Dubai comes alive in an explosion of color and light as it wholeheartedly embraces Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights. The city, a hub for international trade and tourism, has a significant Indian expatriate population, and this has undoubtedly influenced how grandly Diwali is celebrated in the emirate.
As Diwali approaches, the city is charged with an infectious energy. The streets are adorned with twinkling lights and colorful decorations, creating a visual feast for the eyes. The air is filled with the aroma of delicious Indian sweets and savory treats, drawing people from all walks of life to join in the festivities. Markets bustle with excited shoppers, and there’s a palpable sense of community as families and friends come together to celebrate. Dubai’s renowned venues and public spaces host an array of spectacular events, from traditional dance performances to dazzling firework displays, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment during this festive season.
The city captures the essence of this ancient festival while adding its unique flair, resulting in a truly unforgettable experience. For anyone looking to experience this beautiful blend of cultures, here’s a complete guide on what to look forward to in Dubai this Diwali.
Diwali Dates
The date of Diwali shifts annually, following the patterns of the Lunar calendar. This time around, the celebrations light up on 12 November 2023. While Diwali isn’t marked as an official holiday in the UAE, its festivities resonate deeply with the residents, making it a widely cherished occasion.
Shopping
Glow with Gold this Diwali in Dubai
by Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG)
From October 28 to November 16, DJG celebrates Diwali featuring special offers and delightful surprises. Visit any of the participating outlets and receive a chance to win big in an exciting raffle draw, with AED 150,000 in jewelry vouchers up for grabs. Simply make a purchase of AED 1000 or more, scan the outlet’s QR code, and you could be one of thirty lucky winners of AED 5000 vouchers.
The campaign also offers a plethora of enticing deals, such as up to 50% off on select Diamond and Pearl Jewellery, no making charges or a 50% discount on making charges for certain collections, and additional surprise gifts or free gold coins with every purchase of Diamond, Gold, and Pearl Jewellery. With 75 jewelry brands and 150 retail outlets participating, DJG ensures your Diwali will be gleaming with special memories.
Strike Gold While You Shop This Diwali
Shoppers in Dubai have the chance to win 24-karat gold coins by spending AED 200 or more at select shopping malls and entering a digital raffle. The Dubai Shopping Malls Group is offering a treasure trove with a total value of AED 100,000 for 20 winners. So whether you’re ticking off items from your wishlist or hunting for the perfect Diwali gift, every purchase increases your chance to win.
Participating Outlets: Al Ghurair Centre | Dubai Festival Plaza |Silicon Central | Times Square Centre | Arabian Center | Reef Mall | Al Khail Gate Mall | Bay Avenue Mall | Oasis Mall.
Daily Gold Coin Giveaways at City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif this Diwali
From October 27 to November 12, shop at City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif for a chance to win a daily prize of a gold coin valued at AED 1,000. With a minimum spend of AED 300, shoppers can enter the draw by scanning their receipts on the SHARE app.
Additionally, City Centre Deira is hosting a festive Diwali zone with a digital Rangoli contest, children’s arts and crafts, and perfect photo opportunities to make your festival memorable.
Celebrate Diwali at Dubai Festival City Mall
Experience Diwali at Dubai Festival City Mall from November 4 to November 16 for the chance to win substantial gold prizes and enjoy fabulous deals. With a minimum spend of AED 300, you’re entered into a draw with the possibility of being one of two lucky winners to each receive 100 grams of gold.
After shopping, experience the award-winning IMAGINE show’s spectacular display of lasers, lights, and water. Don’t miss out on the festive fun at Diwali at The Bay by Social, offering family-friendly entertainment, Rangoli contests, and various Diwali-themed masterclasses and workshops.
Sone Ki Diwali at Burjuman Mall
BurJuman Mall in the heart of Bur Dubai is celebrating Diwali with the ‘Sone Ki Diwali‘ event, presented by Tanishq UAE, from October 28 to November 12. Shoppers who spend AED 200 can enter a digital raffle for a chance to win AED 100,000 in gold.
The mall is also bustling with Diwali-themed activities and is adorned with festive decorations, offering perfect photo opportunities.
Additionally, the Sone Ki Diwali trucks will be bringing the festivities to the nearby communities of Karama, Bur Dubai, Oud Mehta, and Deira, with giveaways of gifts and sweets.
