Shukran festival returns to Dubai on 29 November with free Filipino food, music and pickleball
The fourth Shukran festival, a thank-you celebration that brings together Filipinos and friends across the UAE, takes place on Sunday, 29 November, at Salah Aldeen Sports Club in Al Mamzar, Dubai, with free entry from 9am to 8pm.
Shukran, an annual celebration of gratitude that brings together Filipinos, families and friends from across the UAE, returns for its fourth edition on Sunday, 29 November, at Salah Aldeen Sports Club in Al Mamzar, Dubai, The Global Filipino Magazine (TGFM) reported on 5 November. Entry is free, and the festival runs from 9am to 8pm.
Infinite Communities, a Dubai-based marketing and social impact agency, is organising the festival with Sadek Music as co-presenter, according to an announcement published by The Ripe Mango Media on 3 November. TGFM said organisers are billing this year's event as the biggest Shukran so far.
Food, music and pickleball
This year's programme runs under the theme “The Feast. The Beat. The Dink.” The Ripe Mango Media described the three parts this way:
- The Feast: a celebration of Filipino cuisine, headlined by 100 top Filipino chefs creating a Fresh Lumpia Tower
- The Beat: live music and entertainment featuring Filipino artists and community performers
- The Dink: a pickleball experience bringing sports enthusiasts together for friendly competition
Shukran takes its name from the Arabic word for “thanks,” TGFM said. Elena C. Cruz, founder and CEO of Infinite Communities, said the festival began with the purpose of saying thank you and has grown over four years.
“More than just a festival, Shukran is our tribute to the UAE, a country that has given so many of us opportunities, friendships and a place to call home.”
Three earlier editions
Horizon International School in Dubai hosted the first Shukran on 9 December 2023, with basketball and volleyball games and celebrity guests Gerald Anderson and Barbie Imperial, according to TGFM and a 2023 Expat Media preview.
TGFM said the 2024 edition was held at the DSF Al Rigga Night Market with guests Jhong Hilario, Chie Filomeno and K-pop idol Cato. The festival went to Sharjah in 2025 as a month-long programme described as a thanksgiving tribute to the UAE, organised by Infinite Communities with Sahara Centre Management and ending with the crowning of the Prince and Princess of Shukran.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 29 November |
| Time | 9am to 8pm |
| Venue | Salah Aldeen Sports Club, Al Mamzar, Dubai |
| Entry | Free |
| Organiser | Infinite Communities, co-presented by Sadek Music |
Key facts
- On Sunday, 29 November, the fourth Shukran festival runs from 9am to 8pm at Salah Aldeen Sports Club in Al Mamzar, Dubai, with free entry.
- Infinite Communities organises the festival, co-presented by Sadek Music, under the theme “The Feast. The Beat. The Dink.”
- The Ripe Mango Media said 100 top Filipino chefs will create a Fresh Lumpia Tower as part of The Feast.
Official sources
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