 8 PM at Cluster Q Park.
Families can join the parade, walk the trick-or-treat trail, and enjoy live music and dance performances. The route loops around the lakefront, offering plenty of photo opportunities and safe walkways for kids.
Global Village – Halloween Fiesta Nights
Global Village, known for its international pavilions and festive energy, celebrates Halloween with a mix of street performances, themed markets, and costume contests. The event starts on October 25 and continues until November 2.
The main highlight is the cultural parade that marches across the park every evening at 7 PM. Visitors can expect dancers, glowing floats, and street performers representing countries from around the world, all with a spooky twist.
Community Celebrations Across the City
Beyond major venues, residential communities like Arabian Ranches, The Springs, and Dubai Hills hold neighborhood trick-or-treat walks and mini parades. Most begin around 4 PM and end by 8 PM, providing a safe and fun space for families.
Malls such as City Centre Mirdif and Mall of the Emirates also plan costume competitions and haunted house installations that run throughout Halloween weekend.
How to Participate in Halloween Events and Parades
Anyone can join in the Halloween celebrations in Dubai 2025, whether you live in the city or are just visiting. Most parades and events are open to the public, with free access in community areas and ticketed entry for theme parks.
To participate in costume parades like those at JLT Park or Motiongate, visitors are encouraged to register online through the event’s official website or onsite counters before the event begins.
Costume rules are usually simple. Participants should dress in fun, creative, or family-appropriate costumes without sharp or dangerous props. For children’s parades, supervision by a parent or guardian is required.
Themed venues like Motiongate may have designated “costume zones” where visitors can walk alongside performers or join interactive shows. For adults, many hotels and beach clubs host Halloween costume parties where registration or ticket purchase is mandatory.
Volunteer opportunities are also available at larger venues. Those who want to assist in organizing crowd movement, distributing candy, or helping with children’s activities can sign up through community centers or event organizers. Most volunteers receive complimentary event access and refreshments during the parade.
Viewing Tips and the Best Spots to Watch Parades
If you’re attending the JLT Park parade, the best viewing area is near the lakefront path around Cluster Q. Arrive by 4:30 PM to secure a good spot.
For Motiongate’s parade, stand along the main boulevard near the Hollywood Theater where performers gather before the closing show. It’s one of the liveliest and most photogenic sections of the event.
Families with children should choose early evening slots for viewing, ideally between 5 and 7 PM. These hours offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
For adults who enjoy nightlife, hotel and club events in Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina start later in the evening and go well past midnight. Most hotels offer valet parking, but it’s best to use public transport or ride-hailing services since roads can get busy around event areas.
Accessibility is well-considered in most locations. Parks like JLT and City Walk are wheelchair-friendly with flat walkways and accessible restrooms. If you’re visiting theme parks, look for priority access passes or early entry options for families with children.
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Costume Themes and Creative Ideas for 2025
Dubai’s Halloween 2025 celebrations have no official central theme, which makes it a playground for creativity. Expect a mix of classic horror, fantasy, and pop-culture-inspired costumes.
Movie characters, ghosts, and skeletons remain timeless favorites, but expect plenty of glitter and glam too because it’s Dubai after all.
Families often coordinate costumes, creating themes like superheroes, Disney families, or classic monsters. Adults tend to go for stylish horror looks that blend fashion with fright.
If you’re attending Motiongate’s parade, film-themed costumes always stand out and often get extra attention from photographers. For children, lightweight costumes are best since October evenings can still be warm.
Costume contests are common in malls and hotels. Winners receive prizes such as dinner vouchers or free entry to next year’s event.
For those who love DIY, local craft stores sell affordable decorations, and tailors in Karama and Al Barsha can help customize your outfit at a reasonable price.
Entertainment and Highlights Across the City
Halloween in Dubai 2025 isn’t just about dressing up. The entertainment lineup is massive and caters to all ages. Motiongate’s Fright Nights features five haunted houses, live scare zones, and a parade of performers that wraps up with a grand fireworks show on October 31.
The Green Planet’s Haunted Rainforest offers storytelling sessions, glow-in-the-dark exhibits, and educational activities about nocturnal animals.
Global Village continues its tradition of international parades, where performers from around the world march in spooky costumes.
The energy is infectious and provides incredible photo opportunities. Malls like City Centre Deira, Mall of the Emirates, and Ibn Battuta Mall host dance flash mobs, pumpkin-carving stations, and trick-or-treat zones.
Restaurants and beach clubs take the celebration further with Halloween-themed brunches. Expect spooky menus, live DJs, and costume prizes at places like Jumeirah Beach Residence, Bluewaters Island, and Palm Jumeirah. Each venue puts its own spin on the festival, ensuring that no two experiences are the same.
Travel and Accommodation Tips for Visitors
If you’re visiting from outside Dubai, plan your trip early. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the nearest hub for international travelers, and taxis are available around the clock.