Restaurants
Dhaba Lane
Celebrate Diwali at Dhaba Lane, a Punjabi restaurant, with a special five-course meal priced at AED 69 per person. This offer is available from November 8 to 18 and includes a range of dishes such as soup, chaat, various starters, and mains, with accompaniments of bread and rice, finished off with a dessert.
Menu standouts feature badami murgh rassa soup, peri peri murgh tikka, and vegetarian delights like banarasi tamatar ki chaat and peri peri broccoli ke kebab.
Locations & Contact:
- Al Nahda: +971 56 822 8300
- JLT: +971 54 999 4251
- Al Garhoud: +971 54 999 4252
- Al Karama: +971 56 962 4611
Punjab Grill
Punjab Grill is offering a contemporary Diwali menu from November 5 to 15, featuring innovative dishes like butter pav bhaji with masala maska bun, fried idli with kundapur paneer bites, and makkai saag with missi roti, among others.
The dining experience is completed with a creative twist on desserts, including unique Indian-fusion treats such as kesar peda pavlova and motichoor ladoo cheesecake.
Locations & Contact:
- Anantara Downtown, Business Bay: +971-50-194-1107
Rang Mahal
Rang Mahal is presenting an exclusive nine-course set menu at AED 375 to mark Diwali on November 12, with the option to continue enjoying the menu daily thereafter. Celebrate the festival with a culinary journey that includes dishes like imitation olive and truffle naan, sweet potato with pineapple carpaccio, and shrimp with black tobiko, along with other favorites that showcase the rich palette of Indian flavors.
The menu is a homage to the festival of lights, offering a sophisticated dining experience with optional beverage pairing, perfect for the Diwali festivities.
Locations & Contact:
- JW Marriott Marquis Hotel: +971 4 414 3000
Armani/Amal
Armani/Amal is set to celebrate Diwali on November 12 with a special three-course set menu, offering a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for AED 399 per person. The dining experience includes a starter, a variety of main courses served in a sharing format, and a dessert platter.
As a nominee for Best Indian by Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards, Armani/Amal promises a festive treat with dishes like Bharwan Paneer and malai cod, providing an ideal opportunity to enjoy fine Indian cuisine with loved ones during the festival of lights.
Locations & Contact:
- Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa: +971 4 888 3666
Chutney’s Restaurant
Chutney’s Restaurant, known for its North Indian fare by Master Chef Rasheed Quraishi, is set to enhance the Diwali experience with a Special Menu from November 8 to 12.
The menu, available for both lunch and dinner, includes an array of dishes from Tikona chaat to Biryani and is priced at AED 150 for vegetarians and AED 160 for non-vegetarians. To complete the festivities, diners can indulge in traditional sweets like Maway ki Gujia and Gajar Halwa.
Adding to the ambiance, the restaurant will host activities like live cooking stations, contests, raffle draws, a Karaoke night, and live ghazal performances, ensuring a vibrant and authentic Diwali celebration.
Locations & Contact:
- Movenpick Hotel & Apartments, Bur Dubai: +971 4 336 6000
Events
Diwali Festive Souq Exhibition
The Diwali Festive Souq Exhibition invites everyone to a vibrant day of celebration featuring a festive sale and a host of entertainment.
Visitors can explore a variety of trendy and traditional clothing, including festive collections and designer wear, alongside an array of accessories like jutis, jewelry, and matching bangles.
There also are home decor options, from handcrafted diya to dress materials, handicrafts, paintings, and decorative pooja thalis, enhancing the spirit of the season. Additionally, attendees can enjoy food counters, games, henna artistry, gift hampers, and giveaways.
Adding to the excitement is the UAE’s Got Talent Season 3, promising a showcase of local talent at the event.
Date: 4th November
Timings: 10: 00 am – 11: 00 pm
Location: Grand Excelsior Hotel, Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai
Contact: +971 5 0283 8350
Euphoria 25th Anniversary Diwali Concert
at Festival Bay in DFCM, Dubai
Celebrate Diwali in a symphony of light and sound at the 25th Anniversary Concert with Euphoria, honoring their legacy of iconic music intertwined with rich cultural heritage. Revel in an evening where timeless tunes meet the festive spirit in a memorable fusion of joy and tradition.
Date: 4th November
Timings: Gates open: 6 pm | Opening act: 7:30 pm | Performance starts: 8:30 pm
Location: Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall