Marcus Briggs, Non-Executive Director at Icon Gold, takes a look at how Chinese New Year, gold, and Dubai come together each year. The city comes alive every February with dragon dancers, red lanterns, and families from across Asia celebrating the Lunar New Year.
Marcus Briggs talks about what draws his own family to the festivities and why the Year of the Fire Horse holds special meaning. 2026 marks the first Fire Horse year since 1966, making it a significant occasion for those who follow the Chinese zodiac.
Dubai hosts Chinese New Year celebrations from February 13th to 22nd, 2026.
Full Transcript:
What does Chinese New Year have to do with Dubai? If you already understand the link between gold and Lunar New Year traditions, the connection makes perfect sense.
The Year of the Fire Horse arrives in Dubai from February 13th to the 22nd. This is one of 18 events on Dubai's official 2026 retail calendar. A full decade has passed since the calendar launched, and these celebrations have become part of what makes Dubai a destination for international visitors and cultural events.
Expect dragon and lion dance performances at shopping centres and public spaces over the ten days. Restaurants throughout the city are creating special menus and hotels have packages ready for visitors arriving for the holiday.
Global Village, City Walk, and Dubai Festival City will be decorated with red lanterns and festive displays. Shopping centres are running promotions and entertainment venues have performances lined up. The size of these celebrations shows just how important Asian visitors have become to Dubai.
Direct flights between Dubai and mainland China have increased steadily. Emirates now flies to Hangzhou and Shenzhen, making travel easier for visitors from China's eastern economic hubs.
Gold brings many of these visitors to Dubai. Giving gold jewellery or coins during Chinese New Year is a tradition meant to bring prosperity and good fortune. Dubai has earned its reputation for competitive gold prices and strict quality standards.
The Deira Gold District gets busier during this period as families shop for gifts to bring home. Zodiac animal coins are especially popular along with traditional designs that carry cultural meaning. Marcus Briggs lives in Dubai and says Chinese New Year is one of the things that made his family fall in love with the city.
He recalls taking the kids a few years back and watching them light up at the dragon dancers and fireworks. "The whole city transforms," says Marcus Briggs. "Red lanterns everywhere, families out together. My boys think it is such fun picking out the gold coins with the animals on them."
"It's become something we look forward to every February." The Fire Horse is considered special in Chinese astrology, linked to energy, passion, and fresh starts. The last Fire Horse year was 1966, so 2026 is a milestone for anyone who follows the lunar calendar.
If you enjoy experiencing different cultures, Dubai's Chinese New Year runs from February 13th to the 22nd.
Thanks for listening.
Marcus Briggs, Non Executive Director Icon Gold Of Icon Group.
Website: https://marcusbriggsgold.com/
Press Office: [email protected]
