Dog owners across the UAE will soon have an entire beach weekend built around their pets as Woofstock UAE returns to Dubai Islands Beach on Saturday 22 November and Sunday 23 November 2025, with activities running from 8 am to 10 pm each day. Now in its third year, the dog-focused festival has grown from a small community gathering into one of the most talked-about pet events on the local calendar, mixing training workshops, live music and rescue organisations in one place. Organised by Doggie Adventures UAE, it is designed as a relaxed seaside hub where dogs, families and pet businesses share the same sandy stretch. Morning hours attract early risers seeking cooler temperatures, while evenings lean more toward live music and social time for humans. The key idea is simple – the entire weekend is built to celebrate dogs in a safe and well managed setting.
Festival atmosphere and weekend schedule
Across both days, the core schedule runs continuously from 8 am until 10 pm, but the feel of the event shifts as the day unfolds.Early mornings are usually quieter and cooler, so they suit dogs that prefer more space and calm energy (family-friendly, solo, older dogs). Midday and early afternoon tend to be busier, with workshops, agility-style activities and many visitors arriving from other Emirates. As the sun drops, live background music picks up, and the beachfront atmosphere becomes more like an informal community party (couples, groups, solo). If you want the calmest experience for your dog, plan a morning arrival on either Saturday 22 November or Sunday 23 November.
Activities, workshops and live music highlights
Woofstock UAE balances training, fun and education, so you can expect a mix of dog-centric zones rather than one big main stage. Reports from previous editions mention agility-style play areas, off-leash sections inside controlled fences, and supervised zones for social dogs to mingle, while more reserved pets can stay on the edges. In addition, organisers plan educational workshops on topics like training, behaviour, nutrition and general pet care, with trainers and veterinary partners on site. Live background music runs through much of the weekend, giving the event a festival feel without overpowering the dogs, and families can drift between the sand, shaded seating and grass patches (family-friendly, children, couples). You will also see local rescue groups present with adoption information and awareness stands, turning the weekend into a platform for responsible pet ownership across the UAE. If you are visiting with a noise-sensitive dog, stay closer to the quieter edges of the site away from the speakers.
Fees, assessments and on site rules
The organiser describes Woofstock as a non-ticketed event, which means entry for humans is free and there is no standard ticket price at the gate. However, every dog must go through an assessment at the entrance, where staff check vaccination records and assess sociability; this assessment carries a fee of around AED 50 per dog, with proceeds donated to local rescue organisations involved in the festival. At the door, each dog receives a coloured tag on the leash, signalling whether it welcomes approaches, should be greeted carefully, or prefers extra space, which helps visitors read situations quickly when paths get crowded. Organisers state that dogs should be fully vaccinated, including kennel cough, although a waiver option is usually available if kennel cough vaccination is missing on the day. Bring your vaccination booklet, microchip details and enough cash or card for the approximately AED 50 assessment fee per dog.
Daily behaviour and safety expectations
Inside the festival, Woofstock follows rules that mirror Dubai’s broader pet regulations, but they are tailored carefully to a busy beach event. Dogs need to stay on leash in most areas, except inside clearly marked off-leash zones, and owners should keep leads short when moving through crowds. Owners must clean up after their pets, with many dog waste bins available around the site, and staff keep a visible presence to remind visitors of etiquette. UAE law requires dogs to be microchipped, vaccinated and registered with Dubai Municipality, and owners of breeds subject to extra rules should follow muzzle guidance when in public, even at a dog-friendly beach. Because Woofstock is a licensed event, alcoholic drinks are on sale for visitors aged 21 and above, so families should choose quieter corners if they prefer a more low-key vibe (family-friendly, children). If your dog struggles with crowds or close contact, treat Woofstock as a short training visit rather than an all-day stay and leave early if needed.
Food, markets and family facilities on the sand
Beyond the dog zones, Woofstock feels like a relaxed coastal market, with pet brands, food stalls and shaded seating spreading out along Dubai Islands Beach. You can expect stalls from pet food companies, vets, behaviourists and accessory brands, many of whom run small demonstrations or offer samples throughout the day. Meanwhile, human visitors find casual food and drink options that sit alongside the permanent beach kiosks and nearby outlets, although it is wise to bring water and snacks, especially if you stay from early morning into the evening (families, couples, solo). Public toilets, showers, shaded benches and grassy pockets give kids and older visitors places to rest away from the sand. Carry a lightweight picnic blanket and a portable water bowl so your dog can rest in the shade between activities.
Travel plans within Dubai
Reaching Dubai Islands Beach is simplest by car or taxi, with the main access roads leading off the Deira side of the city toward the islands. Several guides note that parking beside the beach is free, and Woofstock’s own FAQ page confirms free parking around the event area, which helps visitors who plan to stay for several hours. However, weekends on Dubai Islands can become busy by late morning, and beach-focused articles advise arriving early to secure easier parking and a more relaxed entry. Direct public transport is still limited; you can take buses such as 91 or 92 to Souk Al Marfa and then continue by taxi, or use water transport to the same area followed by a short road transfer. If you drive from within Dubai, aim to reach the island before 9 am or after the early afternoon peak to avoid the heaviest parking pressure.
Arriving from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other Emirates
Many dog owners are expected to travel in from other parts of the UAE, so planning around traffic will make a real difference. If you are coming from Abu Dhabi, the most straightforward route follows E11 toward Dubai, then cuts across to Deira and on to Dubai Islands; this normally takes around 90 minutes in light traffic, but weekend mornings can extend that time. For visitors from Sharjah, Ajman or Umm Al Quwain, cross-emirate traffic toward Deira can be dense from late morning onward, so an early start helps dogs arrive calm rather than stressed (family-friendly, solo). When you plan your return, consider leaving before the 6 pm to 8 pm band, which often sees outbound traffic backing up toward the bridges and main roads. Whichever Emirate you start from, build in extra time so you do not rush your dog straight from the car into the busiest part of the festival.
Weather, clothing, traffic and last checks
Current forecasts for Saturday 22 November and Sunday 23 November 2025 point to dry, hazy sunshine over Dubai Islands, with daytime highs close to 32 degrees and overnight lows around 22 to 23 degrees, which is warm but far more comfortable than summer. That means mornings and late afternoons will feel pleasant for most dogs, while mid-afternoon sun can still be strong on open sand, especially for dark-coated or brachycephalic breeds. No significant rain is predicted at the moment, so mud should be limited to the damp shoreline and any splashed grass patches, but it remains sensible to pack a small towel for sandy paws. Lightweight breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen and closed-toe shoes work best for humans, and dogs benefit from cooling bandanas, portable water and regular shade breaks (family-friendly, couples, solo). Traffic is likely to peak between late morning and early evening on both days, so time your arrival and departure around these windows and allow extra time for the dog assessment queue at the entrance. Because temperatures, traffic and entry procedures can change, always treat published prices and timings as approximately correct on the day and double check the latest guidance shared by the Woofstock UAE organisers before you set off. According to recent planning notes shared by the editor team behind www.few.ae, pet owners who prepare for heat, parking and assessments in advance usually enjoy a much smoother festival experience with their dogs.
then "Add to Home Screen"