Hotels across the city offer Halloween staycation packages during the last week of October, often including free entry to local events or brunch discounts.
The best areas to stay are Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah Beach Residence. These spots keep you close to major event venues while offering plenty of nightlife and dining options. For budget travelers, Business Bay and Al Barsha have affordable hotels with easy metro access.
Public transport is efficient during Halloween weekend, with Dubai Metro and RTA buses running late hours.
If you plan to attend multiple events in one night, use ride-hailing apps for convenience. Always leave early to avoid traffic near major parks or community parades.
Food and Local Experiences During Halloween Week
Halloween in Dubai 2025 goes hand in hand with creative food experiences. Many restaurants and hotels prepare limited-time themed menus that match the festive mood. Expect pumpkin soups, spooky desserts, and themed drinks in almost every dining spot during the last week of October.
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
Street food lovers can explore the Halloween market at Global Village, where stalls serve snacks from around the world decorated with a seasonal touch.
The food trucks at JLT Park also join the celebration, offering everything from tacos to cotton candy. For fine dining fans, top hotels like Atlantis The Palm and Address Sky View organize Halloween gala dinners with live music and costume competitions.
If you’re exploring beyond Dubai, nearby cities such as Abu Dhabi and Sharjah also have themed food festivals during the same week. The Corniche area in Abu Dhabi often lights up with spooky décor and street food stalls, while Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah offers pumpkin-decorating workshops for children.
Safety Guidelines and Event Rules
Halloween in Dubai 2025 is designed to be safe and enjoyable for everyone. Security checks are standard at large venues such as Motiongate, Global Village, and The Green Planet.
Guests should carry valid ID, follow entry instructions, and cooperate with event marshals. Bags are inspected at entrances to ensure no prohibited items like sharp objects or toy weapons are brought inside.
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Family safety is a top priority during Halloween parades and events. Parents should keep an eye on children, especially in crowded places.
For community parades like JLT Park’s Haunted Village, families are encouraged to stay together and use reflective accessories after sunset. First aid tents and lost-and-found counters are available at all major venues, so assistance is easy to find if needed.
Alcohol is permitted only in licensed venues such as hotels, bars, and beach clubs. Open drinking in public areas is strictly prohibited. Respect local laws and cultural norms while celebrating, as Dubai maintains a family-oriented atmosphere during citywide events.
Photography and Social Media Tips
Halloween in Dubai 2025 offers some of the most photogenic events in the city’s calendar. The best lighting for photos is between 5 PM and 6:30 PM, just before sunset when natural light adds a golden glow to costumes and decorations.
For nighttime photography, use portrait mode or wide aperture settings to capture glowing pumpkins and neon backdrops without flash.
Many venues set up themed photo booths and interactive walls, so you’ll have plenty of Instagram-worthy spots. Some locations may restrict professional camera gear unless prior permission is granted, so check venue guidelines before carrying tripods or drones.
The most popular hashtags expected for this year’s events include #HalloweenInDubai, #DubaiFrightNights, and #SpoooklyHalloween.
Tagging these can help your photos reach local event pages or get featured by organizers. If you’re taking photos of performers or children, always ask for consent before posting.
Conclusion
Halloween in Dubai 2025 is more than just a night of costumes and candy. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and culture that captures the city’s diverse spirit. Whether you love haunted houses, family-friendly parades, or glamorous costume parties, Dubai offers something for every taste and age.
The mix of world-class entertainment, stunning venues, and festive atmosphere makes it one of the most exciting places to celebrate Halloween in the Middle East. If you plan to be in Dubai this October, mark your calendar for October 31 and the surrounding weekends.
Arrive early, bring your best costume, and enjoy a Halloween experience that perfectly combines international fun with Dubai’s unmatched energy. I’ll be there too, soaking up the sights, sounds, and spooky excitement that make this city come alive every fall.
FAQs
Many community events and mall activities are free. However, theme parks and private parties usually require paid tickets ranging from AED 150 to AED 600.
Yes. Most events are family-friendly, and several are designed specifically for children, such as The Green Planet’s Haunted Rainforest or JLT Park’s parade.
Costumes are optional but highly encouraged. Most venues host costume contests with attractive prizes. Even simple themed accessories can help you join the fun.
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled start. Most parades begin around 5 PM and finish by 8 PM, depending on location.
Yes. Large venues like Motiongate and Global Village provide dedicated parking areas. Community parades usually rely on public parking or nearby malls.
Pets are welcome at certain outdoor events such as JLT Park’s Halloween walk but not in theme parks or malls. Always confirm with organizers before bringing animals.
Yes. Abu Dhabi hosts its own family festival along the Corniche, Sharjah offers cultural Halloween markets, and Ras Al Khaimah organizes themed resort parties.
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