A giant book fair in Sharjah, heritage nights in Abu Dhabi, Diwali on Dubai Creek, MotoGP under the lights in Qatar, Cairo’s film festival and Divali across Mauritius. Check current travel advisories for the Gulf before you go.
1. Sharjah International Book Fair — Sharjah, UAE
When: November 4–15, 2026 (both weekends).
One of the world’s largest public book fairs fills Expo Centre Sharjah with publishers and authors from around the world, author talks, cultural discussions and a large children’s programme. Oman is the 2026 Guest of Honour.
Nearest airport: Sharjah International (SHJ), about 15 km / 20 minutes. Dubai International (DXB) is 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Getting there: Taxis and ride-hail are easiest from SHJ or DXB to Expo Centre Sharjah. Allow extra time for Sharjah–Dubai evening traffic.
Good to know: Open 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; weekends are the busiest days.
More info: sibf.com
2. Sheikh Zayed Festival — Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, UAE
When: October 30, 2026 – March 2027 (both weekends). Fireworks every Saturday, including November 7 and 14.
A huge open-air heritage festival with an Emirati Heritage Village of crafts and folk performances, pavilions from more than 15 countries, the Emirates Fountain and laser show, and Arab and Gulf artists on the main stage at weekends.
Nearest airport: Zayed International (AUH), about 25 km / 25–30 minutes.
Getting there: A taxi from AUH is simplest; the festival also runs bus services.
Good to know: Entry is AED 10. Open 4 p.m.–midnight Sunday–Thursday and until 1 a.m. Friday–Saturday.
More info: zayedfestival.ae
3. Noor: Festival of Lights (Diwali) — Dubai, UAE
When: Saturday–Sunday, November 7–8, 2026.
A free Diwali celebration at Souk Al Seef on the historic Dubai Creek waterfront, with a Diwali procession and live music and dance. Diwali itself falls on November 8, so the city is in full festive mode.
Nearest airport: Dubai International (DXB), about 8 km / 15–20 minutes.
Getting there: A short taxi ride from DXB, or the Dubai Metro to the BurJuman / Al Ghubaiba area and a walk to Al Seef.
Good to know: Free entry; Saturday runs 6–11 p.m. Expect evening crowds along the Creek.
More info: noorfestivaloflights.com
4. MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar — Lusail (Doha), Qatar
When: November 6–8, 2026. Qualifying and the Sprint are Saturday, November 7; the main race is Sunday, November 8.
A night race under floodlights at Lusail International Circuit, just north of Doha, with Main Grandstand seats, the Lusail Hill viewing area at Turn 1 and a Fan Zone. The race was moved from March to November.
Nearest airport: Hamad International (DOH), about 30–35 km / 30–40 minutes.
Getting there: Taxi or ride-hail from DOH; tickets include free parking and taxi drop-off.
Good to know: A 3-day adult ticket is QAR 200; children under 12 are free with a reserved ticket. Check current regional travel advisories before going.
More info: visitqatar.com
5. Cairo International Film Festival — Cairo, Egypt
When: November 11–20, 2026 (covers November 14–15).
The Arab world’s oldest international film festival returns to the Cairo Opera House on Gezira Island for its 47th edition, with about 145 films, premieres and red-carpet nights.
Nearest airport: Cairo International (CAI), about 22 km / 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Getting there: Taxi or Uber to the Cairo Opera House, or Cairo Metro Line 2 to Opera station.
Good to know: Check the festival site for the programme and tickets, and allow plenty of time in Cairo traffic for evening screenings.
More info: ciff.org.eg
6. Divali (Festival of Light) — Island-wide, Mauritius
When: Sunday, November 8, 2026 (public holiday).
One of Mauritius’s biggest festivals: homes and streets across the island are lit with clay oil lamps and fairy lights, families share traditional sweets with neighbours, and evening fireworks are common.
Nearest airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU), about 45 km / 50–60 minutes to Port Louis.
Getting there: Taxis and pre-booked transfers are the norm; an evening drive through towns and villages is the best way to see the lights.
Good to know: Free community celebration. Some shops and offices close for the holiday.
More info: mymauritius.travel
Dates, prices and schedules can change. Check the official event site before you travel.
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