As the heat of the desert is about to drop and a balmy wind replaces the restlessness of summer, Dubai turns into a global celebration of the cherished and magnificent Festival of Lights—Diwali. The unique multicultural environment in Dubai provides a breadth and a depth of experience second to none, with a massive and active Indian expat community celebrating Diwali with an extravagance sometimes lost in many Indian cities. Between the explosive fireworks and systematic light shows, colorful bazaar markets, extravagant banquets, and endless parties, there is the incredible opportunity to experience Diwali in a unique way.
This guide is to show you how to do Diwali in Dubai in 2025, whether you are a tourist or a local.
Diwali is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India and the Indian diaspora across the world. It represents the everlasting triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival, which is celebrated for a five-day period, is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, all of whom celebrate with a variety of regional cultures and traditions.
Key aspects of the celebration include
Diyas and Lights: Lighting small oil lamps (diyas) and/or candles to keep away spiritual darkness and to welcome prosperity.
Fireworks: Symbolizing joy and celebration, the air is filled with fireworks lighting up the night sky in every area of the city.
Lakshmi Puja: On Diwali’s primary night, families worship and pray to Goddess Lakshmi, who is the deity of wealth and prosperity, inviting the abundance into their homes.
Gift Exchanges: Families and friends come together to exchange gifts, sweets, and well-wishes
Rangoli: Decorative patterns, which may be colorful drawings, colored powders, flowers, or rice flour, are drawn at each home’s entrance. Rangoli invites people and encourages prosperity.
The timing of Diwali’s celebration changes depending on the year, since it is based on the Hindu lunisolar calendar. For 2025, the main day of Diwali will be celebrated on October 21. Diwali is considered a five-day festival and will start on October 18 and conclude on October 23, 2025.
Although it’s not an official public holiday in Dubai, the city fully embraces the essence of Diwali with a full week of festivities and activities.
| Date | Occasion |
| Saturday, October 18, 2025 | Dhanteras |
| Monday, October 20, 2025 | Naraka Chaturdasi |
| Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | Diwali |
| Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | Govardhan Pooja |
| Thursday, October 23, 2025 | Bhai Dooj |
Fun Fact: Did you know? Recent statistics indicate that Dubai’s Indian expat community is the largest in the UAE, with over 2.7 million. This is one of the main reasons behind Dubai’s celebration of Diwali on such a large scale.
During Diwali, the famous landmarks of Dubai become even more fabulous with special light shows and firework displays. Here’s where to catch the best of the action.
The world’s tallest building is a destination in and of itself. On the main day of Diwali, the Burj Khalifa is lit up with a special LED show, typically in synchronization with the brilliant Dubai Fountain show.
An unmissable seasonal attraction reopening mid-October, Global Village is a must-visit for Diwali. Global Village’s India Pavilion becomes the center of attention for the festivities, with cultural programs, authentic street food, and unique shopping. Another notable mention is the fireworks displays lighting up Global Village.
This historic waterway is a key location for Diwali fireworks. Consider a Dhow Cruise dinner on the creek for a front-row seat to the dazzling light show while enjoying a festive meal. The nearby Al Seef area is also known for hosting a vibrant “Diwali Mela,” complete with food stalls and live music.
A visit to the Dubai Mall should be one of the highlights of any Dubai trip, especially during Diwali. There are over 1,200 stores at the mall, along with plenty of other options for shopping and eating this festive season. After wandering through the stores, take a gentle stroll along the waterfront promenade, where you can view the stunning Dubai Fountain Show, complete with incredible Diwali fireworks and light shows, making for a splendid festive outing.
Diwali is a time for fresh starts, which means shopping for new clothes, gifts, and home decor. And what better place to shop than in Dubai, the city that makes you feel like the world is your shopping playground and goes all out during the festival?
The epitome of Diwali shopping is at Meena Bazaar, which is also known as the “Little India” of Dubai. It has some of the best traditional Indian wear, wonderful jewelry, and all the decorations you need for Diwali. You will also find handmade clay diyas (candles).
Buying gold on Dhanteras (the first day of the Diwali festival) is considered auspicious, so where better than at the Dubai Gold Souk in Deira? With hundreds of shops, you can find everything from lightweight jewelry to heavier traditional pieces, including goddess Lakshmi motif jewelry, which is also popular.
If you are on a budget, you’ll want to head to Karama Shopping Complex. Here, you’ll find fantastic traditional outfits, gifts, and beautiful leaves and curtains, all at super competitive prices.
The famous Dubai malls (The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, to name a few) are also participating in the Diwali festivities by providing special Diwali media and sales to attract shoppers! Special sales, discounts of up to 70%, and even Indian fashion designer pop-up stores!
Dubai’s famous skyline is the foundation for Diwali fireworks. The Burj Khalifa beach, Palm Jumeirah beach, and Dubai Festival City beach attractions put on a beautiful display for all to see. The first-rate multi-colored shows appear on TV, projected around the globe, and it becomes a showcase to accept tourist visitors to Dubai for their Diwali experience.
Throughout the city, malls, hotels, and community venues showcase cultural performance events, including Indian classical and Bollywood dances, musical performances, and anything family-friendly.
All of the Indian restaurants in the city prepare for the festival with Diwali menus and buffets. You can enjoy delicious authentic sweets (mithai) and savory snacks that you can enjoy only at Diwali.
For a unique perspective, book a desert safari during the Diwali season. Many tour operators offer Diwali packages with traditional Indian halal food, henna painting, and live entertainment under the stars.
As your travel partner, we want your Diwali trip to Dubai to be magical.
Book in Advance: Diwali is a busy travel time, so book your flights, hotels, and tickets for major attractions in advance.
Plan Your Fireworks Viewing: Fireworks attract large crowds, so arrive early. (By the way, they will be awesome!)
Dress to Impress: Join in the festive cheer with traditional Indian clothing. You can easily purchase a nice outfit at Meena Bazaar or at the local markets.
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