With temperatures cooling down from October, Dubai starts to see a flux of tourists from all over the world. Apart from exploring the numerous attractions in the city, October is a good time to visit Dubai for one more reason. We are talking about Diwali! Dubai has a large Indian expat community, and the Indian “Festival of Lights” is celebrated with great pomp and splendor. From marvelous fireworks and beautiful lights to myriads of events and shopping markets, it is an absolute delight to celebrate this festival here. Here is everything you need to know about celebrating Diwali in Dubai in 2025.
When is Diwali in Dubai?
The dates for Diwali is different every year, as it is decided as per the Hindu Calendar. It usually falls in the second half of October or the first half of November. In 2025, Diwali is on October 20. Diwali is a five day-long festival that will start on October 18, 2025, and will end on October 23, 2025.
October 18, 2025: Dhanteras (an auspicious day to buy things made of silver, gold, and brass).
October 20, 2025: Naraka Chaturdashi (the day dedicated to make preparations for the main day).
October 21, 2025: Diwali – Lakshmi Puja (main Diwali day, when everyone prays to the Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, with pooja, flowers, rangoli, diyas, and sweets.
October 22, 2025: Govardhan Puja (a day dedicated to Lord Krishna).
October 23, 2025: Bhai Dhooj (a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters).
Note: An important thing to note is that Diwali is not a public holiday in Dubai, unless it falls on a weekend. Still, the city brims with festivities and events during the five days of Diwali. Special celebrations are organized in community centers, temples, and homes of people.
Places to Visit in Dubai on Diwali
October marks the beginning of tourist season. Along with the regular attractions, several seasonal attractions also open during this time, adding more fun to your trip. Here are some of the best places to visit in Dubai during your Diwali holiday in UAE.
Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world is a must-visit place in Dubai during Diwali. You can buy tickets for the observation decks either on the 124th and 125th floors or the 148th floor. Apart from admiring the fascinating interiors of the building and enjoying the panoramic view of the city from the observation decks, you will also get the chance to see beautiful fireworks on Diwali. Make sure to book your tickets for the evening slot (after sunset) to watch the Diwali fireworks from the highest observation deck in the world.
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Featured Global Village Dubai
Global Village Dubai is a seasonal attraction that opens in October. A leisure and entertainment destination, Global Village celebrates numerous countries and cultures across the world. The pavilions here are interesting to visit, but the most interesting during Diwali would be the Indian pavilion. Here, you will get to attend events and cultural programs that represent Diwali. You will also get to enjoy all the sweets and snacks that are usually served during this festival. The fireworks are also something you should not miss.
Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek is another must-visit place in Dubai during Diwali. Brilliant fireworks are lit here to usher in the festival. Going on a dhow cruise dinner cruise on Dubai Creek will be a good idea to enjoy the fireworks and the festive vibe in the area. Al Seef, part of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, is also known for its fun Diwali festivities. Here you will get to enjoy Diwali Mela, complete with mouthwatering food, fun cultural activities, and peppy music.
Dubai Mall
Visiting Dubai Mall is imperative whenever you visit, but more so during Diwali. The Dubai Mall has more than 1200 stores, making it one of the best places to indulge in Diwali shopping. Also, do not forget to take a stroll along the waterfront promenade of Dubai Mall. This is the perfect place to enjoy the Dubai Fountain Show along with Diwali-special fireworks and light shows.
Places to Visit in Dubai for Diwali Shopping
Diwali is considered as beginning of the New Year as per the Hindu calendar. It is customary to buy new things and gifts for yourself as well as your family and friends. And there is no better place than Dubai for shopping. Here are some of the best places to visit in Dubai for Diwali shopping.
Meena Bazaar
One of the oldest Indian markets in Dubai, Meena Bazaar brims with activities and festive charm before and during Diwali. This is one of the best places to buy Indian attire, including salwar, sarees, kurtas, and more. The place has plenty of stores where you can buy traditional, precious and artificial jewelry to go with your attire. Meena Bazaar is also where you will get the decor items for Diwali, including rangoli colors, clay diyas, torans, and more. The place also has numerous sweet shops that sell the most delicious Indian sweets.
Dubai Gold Souk
It is considered to be auspicious to buy gold on the first day of Diwali, i.e., Dhanteras. And what better place to shop for gold than the Dubai Gold Souk. Located in Deira, the Gold Souk has more than 300 stores that sell different types of gold jewelry. From light-weight gold and diamond jewelry to heavy, traditional Indian designs, the Gold Souk offers a lot of variety. One popular design during Diwali is necklaces, bangles, and gold coins with the motifs of Goddess Lakshmi. You can also get customized gold jewelry at most stores at the souk.
Karama Shopping Complex
If you want to indulge in Diwali shopping on a budget, Karama Shopping Complex is where you must head to. Here, you will find plenty of stores selling traditional Indian outfits for both men and women. You will also find a lot of gift items, including handbags, jewelry, bangles, and more. This is also the place where you can buy Diwali decoration items like LED lights, festive wall hangings, beautiful lanterns, and more.
