Heading to the Global Encounters Festival 2025 in Dubai? Here's what you should know
TL;DR
The Global Encounters Festival runs July 20-27, 2025, with over 4,000 young artists and athletes from 50+ countries.
Respect Dubai's customs: dress modestly, mind public behavior rules, and be careful about what you share online.
Getting around is simple with the Dubai Metro, taxis, and ride-share apps like Careem and Uber.
If you're traveling to Dubai this summer, the Global Encounters Festival (GE Festival) is a big deal. From July 20 to 27, the city will come alive with creativity and energy as over 4,000 young Ismaili Muslim artists and athletes from more than 50 countries gather in one place.
This isn't just another festival, it's a celebration of talent, culture, and community on a global scale.
You'll see thrilling sports competitions, stunning performances, inspiring masterclasses, and vibrant concerts. There's a strong focus on youth, creativity, and social involvement. This event reflects the UAE's growing role as a hub for cultural exchange and innovation. And with support from major UAE institutions like the Ministry of Culture and Dubai Sports Council, it's clear the city wants this Festival to be special.
Expect the atmosphere to be electric, especially during the opening and closing ceremonies. You'll also get a chance to explore exhibitions that showcase the work of the Aga Khan Development Network, giving you a window into meaningful global projects.
Beyond the fun, the Festival aims to make a difference. For example, there's a big push on sustainability, including a plan to plant one million trees through the Roots for Change campaign.
It's about culture, community, and caring for the planet.
Before You Go: What to Pack and Prepare
Heading to Dubai for the Festival means planning ahead. Here's a quick checklist to make sure you're ready:
Passport and visa:
Double-check what your country needs and apply early.
Travel and health insurance:
Never travel without it, accidents or illness can happen anywhere.
Festival confirmations and hotel bookings:
Keep your tickets and hotel info on your phone and in print.
Money:
Credit cards work everywhere, but carry some cash for small purchases.
Medicines:
Bring any prescriptions, plus things like an EpiPen if you need it.
Snacks and electrolytes:
July is hot in Dubai, so pack some snacks and electrolyte drinks to stay energized and hydrated.
Sun protection:
Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, you'll need them.
How to Dress and Act: Respect Dubai's Culture
Dubai is a modern city but still deeply respects its cultural traditions. Here's how to fit in smoothly:
Dress modestly and cover shoulders and knees in malls, markets, and public places, especially near mosques.
Swimwear is fine at beaches and pools but not appropriate in shopping malls or business districts.
Men and women can wear shorts, but keep them below the knee indoors.
Public displays of affection is frowned upon. Holding hands is okay for married couples.
A handshake is common, but if it's between a man and a woman, wait for the woman to offer her hand first.
Use your right hand for giving and receiving items; the left hand is considered impolite.
Especially of women, children, or anyone in religious clothing. And avoid snapping photos in government buildings or security areas.
Dos and Don'ts: Stay Out of Trouble
Here are some simple tips to keep your visit trouble-free:
Dos:
Use the Dubai Metro or taxis to get around, both are easy and safe.
Behave politely and respectfully in public spaces.
Share your Festival experience on social media, but think twice before posting sensitive content.
Don't:
Don't drink alcohol in public or get drunk outside licensed venues, public intoxication is illegal.
Avoid using offensive language or rude gestures. The laws here are strict and penalties serious.
Never bring or use illegal drugs. The UAE has zero tolerance, and penalties are harsh.
Don't litter or damage property. Dubai is very clean, and fines for littering or vandalism are steep.
Don't criticize the government or leaders publicly or online. This can cause legal trouble.
Getting Around Dubai: What to Expect
Dubai has one of the best transport systems in the region:
Dubai Metro:
Clean, safe, and efficient. It runs from early morning till late evening, with stations near the airport, the Dubai World Trade Centre (a Festival venue), and other key spots.
Taxis:
You can find taxis everywhere, hail one on the street, or book in advance. Ladies-only taxis and accessible vehicles are available too.
Ride-share apps:
Uber and Careem work throughout the city. Download the apps before you arrive for quick booking.
