Diwali, the festival of lights, falls on Sunday, November 8 this year, and celebrations are already under way across the UAE. From temple visits and free cultural festivals to family days out and festive menus, here is a practical guide to marking the occasion in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Key dates to know
- Dhanteras: Friday, November 6, traditionally a day for buying gold and jewellery
- Diwali: Sunday, November 8
- Lakshmi Puja muhurat in Dubai: 5:58pm to 7:56pm on November 8, according to Gulf News
- Dubai Festival of Lights: citywide activities from November 2 to 12, most of them free
According to Gulf News, Dhanteras evening is the busiest of the season at the Gold Souk in Deira, and Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai gets crowded in the days before the festival, so shoppers may want to go early. Al Gulf News looked at what UAE gold buyers are choosing for Dhanteras this year.
Temple visits: register before you go
The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Mureikhah, Abu Dhabi, is holding five days of celebrations from November 6 to 10, with pujas, cultural performances and the Maha Annakut Darshan, an offering of vegetarian food to the deities. The temple, normally closed on Mondays, will open on Monday, November 9.
Entry is free, but visitors must register in advance through the mandir.ae website or the Mandir Abu Dhabi app, as walk-ins are not permitted. Bring an Emirates ID or passport, and dress with shoulders and knees covered. The Dhanteras Pujan will also be streamed online on November 6 at 8:30pm UAE time.
In Dubai, the Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali’s Worship Village is free to visit. Gulf News reported that large crowds and queues are expected there on Lakshmi Puja night.
Festivals and family outings
Noor: Festival of Lights, Souk Al Seef. This free festival runs on November 7 and 8, from 6pm to 11pm beside Dubai Creek. Each evening features a procession of illuminated puppets and dhol drummers, followed by Bollywood dance and live music. Performers include Jasbir Jassi on November 7, according to The National.
Global Village. Diwali celebrations run from November 6 to 10 and are included with general entry, from Dh25. Highlights include a baithak musical gathering on the main stage on November 6 from 8pm, games on November 7 and a 600-drone show over the Stunt Arena at 8pm on November 8. There is also a Diwali mela, a kids’ corner with rangoli and diya colouring, and the Indian Chaat Bazaar.
Dubai Parks and Resorts. Diwali Dhamaka runs from November 6 to 8 with live music and dance at Royal Plaza and Indian street food. Park tickets start at Dh99 for one park or Dh149 for two.
Community events. Dubai Holding Communities is hosting free celebrations in 17 neighbourhoods, including Al Furjan, Jumeirah Village Circle and Dubai Wharf, with timings varying by community. BurJuman Mall’s festive programme of workshops and musical baithaks continues until November 12.
What about fireworks?
Unlike some previous years, no Diwali fireworks displays had been announced for 2026 when The National and Gulf News published their guides. The Global Village drone show on November 8 is the main sky spectacle listed so far. It is worth checking venue websites for any late additions.
Restaurants across the city are also offering Diwali menus. Options listed by The National range from a Dh99 vegetarian menu at Ziya in Anantara Downtown Dubai to multi-course tasting menus costing several hundred dirhams at fine-dining venues. Several venues require or recommend reservations, particularly for November 7 and 8.
Sources: The National, Gulf News, Time Out Dubai, Visit Dubai
