August in Dubai is packed with live entertainment, family attractions, shopping festivals, and cultural events that make staying in the city anything but boring. Whether you’re planning a weekend with the family, looking for a fun day out with friends, or hoping to catch an international comedy show, plenty is happening across the city throughout the month.
Dubai Summer Surprises, the return of Modesh World, and live performances by Jimmy Carr and Sunil Grover make August’s calendar packed with something for every interest. Here are some of the best things to do in Dubai this August.
Make the most of Dubai Summer Surprises and Modesh World
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) continues across the city until 30 August 2026, bringing shopping offers, family entertainment, live performances, and exciting dining promotions to malls and venues across Dubai. If you’re visiting at the start of the month, you can still catch the final days of Summer Restaurant Week, which runs until 2 August and features specially priced set menus at participating restaurants.
From 3 to 30 August, the popular 10 Dirham Dish promotion returns, with participating restaurants serving selected dishes, drinks, and desserts for just AED 10. Families visiting on 7 and 8 August can also enjoy the Back-to-School Carnival, featuring shopping offers, entertainment, and activities to mark the new school season.
Another highlight is Modesh World, Dubai’s biggest indoor family entertainment destination. This year’s edition features carnival rides, arcade games, workshops, food stalls, live entertainment, and meet-and-greets with Modesh, Dana, and special Baby Shark characters.
- Location: Dubai Summer Surprises takes place across participating malls and venues citywide. Modesh World is located at Sheikh Saeed Halls 1 to 3, Dubai World Trade Centre.
- Timings: DSS runs until 30 August 2026. Modesh World is open daily until 23 August, from 12 pm to 10 pm.
- Entry: DSS events vary by venue. Entry to Modesh World is free, while rides and attractions are paid for using a Tap Card.
Find great bargains at Baby Bazaar
Parents looking to save on children’s essentials should head to Baby Bazaar, one of Dubai’s largest pre-loved shopping events for babies, toddlers, and expecting families. The community marketplace brings together local sellers offering quality second-hand baby gear, nursery furniture, toys, books, clothing, and maternity essentials at affordable prices.
It is an ideal place to pick up everything from strollers and high chairs to books and toys while supporting more sustainable shopping. Families looking to clear out outgrown items can also book a table and sell directly to other parents.
- Location: Times Square Center Dubai, Al Quoz.
- Timings: 1 August and 16 August 2026, from 9 am to 2 pm.
- Entry: Free for visitors.
Celebrate South Indian music at Thaalam Beats
Music lovers can look forward to Thaalam Beats, a one-night festival celebrating South Indian music at Coca-Cola Arena. The concert brings together an exciting line-up including Benny Dayal, Usha Uthup, Thaikkudam Bridge, and DJ Buddha, with performances spanning Malayalam, Tamil, Bollywood, rock fusion, and contemporary hits.
With multiple seating categories available, the event promises an energetic evening of live music that will appeal to fans of both classic and contemporary South Indian sounds.
- Location: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk.
- Timings: Saturday, 15 August 2026, from 8 pm.
- Entry: Tickets start from AED 75.
Spend an evening laughing with Sunil Grover
Popular Indian comedian and actor Sunil Grover returns to Dubai for a live performance packed with his much-loved television characters, celebrity impressions, musical performances, and observational comedy.
Audiences can expect appearances from favourites including Gutthi, Dr. Mashoor Gulati, and Rinku Bhabhi, alongside Grover’s signature crowd interaction and family-friendly humour.
- Location: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk.
- Timings: Friday, 21 August 2026, at 8 pm.
- Entry: Tickets start from AED 125.
Catch Jimmy Carr’s Latest Stand-Up Tour
British comedian Jimmy Carr brings his new Laughs Funny tour to Dubai Opera this month. Expect an evening of his trademark quick-fire delivery, razor-sharp one-liners, audience interaction, and brand-new material that has not appeared in previous comedy specials.
Two performances are scheduled on the same evening, giving audiences the option of attending either the early or late show.
- Location: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai.
- Timings: Saturday, 29 August 2026, at 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm.
- Entry: Tickets start from AED 250.
Experience the Magic of La Perle by Dragone
For an unforgettable night out, La Perle by Dragone continues to captivate audiences throughout August. The resident production combines acrobatics, aerial stunts, diving performances, and immersive visual effects inside a purpose-built theatre, creating one of Dubai’s most spectacular live shows.
