This November, the United Arab Emirates will cement its position as a nexus of global engagement, hosting a remarkable array of economic, cultural, scientific and sporting events. From the halls of Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC Centre to the historic streets of Al Ain, the month promises a convergence of ideas, talent and innovation, drawing participants and audiences from across the world.
Cultural heritage and literary celebrations
The UAE’s cultural calendar comes alive with events that celebrate its heritage and intellectual life. The Sheikh Zayed Festival, running from 1st November 2025 to 22nd March 2026 in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, honours the humanitarian and social values of Emirati society, promoting tolerance and coexistence.Literary enthusiasts will find a feast of ideas at the Al Ain Book Festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC). From 24th to 30th November, the festival will occupy Al Ain Square, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, and other cultural sites, offering a comprehensive experience of books, poetry, narrative arts, and creative discourse.Sharjah, too, will become a hub of literary activity with the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair at Expo Centre Sharjah from 5th to 16th November. The fair will feature more than 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries, showcasing millions of titles. Over 1,200 events and activities will unfold, including participation from more than 250 guests representing 66 countries, spanning authors, artists and intellectuals.
Business, investment and industry
The UAE will host a series of high-profile economic and investment forums that underscore its global business significance. ADIPEC 2025, the world’s largest energy event, will run from 3rd to 6th November at the ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi. The event, organised by ADNOC, expects more than 205,000 visitors from over 172 countries, alongside 2,250 exhibiting companies and 1,800 speakers, including global industry leaders, investors, innovators and policymakers.From 19th November, the Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Business Summit 2025 will convene business leaders and investors. Featuring 40 exhibitors, 50 speakers, and around 3,000 participants, alongside 15 sponsors and partners, the summit will facilitate discussions on investment opportunities within the UAE and beyond.The 46th Big 5 Global event, from 24th to 27th November, will assemble over 2,800 exhibitors and more than 85,000 professionals from the construction and urban development sectors across the MEASA region, spanning planning, construction, operations, and innovation in urban infrastructure.
Innovation, science, and knowledge exchange
Dubai will host the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025) at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 11th to 17th November. The conference will bring together over 4,500 museum professionals and cultural experts under the theme ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,’ addressing emerging strategies in museum management and engagement.The Dubai Airshow 2025, running from 17th to 21st November, will highlight the latest advancements in sustainability, artificial intelligence, advanced mobility, space exploration, and the development of next-generation talent, attracting key players from the aerospace sector.
Youth, sports, and community engagement
Youth engagement and regional cooperation are also central to the UAE’s November programme. The 31st Arab Scout Conference and the 6th Arab Scout Youth Forum will take place in Abu Dhabi from 9th to 21st November. These events, involving representatives from 19 Arab states, are the premier gatherings of the Arab Scout Region, promoting leadership, community service, and cultural exchange among young people.
