Halloween in Dubai & 11 family friendly experiences
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 many 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?
Check prices for the best Dubai Parks & Resorts Hotel 🤩
What is Halloween in Dubai like?
You won’t usually see the houses decorated like you would in the US, though you may find some houses with decorations, like this one that went viral in Damac Hills or this viral video from last year:
The same for trick-or-treaters knocking on your door; this will depend on the area you live in. While I lived in Downtown Dubai or Umm Suqeim, I never had trick-or-treaters; however, family-focused expat areas can have trick-or-treaters.
Mostly parents choose to arrange with other friends and knock on their neighbours who they know doors, rather than knocking on strangers’ doors who may not participate in Halloween.
All over Dubai, you’ll also find events with activities and events for kids with a Halloween theme.
Many clubs and nightlife venues across Dubai also host parties with prizes for the best dressed, for over 21s.
Halloween Advice
In order to remain respectful to Dubai’s Islamic culture, I recommend to trick-or-treat only at people’s houses you know personally who are taking part.
There’s also so many events going on around the city with cute fairs, themed events and attractions that these will save you not only a lot of hassle not needing to do everything yourself but you also won’t offend anyone who disagrees with the meaning behind Halloween.
Family Friendly Halloween Activities in Dubai
1) Explore Legoland Dubai and find some spooky legos
At the Legoland Theme Park, kids can enjoy building Halloween themed Legos, collecting Haribo sweets, and entering the daily ‘best dressed monSTAR’ competition. Don’t miss the Lego Monsters or limited edition lego bricks you’ll find in ‘Brick or Treat’ kiosks along with the 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 year the Vampyre theme is returning and will run from the 4th October until 2nd November.
Adult ticket prices and children’s ticket prices (3 and over) are the same price but the rides younger children can go on is quite small if they don’t meet the height requirements. So it’s fun, but it is an expensive day out as a family!
Halloween events are included in the regular entry ticket prices, however some activities may have an extra charge. If you’re an annual pass holder, you may also need to pay an extra charge to enter.
2) Do some splashing not slashing at Al Barari Playground
Step into the Haunted Garden at Al Barari Playground where the green heart of Dubai transforms into a spooky wonderland for Halloween.
This year it will take place from 31st October to 2nd November.
Families can enjoy the usual Al Barari Playground, including a water park, along with local markets, food trucks, mazes, face-painting, a haunted house, and crafts like pumpkin carving, candle making and witch-hat decorating.
Be aware however that arts and crafts do cost extra from your ticket cost!
Overall, the park itself is great for younger kids, but some activities like the mechanical haunted house are recommended for older children (12+).
“Is a beautiful park and pool perfect for the smaller kids.”
Anna (Read more reviews)
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, birds and animals. It’s an educational and immersive experience where visitors can explore various ecosystems and learn about wildlife conservation.
It’s not the first venue you might expect to host a Halloween party but Green Planet get all decorated for a few days around the Halloween dates. Families can enjoy face painting, treasure hunts, and arts & crafts, all with a Halloween theme.
They have yet to annouce this year’s theme but last year was dinosaur themed and for the really adventurous, you can even camp overnight in the rainforest!
Popular with children of all ages, you’ll get to enjoy the rainforest animals with a spook-tacular twist. They even had Halloween-themed meals last year!
“Incredible selection of birds and creatures. Loved the sloths so much to see and experiencing the rain in the rainforest was truly exceptional keeping the habitat for their birds and animals close to their origins. Excellent.”
Debra (Read more reviews)
Halloween events are included in the regular entry ticket prices, however some activities may have an extra charge.
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 31st October!
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. However if your kids are under 105 cm, then you may find there isn’t as many rides for them.
“We really liked the variety of attractions, it was like a fairy tale. The park’s mascots were very funny and willing to take photos with us. It was very empty that day, so we managed to ride every attraction, some even multiple times, with a waiting time of 5 to 10 minutes at most.”
Anna (Read more reviews)
Halloween events are included in the regular entry ticket prices, however some activities may have an extra charge.
5) Take an eerie walk around Riverland Dubai
Riverland is made up of three different villages and each takes on slighty 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. Along with other regular shows.
Meanwhile, the French Village transforms into a terrifying Scare Zone with haunted walkthroughs, live performers, and the Evil Doctor’s creepy lab show.
Located in the French Village is also the Pirate Themed restaurant which is perfect for Halloween and adds a bit of spookiness to their usual themed restaurant.
Riverland used to be free to enter, however now they charge 25 AED for a day pass if you buy online in advance or 30 AED at the gate. For more information. Children 3 and over cost the same as adults.
It’s at the same location as Motion Gate, Legoland Dubai and Legoland Dubai Waterpark which is part of Dubai Parks and resorts. If you’ve staying either at Lapita Hotel or Legoland Resort Hotel, then you’ll get free entry to Riverland along with the themeparks.
I stayed at Lapita Hotel recently and had a fabulous time with my daughter.
