The Dubai dog lovers community is about to have a treat day of sun, sand, sea, and a whole day of fur friends. Barkfest by Feastival, one of the favorite pet festivals in the UAE, is heading to the beach initially. Not a beach, but Barasti Beach will become a party, a tail-wagging haven on Saturday, 13 December, from 1 pm to 9 pm, and this will be a first in the history of the event.
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Barkfest Takes Over Barasti Beach for the First Time
Over the years, Barkfest has been associated with the lively, pet-friendly experience, but 2025 is bringing with it something even more special. In this version, the Feastival team will implement a complete beach experience, i.e., off-leash areas with small and large dogs, cabanas, floating platforms, kids’ play areas, and even sea swimming with dogs. It is the final day of the beach season, and it has now officially opened to the four-legged family of Dubai.
Your dogs will be racing on the sand, playing in the water, or having a post-play nap; pet parents will be able to enjoy their time on loungers or go shopping at the festive market. As the perfect winter weather arrives in the picture, this will be the new favourite tradition of the city in December.
Early Birds Get Freebies—And They’re Good Ones
When you roll up early to every pet event, we have one more incentive: the first 100 dogs to be there will get branded dog towels free of charge courtesy of Royal Canin and The Petshop. These towels will be a lifesaver, considering the amount of splashing of the sea and rolling of sand that is likely to happen.
The ever-popular Dog Show is held between 4 pm and 6 pm and judged by Aimee Orme of The Petshop. Categories this year are delightfully fun and heartwarming—think:
- Scruffiest Dog
- Merriest Tail Wagger
- Best Trick
- Best Puppy
- Golden Oldie
- Dog Most Like Its Owner (always a crowd favourite!)
All the participants are given a rosette, and winners are also presented with special prizes.
Santa, Snow & Festive Magic—Beach Edition
Who knows, maybe festive cheer is something that only humans have? We are celebrating the season with Barkfest Beach Day, where there will be a host of surprises that are holiday-related.
Between 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm, Santa himself will be available to take free festive pet photos courtesy of Cosmopet. Snow on the beach, live carol singers, and a Christmas tree lighting event at 7 pm, and you have a holiday celebration like no other in the city.
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Shop, Snack, and Explore Over 20 Festive Stalls
The curated Christmas Market will include over 20 stalls, which will have all kinds of pet treats, holiday gifts, lifestyle products, etc. You are likely to see popular brands such as Furchild, Paw Haven, Pretty Paws, PupNut, OSOQT, and many others.
In the meantime, Barasti will be providing their entire a la carte menu during the day, which is ideal for hungry human beings. Naturally, dogs will not be short of treats, samples, and goodies to sniff.
Event Details
- Where: Barasti Beach, Dubai
- When: Saturday, 13 December
- Timings: 1 pm to 9 pm
- Tickets: AED 20 (pre-booked), AED 30 (on the day)
- Free for: Kids under 12 and all dogs
A Day Your Dog Will Thank You For
Barkfest Beach Day will offer a healthy and happy family day outing with beach games, festive fun, competitions, marketplaces, and an entire community of other dog lovers.
Then take the lead, you crazy dog—get your leash, your sunscreen, and your four-legged baby and head to Barkfest Beach Day, the first of its kind in Dubai, on the Barasti.