Calendar of Events

For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here, check http://events.frommers.com, where you'll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what's happening in cities all over the world.

January

Dubai Marathon. The event includes a full marathon, 10km (6.2 miles) road race, and 4km (2.5-mile) run. It starts at Za'abeel Park and finishes close to the Dubai World Trade Center. People of all ages and backgrounds participate. January 18. www.dubaimarathon.org.

Dubai Shopping Festival. Roughly three million annual visitors come for "DSF," as it's known locally, which takes place for 1 month between late January and February. DSF has evolved into an international tourist extravaganza in which more than 2,300 Dubai retail stores participate with impressive bargains and store giveaways under the theme "One World, One Family, One Festival." Everything is on sale at discount prices -- gold, jewelry, perfume, haute couture, electronics, handicrafts, textiles, you name it -- and there are numerous raffles and special events. This is a fun but crowded period in Dubai. www.mydsf.com.

February

Dubai Pet Show. "Best in Show" has nothing on the Dubai Pet Show, which takes place at the Nad Al Sheba Racing Club. Competitions at this popular family event include best pedigree, crossbreed best in show, waggiest tail, dog most like its owner, and, the grand finale, best fancily dressed dog. One Saturday in February. www.dubaipetshow.com.

Terry Fox Run. This run, which takes place at locations around the world, commemorates Terry Fox's 1981 "Marathon of Hope." To date, more than $400 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in his name. This non-competitive event welcomes walkers, runners, bikers, and those with wheelchairs. There is no fee to enter. One Saturday in February. www.terryfoxrun.org.

Dubai Tennis Open. This million-dollar event takes place at the tennis stadium at Dubai's Aviation Club and includes top seeds at the men's and women's tournaments. Andy Roddick took the men's title in 2008. Late February to early March. www.dubaitennischampionships.com.

March

Dubai International Jazz Festival. Within just a few years, Dubai's jazz festival has grown from a simple village event to a major annual attraction. The 10-day festival includes nightly concerts by internationally acclaimed musicians and takes place at major venues throughout the city. Ten days in March. www.dubaijazzfest.com.

Dubai World Cup. This $15-million event is the world's richest horse race, with $6 million going to the Group One Dubai World Cup race alone. It takes place at Nad Al Sheba and marks the finale of the Dubai Racing Carnival, a 9-week festival of top-class racing beginning in late February. One Saturday in late March. www.dubaiworldcup.com.

April to May

Boat Racing. April and May bring a host of competitions to the Arabian Gulf, including sailing, traditional dhow, rowing, and powerboat races. For a schedule of events, visit www.minaseyahidubai.com.

June to August

Dubai Summer Surprises. Created to lure visitors to Dubai during the sultry summer months, "DSS" lasts for 10 weeks between June and August and includes steep shopping discounts and reduced hotel rates. Since kids are out of school, DSS has a particular emphasis on family events, including children's entertainment and educational activities. www.mydsf.com.

October

UAE Desert Challenge. This thrilling motor-sport event is the World Cup finale in cross-country racing. Top drivers from around the world compete. Other desert rally events take place at various locations in October and November. www.uaedesertchallenge.com.

October to April

Camel Racing. Camel racing is one of Dubai's most revered traditional sports. Robot camel jockeys (rather than child jockeys) now prod the desert animals forward at impressive speeds, with races taking place at Nad Al Sheba weekend mornings throughout the winter. The races cover as much as 10km (6.2 miles) in 18 minutes.

November

Horse Racing. The racing season starts in November and culminates in late March with the Dubai World Cup. Races take place at Nad Al Sheeba Racing Club and Jebel Ali Racecourse, usually on Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm. General admission and parking are free. www.emiratesracing.com.

December

Dubai Rugby Sevens. Sponsored by Emirates Airlines, this 3-day event starting at the beginning of the month is the first round of the International Rugby Board Sevens World Series. More than 1,750 players take part. The event is enormously popular with Western expatriates living in Dubai, and is accompanied by "Rugby Rock" concerts that liven up the crowd. www.dubairugby7s.com.

Dubai International Film Festival. This weeklong cultural event in mid-December showcases full-length feature movies, shorts, and documentaries from around the world, with an emphasis on Arab cinema. The event continues to grow in prominence and takes place at venues across the city. www.diff.ae.

Islamic New Year's Day. This holiday celebrates the Prophet Mohammad's emigration from Mecca to Medina to create the first Islamic state. December 29, 2008, and December 18, 2009.