It remains one of the city’s standout evening attractions for first-time visitors and for those introducing friends and family to the experience.
- Location: La Perle Theatre, Al Habtoor City.
- Timings: Performances take place throughout the week on selected days. Check the official schedule before booking.
- Entry: Tickets are available online, with prices varying by seating category.
Discover Modern Art at Opera Gallery’s Summer Vibes
If you’re looking to escape the heat while enjoying something a little different, Opera Gallery’s Summer Vibes exhibition is well worth adding to your August plans. Running throughout the month in DIFC, the exhibition brings together works by internationally renowned modern and contemporary artists including Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Fernando Botero, Yayoi Kusama, KAWS, and Julian Opie.
The exhibition offers a chance to see paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works in one space, making it suitable for both seasoned art collectors and casual visitors. Located in the heart of DIFC, it’s also easy to pair your gallery visit with lunch, coffee, or dinner at one of the neighbourhood’s many cafés and restaurants.
- Location: Opera Gallery, DIFC.
- Timings: Daily until 31 August 2026 (gallery opening hours apply).
- Entry: Free.
Shop and Play at City Centre Mirdif’s Summer Club
As part of Dubai Summer Surprises, City Centre Mirdif transforms into the Summer Club, an indoor destination filled with family-friendly entertainment, interactive experiences, seasonal décor, shopping offers, and live activities. It’s a great option if you’re looking to combine retail therapy with entertainment while staying indoors during the hottest part of the day.
Visitors can expect colourful pop-up installations, interactive games, and regular activities designed to keep children entertained while parents browse the latest summer promotions. With a wide range of restaurants and cafés under one roof, it’s also an easy place to spend several hours without worrying about the summer heat.
- Location: City Centre Mirdif.
- Timings: Daily until 28 August 2026.
- Entry: Free (individual activities may have separate charges).
Enjoy a Night of Music with Ramy Gamal and Wael Jassar
Fans of Arabic music can look forward to A Night of Love and Tears, bringing Egyptian singer Ramy Gamal and Lebanese star Wael Jassar together for one evening at Dubai World Trade Centre. Expect an emotional setlist featuring many of their biggest hits in one of the month’s standout live concerts.
Both artists are known for their powerful ballads and long list of chart-topping songs, making this a great choice for anyone who enjoys live Arabic music. Whether you’re a longtime fan or simply looking for a memorable night out, the concert promises an evening filled with unforgettable performances.
- Location: Dubai World Trade Centre.
- Timings: Saturday, 8 August 2026, from 8 pm.
- Entry: Tickets start from AED 195.
Explore Dubai’s AED 10 Dining Deals
Food lovers shouldn’t miss the return of 10 Dirham Dish, one of the most popular Dubai Summer Surprises promotions. Running throughout most of August, the campaign features more than 160 participating restaurants and cafés across hundreds of locations, each offering a selected dish, dessert, or drink for just AED 10.
The line-up includes everything from burgers, sushi, and street food favourites to coffee, desserts, and refreshing summer treats, making it easy to explore new dining spots across the city. With no vouchers or promo codes required, it’s one of the simplest and most affordable ways to enjoy Dubai’s food scene during the summer festival.
- Location: Participating restaurants across Dubai.
- Timings: 3 to 30 August 2026.
- Entry: No vouchers or bookings required. Simply order the participating AED 10 item.
FAQs
What are the best things to do in Dubai this August?
Some of the month’s biggest highlights include Dubai Summer Surprises, Modesh World, Baby Bazaar, Thaalam Beats, Sunil Grover Live, Jimmy Carr’s Laughs Funny tour, and La Perle by Dragone.
Is Modesh World free to enter?
Yes. Entry to Modesh World is free. Individual rides, games, and attractions can be accessed using a prepaid Tap Card.
When does Dubai Summer Surprises end?
Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 runs until 30 August 2026, with shopping offers, live entertainment, family experiences, and dining promotions taking place across the city.
Are Jimmy Carr and Sunil Grover’s shows ticketed?
Yes. Both performances require tickets. Sunil Grover tickets start from AED 125, while Jimmy Carr tickets start from AED 250.
Is Baby Bazaar suitable for expecting parents?
Yes. The market features baby essentials, nursery furniture, maternity wear, toys, books, strollers, and other family products, making it a useful shopping destination for both new and expecting parents.
