Nowruz (New Day) marks the Persian New Year at the spring equinox and is one of the oldest celebrations in the world — 3,000 years old and counting. In Dubai, with its large Iranian and Central Asian community, the celebrations are significant: the traditional Haft Sin table setting with seven symbolic items, fire-jumping on the eve (Chaharshanbe Suri), feasting, and visits to family. Beyond Dubai, Nowruz is a public holiday across Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and parts of Central Asia — making it one of the broadest single-event cultural celebrations on the planet.
Dubai's Deira neighbourhood and the Iranian expat community areas have the most authentic celebrations. Tehran and Isfahan in Iran are the most immersive destinations for Nowruz if travel there is feasible.