Halloween might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Dubai, but trust me when I say this city knows how to throw a spooky celebration!
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or night time costume party, Dubai offers something for everyone during the Halloween season. I’ve mostly focused on family activities, however I’ve included some adult only events at the bottom too.
As someone who’s lived in Dubai for years, I’ve seen Halloween grow into a huge event with parties, trick-or-treating, and even a few haunted houses!
Is there Halloween in Dubai?
Despite being a Muslim country – Yes, Halloween is celebrated in Dubai! It’s not a traditional holiday in the UAE but the scary season is widely celebrated by Dubai’s large international community.
Every October, you’ll find Halloween-themed events all over the city from costume parties at nightclubs to trick-or-treating in local areas. Along with lots of kid-friendly events.
Many cafes, restaurants and hotels also get into the spirit with themed menus and spooky decorations.
Want a hotel close to all the family friendly Halloween action?
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What is Halloween in Dubai like?
You won’t see all the houses decorated like you would in the US and whether you’ll have trick or treaters knocking on your door will very much depend on the area you live. While I lived in Downtown Dubai, I never had trick or treaters however areas with more families do get kids knocking on doors.
Some parents choose to arrange with other friends who are celebrating and knock on neighbours who they know doors, rather than knocking all the neighbours too.
You’ll also find workshops, activities and events for kids with a halloween theme.
There’s lots of events and halloween parties for adults too, where venues encourage people to dress up with prizes for best dressed.
Family Friendly Halloween Activities in Dubai
1) Explore Legoland Dubai and find some spooky legos
At the Theme Park, kids can enjoy building Lego pumpkins, collecting Haribo candies, and entering the daily Best Dressed monSTAR Competition. Don’t miss the Lego Monsters and a chance to win cool prizes!
You can also stay at the Legoland Hotel, offering a Monster Sleepover Package complete with Halloween arts & crafts, Lord Vampyre’s After Party, and a fun-filled Bricks Brunch Monster Party. All guests staying get free access to Legoland.
This years Vampyre theme runs from the 12th October until 3rd November.
Halloween events are included in the regular entry ticket prices, however some activities may have an extra charge.
🎟️ Save money on entrance fees 🎟️
2) Do some splashing not slashing at Legoland Waterpark Dubai
It’s not only the theme park that has a Halloween Celebration, you can also head over to their Dubai waterpark for an equally fun day. The waterpark is perfect for younger kids from 2 till 12.
Over at the Water Park, there’s spooky fun with DJ beats and water cannons at the Wave Pool, plus a Build-A-Ghostship competition and the exciting Spook N’ Splash event.
If you stay at the Legoland hotel, you’ll get free access to Legoland and Legoland Water Park in Dubai.
Halloween events are included in the regular entry ticket prices, however some activities may have an extra charge.
🎟️ Check ticket availability 🎟️
3) Get back to nature with a frightful twist at The Green Planet
Green Planet Dubai is an indoor tropical rainforest housing over 3,000 plants and animals. It’s an educational and immersive experience where visitors can explore various ecosystems and learn about wildlife conservation.
Not what you’d usually think of when it comes to Halloween but Green Planet get all decorated for day of Halloween so you can take children of all ages to enjoy the rainforest animals with a spook-tacular twist.
Families can enjoy face painting, treasure hunts, and arts & crafts, all with a Halloween theme.
Halloween events are included in the regular entry ticket prices, however some activities may have an extra charge.
🎟️ Save 10% off your admission 🎟️
4) Feel like you’re in a scary movie at MotionGate Dubai
Hosting their “Fright Night,” their halloween special runs for a really long time! From 1st October until 4th November!
If you’re looking for something that will scare both adults and older kids then IMG Worlds of Adventure’s fright night is the choice for you!
Families can enjoy 7 kid-friendly shows, trick-or-treating, and meet-and-greets with Halloween characters, while adults can brave 5 terrifying horror mazes.
There’s also the thrill of record-breaking rollercoasters, spooky F&B combos, and Halloween-themed merchandise. This event strikes the perfect balance for both adults and kids alike.
Halloween events are included in the regular entry ticket prices, however some activities may have an extra charge.
🎟️ Save 10% off your admission 🎟️
5) Take an eerie walk around Riverland Dubai
Riverland is made up of different villages and each take on different themes for halloween for you to enjoy.
The Neon Galaxy Alien Parade lights up the streets with astronaut dancers, stilt walkers, and a giant inflatable astronaut, sure to excite the kids! Continuing with the cosmic twist, you can check out the Neon Galaxy Laser Show.
Meanwhile, the French Village transforms into a terrifying Scare Zone with haunted walkthroughs, live performers, and the Evil Doctor’s creepy lab show. Perfect for a halloween that’s a little bit different.
Halloween events are included in the regular entry ticket prices, however some activities may have an extra charge.
6) Get in on the Halloween action at IMG Worlds of Adventure
One of the largest indoor theme parks in the worlds, Halloween at IMG Worlds of Adventure transforms into a hair-raising wonderland filled with haunted mazes, scary zones, and live actors.
Every year for the entire month, they have their Halloween event “Festival of Fright”, where you’ll encounter roaming zombies, creepy decorations, and themed rides. There’s also a haunted parade and flash mobs that add to the chilling atmosphere.
Whether you’re braving Dracula’s tunnel or exploring haunted houses like The Haunted Hotel, the event promises thrills for the whole family.
Halloween events are included in the regular entry ticket prices, however some activities may have an extra charge.
7) Play some games while dressed up at Wavehouse
A favourite of ours from our list of best family-friendly restaurants in Dubai, Warehouse is a great option for families all year round. Halloween is no exception where they encourage patrons to dress up and give away great prizes for the best dressed.
They haven’t yet announced what their theme will be this year but you can expect lots of spooky decorations, theme drinks and yummy food!
8) Get all dressed up for a spooky family friendly Brunch
Get ready for a thrilling Dubai Halloween Brunch, where gourmet dining meets eerie ambiance! Many top hotels and restaurants go all out with Halloween-themed décor, offering creative dishes, live entertainment, and costume contests for both adults and kids.
From hauntingly good treats to engaging activities, these brunches are perfect for families or adults looking to enjoy a festive afternoon. With live DJs and spooky surprises.
Our favourites:
- Bread Street Kitchen – Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah
- Bubbalicious – The Westin Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina
- London Social Garden – Ritz Carlton, JBR
- McCafferty’s – Wafi Mall
9) Carve pumpkins in some family friendly competitiveness
Pumpkin carving has become a popular Halloween activity in Dubai, with several venues offering the chance to get creative with your own spooky designs.
From family-friendly malls to upscale hotels, you can find select pumpkin carving workshops all over the city. You can also choose to buy pumpkins from supermarkets such as Spinneys, Lulus or Waitrose.
Many venues haven’t yet announced their halloween dates and activities, so I’ll update this list on the places to go as soon as they do! Previously The Green Planet has pumpkin carving as an activity.
10) Test your decorating skills with witches, ghouls and ghosts before devouring them
Decorating cakes or biscuits is a family classic that all kids love. After all, who doesn’t love getting all creative and then getting to enjoy a sweet treat after?
Halloween-themed baking and decorating is popular with kids of all ages, with several venues offering these fun workshops at this time of year. It’s rare to find one where you’ll bake as well and is mostly pre-made cakes or cookies that they get to enjoy adding icing, sprinkles and more.
In true Dubai fashion, a lot of places announce events late so I’ll update as more venues announce their halloween activities.
Venues
- Masha & The Bear – JBR & Dubai Mall – Cake decorating for 85 AED
11) Take the kids on a scavenger hunt
Perfect for both smaller and older children, Oli Oli – an experimental children’s museum, goes all out for Halloween. Here you’ll find trick or treating, scavenger hunts and prizes.
They have yet to announce their official halloween dates and plans but last year is lasted for 3 days, so I’m thinking it’ll likely be similar this year however will update it when they share it.
Adult Halloween Parties in Dubai
Attend a Halloween themed brunch
Join the Addams Potion Party at Flashback Speakeasy in Paramount Hotel for a unique Halloween experience!
This immersive murder mystery transforms the venue into the Addams Family mansion, where you’ll dine, solve riddles, and reverse a spooky curse. Featuring hilarious performances, including Uncle Fester’s “Creep” and Granny’s hip-hop surprise, the night is paired with a delicious four-course meal and magical cocktails.
Running every Thursday from October, it’s a dark, funny, and unforgettable adventure. Prices start at AED 399.
This four course meal with a murder mystery is perfect those wanting a night to remember on Halloween.
Over 21s only!
🎟️ See if tickets are still available 🎟️
Other Halloween Events in Dubai
See a spooky theatre show!
The Woman in Black is back in Dubai for a few days during Halloween, and it’s not for the faint of heart! This spine-chilling stage adaptation of Susan Hill’s novel will transport you into a ghostly world, where a lawyer haunted by the terrifying ‘Woman in Black’ reliving his darkest memories.
As the line between reality and imagination blurs, the suspense will have you on the edge of your seat.
After selling out its previous runs in the UAE, this West End hit returns due to overwhelming demand. If you’re up for a heart-stopping night at the theatre, grab your tickets—if you dare! As Gulf News puts it, “It leaves the audience shaking with fear!”
Must be over 10 years of age to see the show.
🎟️ Check ticket availability 🎟️
When is Halloween in Dubai?
Halloween in Dubai is celebrated on October 31st, but the city gets into the spooky spirit for the entire month of October. Everything from cakes, desserts, chocolates and cookies being sold with Halloween decorations to venues running themed events all month long. You’ll find both family-friendly and adults only experiences.
