Diwali in Dubai
Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights, and is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs globally every year. It comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali” meaning “row of lights” and the festival symbolizes victory over darkness.
This year, it is celebrated on October 24, and we have a round up of events leading up to it to celebrate!
Diwali celebrations in Dubai are set to be the largest ever with a record breaking water and light show, a spectacular fireworks display, and a raffle that will award a one-year rent free apartment, gold prizes, and other promotions.
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and the Indian Consulate in Dubai announced the details of the two-week-long celebrations running from October 14 to 28 at a media briefing held on the banks of Al Seef Heritage Area.
‘IMAGINE’ – Record-breaking water and light Show, Dubai Festival City Mall
Dubai Festival City Mall will host a record-breaking water and light IMAGINE show on the occasion of Diwali celebrations in Dubai.
It will be synchronized with the spectacular fireworks display at the Dubai Festival City Mall on October 23rd at 8.30pm.
Also, when you spend Dh300 or more, you will be entered into a draw to win a gold bar weighing 50 grams, if you are one of the 10 lucky shoppers.
Markets celebrating Diwali in Dubai
BurJuman Mall
BurJuman Mall is hosting a whole lot of festivities for the entire month of October.
Shoppers spending over Dh250 at BurJuman Mall will get a chance to win a one-year-rent-free apartment sponsored by Al Ghurair Real Estate.
The vibrant market at BurJuman Mall is displaying 26 festive kiosks. Shoppers can find décor items, accessories, fashion, Diwali-themed Indian sweets and savoury bites. There will be mini fashion shows, live entertainment, make-up master classes and more. Little ones will be entertained with their painting classes, Rangoli making and so on.
Where: Level 3 Pavilion Garden area at BurJuman Mall
Dates: 1st October 2022 – 30th October 2022
Time: 12PM to 10PM
Waterfront Market
Waterfront Market’s Diwali-themed festival can be the one-stop destination for all your Diwali requirements. A wide range of activities are provided for guests to experience authentic Diwali vibes at Dubai’s premier fresh food market.
There’s Diwali-inspired workshop for kids, Diya painting, Rangoli and henna artists. Visitors can also savour food from Indian-inspired live cooking stations and watch Bollywood dancers perform live. Additionally, get a chance to win a voucher worth AED 500 from the Waterfront Market by snapping a picture with your friends and family and posting it on your social media using #DiwaliatWFM.
Where: Deira Corniche Dubai, Deira
Dates: 15th October 2022 – 24th October 2022
Time: 6AM to 12AM
Diwali Dhamaka Festival
This festive season, Truckers, Dubai Island’s popular food truck festival, returns with a line-up of activities and entertainment for its third season.
There will be folk dances, cultural performances and live music by Kutle Khan, Nooran Sisters, Pure Bhangra and DJ Frenzy. Whet your appetite with 20 food trucks serving delicious cuisine. Shop for festive clothes, jewelry, décor, handicrafts, and gift hampers from over 50 vendors/exhibitors from India, Pakistan, and UAE
Where: Souq Al Marfa, Dubai Islands
Dates: 22nd October 2022 – 23rd October 2022
Time: 4:00PM – 12:00AM
Festival Plaza
Catch Diwali performances at Festival Plaza on Saturday and Sunday featuring dance and music from different Indian states.
There’s a rangoli workshop and competition plus a painting workshop for little ones on October 22 and 23.
On October 30, there will be a one-day carnival from 2PM. Additionally, Festival Plaza is organizing free shuttle buses for visitors to the grand Hindu temple at Jebel Ali.
Where: Festival Plaza, Jebel Ali,
Time: 12PM to 10PM
Other activities to celebrate Diwali in Dubai
Three day Music festival at The Pointe
The Pointe in Dubai is hosting a three-day music festival, called Recognising Emerging Local Musicians (RELM FEST).
Taking place from Friday, 21 October to Sunday, 23 October, the RELM fest will feature a dynamic line-up of artists performing their newly released hits. Each act’s music will be synchronized to The Palm Fountain in addition to performing amid the scenic backdrop.
RELM Fest will also feature non-stop music, the debut of 5 new fountain shows, live performances, exclusive dining options, a spectacular firework display and much more.
Free, October 21 to 23, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah
Adventurous Diwali at Aventura Parks
The popular adventure park, Aventura Parks at Dubai is inviting guests to celebrate Diwali with a special themed day and an AED99 offer, on October 24th, 2022. Aventura Parks is the largest zipline adventure park in Dubai, spanning 35,000 square meters of Ghaf tree forest.
Set in the beautiful ambience of the Ghaf tree forest, the adventure park will be adorned with festive lights, offering a creative and cool way to mark the occasion, and create core memories with family, friends and loved ones.
Guests can zipline through the light-filled park, take on challenges, and enjoy quality time in the great outdoors surrounded by illuminations.
Where: Mushrif Park, Gate 1
Date: Oct 24th
Global Village
Global Village will be opening its gates on October 25th to celebrate the Diwali spirit with a variety of Bollywood shows and performances.
The India Pavilion will light up with plenty of additional attractions and showcase new entertainment for all ages from 25-28 October.
There will be spectacular fireworks that will illuminate the Dubai skies on 28 October, marking the perfect end to four days of fun.
You can also feast at Grand BBQ, Punjabi Village or Indian Chaat Bazaar, for grills, curries and breads fresh from the tandoor. For that sweet craving, try the kulfi ice creams from the Kulfilicious dessert trolley.
Read more: Global Village Season 27 to feature 27 pavilions and a new Road of Asia
Expo City Dubai
From October 14th, a line up of spectacular shows will be held at Expo City Dubai.
Visitors will be able to watch the new shows for free. It will be projected at the heart of Expo City Dubai—the Al Wasl Dome. Special Diwali displays will also be illuminating Al Wasl Dome from October 22 to 23.
These projections were among the best immersive experiences that were a big hit during the run of Expo 2020 Dubai.