Indian Supermarkets
With a large Indian expat community, it is easy to find Indian supermarkets in different corners of the city. Lulu Hypermarket, Al Adil, Choithrams, etc., are some of the most popular ones. At these markets, you will find everything you need to make your Diwali celebrations a memorable one. The aisles of these supermarkets are filled with boxes of all the popular Indian sweets or mithais like kaju katli, gulab jamun, rasagoola, and motichoor laddus. You will also find beautiful boxes of chocolates, dry fruits, and snacks that are apt for gifting. All your Diwali pooja essentials will also be available at these Indian stores.
Shopping Malls
The shopping malls of Dubai are also great places for some retail therapy during Diwali. Big shopping malls like Dubai Mall and the Mall of Emirates have stores of Indian brands like Biba, AND, etc., where you can buy branded traditional Indian wear. Many of the Indian fashion designers like Ritu Kumar, Manish Malhotra, etc., have pop-ups where you can get your hands on exclusive designer wear to outshine at the Diwali parties. Gourmet and luxury Diwali hampers, premium sweets, and stylish gifts are all available at these malls during Diwali.
Diwali Celebrations in Dubai
Diwali is known for its colors, lights, food, fireworks, and overall festive vibe. You will get to enjoy all this more while celebrating Diwali in Dubai.
Fireworks
Fireworks are one of the most important parts of Dubai Diwali celebrations, and the city is known for its incredible firework shows. On the main day of Diwali, you will see spectacular fireworks are different parts of the city. Some of the places where you will get to see these fireworks include Burj Khalifa, Global Village Dubai, The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Festival City Mall. These fireworks usually happen after 8 in the evening.
Festive Decor and Lightings
Decor and lighting are an integral part of Diwali celebrations. String lights and lanterns are a part of every street and home in India. In Dubai, you will find malls, restaurants, and hotels adorned with beautiful lights, colorful rangoli, gorgeous lanterns, and decorative lamps or diyas. The decorations truly add to the charm and vibe of the festival.
Cultural Events and Performances
Apart from shopping and admiring the decor and fireworks, Dubai offers lot of entertainment in the form of cultural events and performaces during Diwali. Indian classical dance performances, Bollywood dance shows, Diwali dramas, live music by Indian bands and DJs, and fashion shows are a part of Diwali celebrations in Dubai. One of the most popular festivals is the one held at Al Seef. Noor – Festival of Lights is all about poetry recitals, puppet shows, dance performances, and more. Diwali Nights and Gala Dinners are also organized at big hotels across the city.
Community Celebrations
Community Diwali celebrations include cultural programs, talent shows, potluck dinners, and such other gatherings in residential societies and community galls. Many of these gatherings also include sparklers or firework sessions. You can also attend special Diwali pujas that are held in the temples of Dubai, especially the Shiva and Krishna Temple in Bur Dubai.
Top Restaurants with Special Diwali Menus
No Indian festival can be complete without a delicious meal with Diwali specialties. There is no dearth of Indian restaurants in Dubai, and most of them have a special Diwali menu during the festival. Here is a list of restaurants in Dubai that have special Diwali menus.
Indya by Vineet: Located in Grosvenor House Dubai, Indya is one of the top fine dining Indian restaurants. During Diwali, you will get to enjoy some delicious Indian sweets along with the regular menu presented to you in Diwali-inspired plating.
Gharana: Gharana, located inside Holiday Inn Dubai, gives you the taste of traditional Diwali celebrations. Dig into mouthwatering biriyanis, dal makhani, and an array of delicious mithais to make your Diwali extra special.
Rang Mahal: A part of JW Marriot Maquis, the Diwali menu at Rang Mahal has all the favorite traditional dishes with a modern twist. The highlight of the restaurant is the delectable Indian sweets and desserts that will add to the festive cheer.
Bombay Brasserie: Bombay Brasserie is one of the most popular as well as elegant Indian restaurants that is located inside Hotel Taj Dubai. The Diwali menu holds all the famous Indian delicacies. Apart from this, you will also get to enjoy artisan mithai platters and signature cocktails along with live classical music.
Tips for Travelers Visiting during Diwali
- Diwali is an expensive time to visit Dubai. It is also the busiest. Hence, it is necessary to book well in advance, so that you get a good deal on accommodation and Dubai packages.
- If you are planning to attend a Diwali-based event or cultural program, you must book your tickets in advance.
- Reservations are necessary if you want to dine in one of the Indian restaurants during Diwali, as it is a busy time and getting a table at the last minute may not be possible.
- Do not miss on the Indian sweets. You can find them easily at Indian markets, department stores, and restaurants.
- It is important to remember that lighting fireworks is not allowed in residential areas. You must only go for licensed firework shows.
- It would be a good idea to opt for public transportation to visit shopping malls and other attractions, as parking can be a bit of a problem during this time.
Conclusion
Dubai does not do anything half-heartedly, and this is true for its festivities too. So, what are you waiting for? Diwali is hardly two months away. Book your tickets today and enjoy the Indian festival of Diwali in style in Dubai.
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