Zombie houses, parties with amazing DJ’s… Plenty to choose from in Dubai this Halloween!
1. Escape from Zombies on the Contagion Run!
You might be a bit stiff after taking part in this monstrously fun marathon. Similar to the ‘zombie runs’ held in numerous cities worldwide, the race is organised by the people behind Comic-Con and sees competitors, or ‘survivors’, dodge freaks dressed à la Dawn of the Dead as they tackle a 5km obstacle run. You can play a zombie yourself, if you prefer, in which case makeup will be provided. After-parties are due to place at two branches of McGettigan’s and everyone’s welcome to join in the festivities, which will include drink deals, prizes and a ‘dead’icated selfie graveyard zone.
You might be a bit stiff after taking part in this monstrously fun marathon. Similar to the ‘zombie runs’ held in numerous cities worldwide, the race is organised by the people behind Comic-Con and sees competitors, or ‘survivors’, dodge freaks dressed à la Dawn of the Dead as they tackle a 5km obstacle run. You can play a zombie yourself, if you prefer, in which case makeup will be provided. After-parties are due to place at two branches of McGettigan’s and everyone’s welcome to join in the festivities, which will include drink deals, prizes and a ‘dead’icated selfie graveyard zone.
2. It’s Slasher Chic at Cirque le Soir’s Serial-Killer Party
You’ll catch freaks any night of the week at this circus-style club, which is hosting not one, but two Halloween events. The first features sets from DJs Jack and Enzo Mirak, while on the big night itself, Nick Tohme will take to the decks. Each event has a serial-killer theme – dressing as a fictional one might be the less offensive option.
You’ll catch freaks any night of the week at this circus-style club, which is hosting not one, but two Halloween events. The first features sets from DJs Jack and Enzo Mirak, while on the big night itself, Nick Tohme will take to the decks. Each event has a serial-killer theme – dressing as a fictional one might be the less offensive option.
3. Catch DJ Jazzy Jeff at Barasti’s party!
The Fresh Prince’s faithful sidekick is back in town for the Halloween Zombie Fest. We wonder whether Will Smith’ll join him this time?
The Fresh Prince’s faithful sidekick is back in town for the Halloween Zombie Fest. We wonder whether Will Smith’ll join him this time?
4. Have a Scream at Wild Wadi!
A walk-through attraction will be the world’s first haunted house to take up residence in a water park. Head down through Haunted Heights to glimpse the vengeful ghost who’s taken up residence, or head to the Trick or Treat sweet stations, suitable for younger kids. INFO: 1pm-6pm daily until Sat 8 Nov, Dhs295, Dhs235 for visitors under 1.1m tall, price includes single admission to haunted house or trick or treat zone.
A walk-through attraction will be the world’s first haunted house to take up residence in a water park. Head down through Haunted Heights to glimpse the vengeful ghost who’s taken up residence, or head to the Trick or Treat sweet stations, suitable for younger kids. INFO: 1pm-6pm daily until Sat 8 Nov, Dhs295, Dhs235 for visitors under 1.1m tall, price includes single admission to haunted house or trick or treat zone.
5. Zone in on Zero Gravity for some monster cash prizes!
Hosted by DJs Tim Cheddar, Soulninja and Virgin Radio’s Big Rossi, it’ll feature a spooktacular stage show when the clock strikes midnight! Dhs50,000 will be up for grabs, to be split between 16 winners in eight categories. One word of warning, however – prizes will be awarded for creativity and originality as well as for the fear factor, so don’t just hire the priciest costume you can find. More than 8,000 witches, demons and ghouls turned up to last year’s event, so competition may be stiffer than a zombie after a Zumba class.
Hosted by DJs Tim Cheddar, Soulninja and Virgin Radio’s Big Rossi, it’ll feature a spooktacular stage show when the clock strikes midnight! Dhs50,000 will be up for grabs, to be split between 16 winners in eight categories. One word of warning, however – prizes will be awarded for creativity and originality as well as for the fear factor, so don’t just hire the priciest costume you can find. More than 8,000 witches, demons and ghouls turned up to last year’s event, so competition may be stiffer than a zombie after a Zumba class.
6. Get Your Metal Fix at The Music Room Masquerade
Rock out to spooky songs as a series of local acts get up on stage for the Halloween Masquerade. Names on the line-up include Nervecell, Aramaic, Point of View, indie band Behold the Locus and industrial/groove metal ensemble Coat of Arms, from Qatar.
Rock out to spooky songs as a series of local acts get up on stage for the Halloween Masquerade. Names on the line-up include Nervecell, Aramaic, Point of View, indie band Behold the Locus and industrial/groove metal ensemble Coat of Arms, from Qatar.
7. Get Stage Fright at the CourtYard Playhouse
See actors do battle in a series of spooky improvised scenes, from impromptu songs to a rumoured zombie apocalypse as they compete to impress a panel of judges.
See actors do battle in a series of spooky improvised scenes, from impromptu songs to a rumoured zombie apocalypse as they compete to impress a panel of judges.
8. Turn a Ghoulish Shade of Green at the Irish Village
Join in the craic with fangtastic games for all ages, plus don your spookiest costume for the chance to win a prize. Performances from singers and DJ Marky Mark will add to the party atmosphere, meaning you can strut some killer moves.
Join in the craic with fangtastic games for all ages, plus don your spookiest costume for the chance to win a prize. Performances from singers and DJ Marky Mark will add to the party atmosphere, meaning you can strut some killer moves.
9. Go Underground for scary movies at the Habtoor Grand
Horror films shown on a big screen will be the backdrop for the Underground Pub’s party,
which will also feature games, gruesome-looking grub and festive cocktails served in pumpkins, plus prizes for the best fancy dress costumes.
Horror films shown on a big screen will be the backdrop for the Underground Pub’s party,
which will also feature games, gruesome-looking grub and festive cocktails served in pumpkins, plus prizes for the best fancy dress costumes.
10. Brave the Dark at Bab Al Shams Desert resort & Spa
Rooftop restaurant Sunset Lounge will come alive with decorations as guests watch a horror film under the stars before November’s ushered in with a spectacular fireworks display. Dress creatively for your chance to win a prize before bedtime, but remember: in the desert, no one can hear you scream…
Rooftop restaurant Sunset Lounge will come alive with decorations as guests watch a horror film under the stars before November’s ushered in with a spectacular fireworks display. Dress creatively for your chance to win a prize before bedtime, but remember: in the desert, no one can hear you scream…
11. Prepare for death by chocolate at Sanabel, where you can binge on all things cocoa-related as well as sampling spooky pastries, Bloody Marys and blood-red punch.
Wear your scariest costume and you could win a Taste of Japan dining experience for four.
Wear your scariest costume and you could win a Taste of Japan dining experience for four.
12. Plump for pumpkin at Italian haunt Náis, where the fruit will find its way into pie, soup, ravioli and even quiche.
13. It’s an all-day adventure at Italian eatery RIVA, which kicks off proceedings with a children’s party that morphs into a very adult affair after dark!
So, options are infinite, but one thing we know for sure, it will be a scary night… but don’t be afraid, after all you are in Dubai, what’s to fear?