The best hotel close to all the family-friendly Halloween action
Check prices for Dubai Parks & Resorts Hotel 🤩
6) Get in on the Halloween action at IMG Worlds of Adventure
One of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, 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.
I recommend using this seller, as they include a hotel transfer for the same price as an entry ticket. IMG Worlds of Adventure is far away so you’ll need to get a taxi if you don’t have a car.
“We really enjoyed the IMG. The tickets were great we got on lots of the rides! The transportation to the IMG was great too our family had the best time, the driver was very polite and picked us up on time.”
Athena (Read more reviews)
Halloween events are included in the regular entry ticket prices, however some activities may have an extra charge. The kids zone is also extra.
7) Play some games while dressed up at Wavehouse
A favourite of ours from our list of best family-friendly restaurants in Dubai, Wavehouse is a great option for families all year round.
Of course, Halloween is no exception where they encourage patrons to dress up and give away great prizes for the best dressed such as free stays and tickets for Atlantis.
They haven’t yet announced what their theme will be this year but you can expect lots of spooky decorations, themed drinks and yummy food! Last year was a haunted house theme for Halloween weekend.
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 favourite Halloween family-friendly brunches
- Bubbalicious Brunch – Sunday 2nd November at 1 pm till 4 pm – Mina’s Kitchen at The Westin Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina
- London Social Garden Brunch – Sat 1st November at 5 pm till 8:30 pm – Ritz Carlton, JBR
- McCafferty’s Weekend Family Brunch – Sat 25th October at 1 pm till 5 pm – 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 a few pumpkin carving workshops in the city. If there isn’t one near you, then you can also buy pumpkins from supermarkets such as Spinneys, Lulus or Waitrose or order one from Kibsons.
Previously The Green Planet had pumpkin carving as an activity but I’m not sure if it’s something they do every year. Last year in 2024, Dubai Polo & Equestrian had pumpkin carving along with Al Barari.
Venues
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club – Saturday 1st November from 3 pm until 8 pm
Al Barari Playground – 31st October till 2nd November from 3 pm until 9 pm
10) Test your cake decorating skills with ghosts and ghouls
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 especially popular for this time of year, with several venues offer these fun workshops. It’s rare to find one where you’ll bake as well, it’s usually pre-made cakes or cookies that the kids (and adults too) can enjoy adding the icing, sprinkles and maybe eating a few along the way!
Last year Masha & The Bear Cafe did a Halloween-themed cake decorating for 85 AED per child. I’ll add more potential venues as I find them but they do change each year and tend to announce things last minute.
Baker’s Kitchen have also done making spooky bread masks in the past but last year they did more arts & craft focused activities for 100 AED per child instead. Booking is required.
Venues
- Masha & The Bear – Dubai Mall
- Baker’s Kitchen – Mazaya Centre, SZR
11) Take the kids on a scavenger hunt at OliOli
Perfect for both smaller and older children, Oli Oli is an experimental children’s museum that goes all out for Halloween. Here you’ll find trick or treating, scavenger hunts and prizes.
This year they’ll run their Halloween event from 25th October till 2nd November. In previous years, they’ve partnered with Flying Tiger Copenhagen for Halloween prizes given to participating children. Such as, hunting for ghosts inside the galleries and best dressed.
“My child had an absolutely fantastic time at this venue. It’s designed with several interactive galleries aimed at educating children through hands-on experiences. The staff members were not only exceptionally helpful but also remarkably kind. They seemed genuinely enthusiastic about guiding the children through various learning opportunities. One piece of advice for parents: plan for a good chunk of time, ideally two to three hours or more, to fully immerse your child in all the available activities.”
Afeefa (Read more reviews)
Other Halloween Events in Dubai
See a spooky theatre show!
If your family has older kids who love a bit of mystery and theatre, Jekyll & Hyde: The Seven Deadly Sins is a thrilling Halloween pick.
This inventive stage adaptation, co-directed by Sid Abbas and Mira Shah, reimagines the classic story with a modern twist! Mixing science, suspense, and dark humour.
The play follows Dr. Henry Jekyll’s dangerous experiments as he searches for control, only to discover that his biggest challenge is himself. With bold visuals, creative movement, and an immersive setting, this performance by MacGyvers Performing Arts is perfect for teens and parents looking for a thought-provoking, spooky night out that goes beyond the usual Halloween fun.
Must be over 13 years of age and over to see the show.
Curious about other holidays and festivities in Dubai?
- Christmas in Dubai: What to expect and the best places to go for some festive cheer
- The best Christmas markets in Dubai for eating, drinking and being merry
- Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai family friendly and budget options
- What is Ramadan in Dubai like and should I avoid visiting during Ramadan?
- Is there a Halloween drone show in Dubai? Find out where to watch a drone show
- Where to celebrate Thanksgiving in Dubai: best restaurants and take away turkey
- What is Easter in Dubai like? Family-friendly brunches, Easter egg hunts and more!
- Unique and luxury date ideas for Valentine’s in Dubai to really impress your partner
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.
