7 things to do in Dubai this week, 12 to 18 October

This is a busy week in Dubai: two of the city's biggest winter attractions open their new seasons, and the comedy festival is in full swing. Here is what is on from Monday 12 to Sunday 18 October, checked on each organiser's own page.

1. Dubai Safari Park: the park in Al Warqa 5 reopens for its new season on Monday 12 October at 9am, with an opening week that runs until 18 October. It is open daily from 9am to 6pm, last entry 5pm. The Safari Park Pass starts at Dh50 and the Safari Bundle, which adds a safari journey, is Dh117. Book on dubaisafari.ae.

2. Mo Gilligan: the British comedian plays Dubai Opera on Monday 12 October at 6.30pm as part of Dubai Comedy Festival. The show runs about an hour and a half. Tickets on Platinumlist.

3. Katherine Ryan: later the same night, the Irish-Canadian comedian takes the Dubai Opera stage at 9.30pm, also for Dubai Comedy Festival.

4. The Fridge Concert Series: Dubai's long-running platform for original music marks its 50th season at The Fridge Warehouse in Alserkal Avenue. Tuesday 13 October has That's Julian and Josh Job, 20 October has Salalem and Wetgrass, and 27 October is a free alumni night that needs pre-registration.

5. Global Village: Season 31 opens on Wednesday 14 October and runs until May 2027. Ticket prices had not been published on the Global Village website when we checked.

6. Pluma circus: a water circus with trapeze acts and projection mapping, in a tent at Dubai Festival City Mall until 1 November. Shows run Thursday to Sunday, with tickets from Dh100 to Dh340.

7. John Achkar: the Lebanese comedian brings his Arabic stand-up show Feena Nehke? to Dubai Opera on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, part of Dubai Comedy Festival.

Checked on 11 October 2026. Times and prices can change, so confirm on the organiser's page before you go.