The Festival's Green Side: Planting for the Future
This isn't just a cultural festival, it's also about making a positive impact.
The organizers want to reduce the Festival's environmental footprint by encouraging low-emission travel and sustainable choices.
The Roots for Change campaign is a standout project. Festival visitors, artists, and volunteers will help plant one million trees worldwide. It's a simple way to connect with nature and give back while enjoying all the excitement.
FAQ
Q1: Do I need a visa for Dubai?
It depends on your nationality. Some countries get a visa on arrival, others must apply ahead.
Check UAE government websites early.
Q2: What's the weather like during the Festival?
Expect very hot weather in July, with daytime temps often above 40°C (104°F). Dress light, drink water, and avoid the midday sun.
Q3: What's the best way to get around the city?
The Dubai Metro is safe, fast, and affordable. Taxis are widely available and reliable. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber. Download these apps before you travel.
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Travel and health insurance: Never travel without it, accidents or illness can happen anywhere. Festival confirmations and hotel bookings: Keep your tickets and hotel info on your phone and in print. Money: Credit cards work everywhere, but carry some cash for small purchases. Medicines: Bring any prescriptions, plus things like an EpiPen if you need it. Snacks and electrolytes: July is hot in Dubai, so pack some snacks and electrolyte drinks to stay energized and hydrated. Sun protection: Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, you'll need them. How to Dress and Act: Respect Dubai's Culture Dubai is a modern city but still deeply respects its cultural traditions. Here's how to fit in smoothly: Dress modestly and cover shoulders and knees in malls, markets, and public places, especially near mosques. Swimwear is fine at beaches and pools but not appropriate in shopping malls or business districts. Men and women can wear shorts, but keep them below the knee indoors. Public displays of affection is frowned upon. Holding hands is okay for married couples. A handshake is common, but if it's between a man and a woman, wait for the woman to offer her hand first. Use your right hand for giving and receiving items; the left hand is considered impolite. Especially of women, children, or anyone in religious clothing. And avoid snapping photos in government buildings or security areas. Dos and Don'ts: Stay Out of Trouble Here are some simple tips to keep your visit trouble-free: Dos: Use the Dubai Metro or taxis to get around, both are easy and safe. Behave politely and respectfully in public spaces. Share your Festival experience on social media, but think twice before posting sensitive content. Don't: Don't drink alcohol in public or get drunk outside licensed venues, public intoxication is illegal. Avoid using offensive language or rude gestures. The laws here are strict and penalties serious. Never bring or use illegal drugs. The UAE has zero tolerance, and penalties are harsh. Don't litter or damage property. Dubai is very clean, and fines for littering or vandalism are steep. Don't criticize the government or leaders publicly or online. This can cause legal trouble. Getting Around Dubai: What to Expect Dubai has one of the best transport systems in the region: Dubai Metro: Clean, safe, and efficient. It runs from early morning till late evening, with stations near the airport, the Dubai World Trade Centre (a Festival venue), and other key spots. Taxis: You can find taxis everywhere, hail one on the street, or book in advance. Ladies-only taxis and accessible vehicles are available too. Ride-share apps: Uber and Careem work throughout the city. Download the apps before you arrive for quick booking. The Festival's Green Side: Planting for the Future This isn't just a cultural festival, it's also about making a positive impact. The organizers want to reduce the Festival's environmental footprint by encouraging low-emission travel and sustainable choices. The Roots for Change campaign is a standout project. Festival visitors, artists, and volunteers will help plant one million trees worldwide. It's a simple way to connect with nature and give back while enjoying all the excitement. FAQ Q1: Do I need a visa for Dubai? It depends on your nationality. Some countries get a visa on arrival, others must apply ahead. Check UAE government websites early. Q2: What's the weather like during the Festival? Expect very hot weather in July, with daytime temps often above 40°C (104°F). Dress light, drink water, and avoid the midday sun. Q3: What's the best way to get around the city? The Dubai Metro is safe, fast, and affordable. Taxis are widely available and reliable. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber. Download these apps before you travel.
