Quick answer
The busiest months for corporate events in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are the cooler months from roughly October to April. In 2027, Ramadan is expected to begin around 8 February, so Saudi Founding Day (22 February) is likely to fall during Ramadan. Other key dates are Eid Al Fitr (around 9 to 10 March), Eid Al Adha (around 16 to 17 May), Saudi National Day (23 September) and UAE National Day (2 December). Islamic dates depend on the moon sighting, so confirm them closer to the time.
2027 key dates at a glance
| Date (2027) | Occasion | Where | What it means for events |
| 12 to 14 January | Intersec Global | Dubai | Exhibition stands and client hospitality |
| Around 8 February | Ramadan begins (expected) | UAE and Saudi Arabia | Corporate iftars and suhoors, shorter working hours |
| 22 February | Saudi Founding Day | Saudi Arabia | Likely within Ramadan this year, so plan evening or iftar formats |
| Around 9 to 10 March | Eid Al Fitr (expected) | UAE and Saudi Arabia | Public holidays; post-Eid celebrations follow |
| 12 to 15 April | LEAP | Riyadh | Exhibition stands, launches and partner dinners |
| Around 16 to 17 May | Eid Al Adha (expected) | UAE and Saudi Arabia | Public holidays; plan events before or after |
| June to August | Summer | UAE and Saudi Arabia | Indoor events only; many people travel |
| 23 September | Saudi National Day | Saudi Arabia | Staff celebrations, brand activations and public events |
| October to December | Peak season starts | UAE and Saudi Arabia | Conferences, galas, launches and outdoor events |
| 2 December | UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) | UAE | Staff celebrations and public holidays |
| December | Year-end parties | UAE and Saudi Arabia | Venues and entertainers book early |
Ramadan and Eid dates are expected dates from astronomers and are confirmed by moon sighting. The UAE weekend is Saturday and Sunday; the Saudi weekend is Friday and Saturday.
Planning an event around one of these dates?
Tell us the date, city and guest numbers. Our Dubai and Riyadh teams reply within 24 hours.
January to March: shows, Ramadan and Founding Day
- Early-year shows: Intersec in Dubai opens the year. See our Intersec 2027 exhibitor guide.
- Ramadan (expected from about 8 February): companies host iftars and suhoors for staff, clients and partners. Evenings book up fast. See our corporate iftars in the UAE and Ramadan events in Riyadh.
- Saudi Founding Day (22 February): in 2027 it is likely to fall during Ramadan, so daytime parties may not suit. Evening and iftar-style celebrations usually work better. See Founding Day events for companies.
- Eid Al Fitr (around 9 to 10 March): public holidays in both countries. Plan launches and conferences for after the break.
April to May: launches and LEAP
- LEAP (12 to 15 April, Riyadh): one of the biggest tech shows in the region. See our LEAP 2027 exhibitor guide.
- Late spring: a good window for product launches and conferences before the heat. See product launch events.
- Eid Al Adha (around 16 to 17 May): plan events before or after the holiday week.
June to September: summer and Saudi National Day
- Summer: plan indoor venues only. Many staff and clients travel in July and August, so check attendance before fixing a date.
- Saudi National Day (23 September): companies celebrate with staff events, branded experiences and activations. Preparation starts in summer. See Saudi National Day events.
October to December: peak season
- Peak season: conferences, gala dinners and outdoor events return as the weather cools. Popular venues book early. See gala dinners in Dubai and in Riyadh.
- UAE National Day (2 December): staff celebrations and themed events. See UAE National Day events.
- Year-end parties: December is the busiest month for company parties. See year-end party organisers.
2027 trade shows for exhibitors in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
| Show | Dates | Venue | Guide |
| Intersec Global | 12–14 Jan | Dubai World Trade Centre | Intersec 2027 guide |
| WHX Dubai (formerly Arab Health) | 25–28 Jan | Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City and DWTC | WHX 2027 guide |
| Gulfood | 15–19 Mar | DWTC and Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City | Gulfood 2027 guide |
| LEAP | 12–15 Apr | Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center, Malham | LEAP 2027 guide |
| Arabian Travel Market | 3–6 May | Dubai World Trade Centre | ATM 2027 guide |
| Big 5 Construct Saudi | 24–27 May and 19–22 Sep | Riyadh Front | Big 5 2027 guide |
Dates are from each organiser’s website, checked November 2026. For a custom stand, start 12 to 16 weeks before the show.
When to start planning
| Event | Start planning |
| Corporate iftar or Founding Day event | By early January |
| Exhibition stand for a spring show | 12 to 16 weeks before the show |
| Product launch or conference | 8 to 12 weeks before |
| Saudi National Day event | By July |
| Gala dinner, UAE National Day or year-end party | By September |
Need a checklist for briefing an event company? Use our event brief template.
Frequently asked questions
When does Ramadan start in 2027?
Astronomers expect Ramadan to begin around 8 February 2027. The official start is confirmed by moon sighting.
Is Saudi Founding Day 2027 during Ramadan?
Founding Day is on 22 February. With Ramadan expected from around 8 February to early March, it is likely to fall during Ramadan in 2027.
What is the best time of year for corporate events in the UAE and Saudi Arabia?
The cooler months, roughly October to April, are the busiest and most comfortable, especially for outdoor events.
When is UAE National Day in 2027?
UAE National Day, also called Eid Al Etihad, is on 2 December. In 2027 that is a Thursday.
Lock in your 2027 dates early
Share your event type, city and preferred month. We will check venue availability and send an itemised proposal.
Sources: expected Ramadan and Eid dates from the UAE Astronomy Centre as reported by Khaleej Times; UAE holiday estimates from Gulf News; show dates from the official Intersec and LEAP websites. Checked 13 November 2026.