Dog lovers in Dubai have a date for the diary: Woofstock is back at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on Sunday, November 1, 2026, running from 3pm to 11pm. It's a full day aimed at anyone with a pup — or anyone who simply can't walk past a dog without stopping for a scratch behind the ears.
The programme is built around dogs actually being welcome, not just tolerated. There's a dedicated off-leash zone where dogs can run and socialise, plus free training classes run by a professional trainer. Owners can join dog-friendly art and craft sessions, and vets will be on site all day offering advice, handy if you've been putting off asking about that weird thing your dog does with its ear.
Rescue organisations from the region get a spotlight too. Visitors can meet the teams, hear about their work and find out how to support them — and it's not just a photo op. Proceeds from all dog tickets are donated to the rescue groups taking part.
Beyond the dog-focused stuff, it's set up as a proper family day out. Food trucks and festival bars handle the refreshments, live music and entertainment run through the day, and a shopping village brings together pet and lifestyle brands alongside artisan stalls. A Kids Zone keeps the two-legged little ones busy.
Tickets are reasonably priced. Entry is Dhs50 for an adult, or Dhs75 for an adult plus one dog. A family ticket covering two adults, two children and one dog costs Dhs125, and extra dog tickets are available if you're a multi-dog household.
A couple of rules to know before you go. Every dog must be up to date on vaccinations, and records will be checked at the gate, so bring the paperwork. On arrival, each dog gets a quick sociability assessment and a colour-coded leash sleeve, which helps staff (and fellow owners) know which dogs are happy in crowds and which would rather keep some space. It's a sensible system that should keep the off-leash area fun rather than chaotic.
For travellers, this is a good excuse to plan a Dubai trip around something a bit different from the usual malls and beach clubs. Early November is one of the city's nicest windows — hot summer weather has eased off, and outdoor events like this are back on the calendar. If you're travelling with a dog, note that bringing a pet into the UAE involves advance paperwork, so this event is easiest for residents or long-stay visitors. Everyone else can still go along and get their fix of dog company for the price of a standard ticket.
Woofstock runs Sunday, November 1, 2026, 3pm-11pm, at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.
