Diwali 2026: Your Guide to Celebrating the Festival of Lights in the UAE

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, stands as one of South Asia's most significant festivals. In nations like India and Nepal, where the Festival of Lights is a major public holiday, significant spending occurs on items such as jewelry, televisions, cars, and property. Some individuals even opt to move into new homes during this auspicious period. Symbolizing the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, Diwali typically falls in early autumn, coinciding with the new moon, which is considered the darkest night on the Hindu lunar calendar. Consequently, the festival's dates vary annually. This year, celebrations commence with Dhanteras on November 6, followed by the main Diwali on November 8. Diwali's recognition on the Unesco heritage list is a considerable honor for India. While many observe Diwali in honor of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, believing that lights and lamps welcome her and usher in prosperity, others commemorate the return of the Hindu deity Ram to Ayodhya after rescuing his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.

How is Diwali celebrated? Diwali is a festival that embodies positivity and hope, aiming to foster unity and spread joy across diverse communities. Predominantly a Hindu festival, it is also celebrated by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. As such, it has evolved into a celebration of positivity and hope, fostering unity and spreading joy among various communities and countries, including the UAE (see below for events). On Dhanteras, the first day of the celebrations, Hindus traditionally clean their homes and workplaces, signifying renewal. Earthen lamps, or diyas, filled with oil, are lit for the subsequent five days, and homes are adorned with lights and lanterns. Many consider this day auspicious for making significant purchases, ranging from vehicles to electronic gadgets. Jewelry, particularly gold, is often bought to appease Goddess Lakshmi, leading to substantial sales surges for jewelry stores in both India and the UAE. Doorways and entrances to workplaces are also decorated with rangoli, intricate colorful designs made from flower petals, colored rice, or sand, intended to attract good luck. The second day, known as Chhoti Diwali or small Diwali, involves the preparation or purchase of various Indian sweets, which are then exchanged as gifts among friends and family. Devotees during Diwali at Baps Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National. The third or main day of Diwali sees celebrants wearing new or their finest attire and lighting fireworks, though this practice has diminished over time due to increasing environmental awareness. Parties and special events are organized across communities to mark new beginnings, with "Happy Diwali" serving as the common greeting. The fourth day is largely ritualistic, with many celebrations aligning with the end of the harvest season. The final day of the festival is Bhai Dooj, or brothers' day, which honors the bond between siblings. Similar to Raksha Bandhan, where sisters tie symbolic charms on their brothers' wrists to ward off evil, during Bhai Dooj, brothers often travel to visit their sisters. On this day, sisters feed their brothers by hand and receive gifts in return.

What is the commercial significance of Diwali? Many families purchase gold during Dhanteras, marking the start of Diwali. Subhash Sharma / The National. Workers frequently receive bonuses and special gifts before Diwali, and sales of gold coins and bars, acquired as investments, experience a surge. In India, the world's largest gold consumer after China, Diwali is traditionally the period when the most gold is purchased, as it is considered auspicious. This year, the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment has launched a Diwali special, offering shoppers the chance to win gold coins by shopping at participating malls in the city until October 28.

Diwali in the UAE: In the UAE, where individuals of Indian descent form a significant portion of the population, Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm, with many neighborhoods illuminated for the festival. The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment will host several events to commemorate the occasion. Shops and restaurants are also extending special deals and promotions. Here are some ways to celebrate:

Global Village, Dubai: Global Village will celebrate from November 6 to 10 with five days of cultural performances, family activities, shopping, and entertainment. A key attraction will be a themed drone show on November 8 at 8 p.m., featuring 600 UAVs illuminating the sky above the Stunt Arena and Syria Pavilion with formations inspired by the Festival of Lights. The festivities commence on November 6 with a traditional South Asian musical gathering, a baithak, on the Main Stage from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can engage with performers through singing. November 7 will feature games and prize opportunities. A festive mela, organized in collaboration with the India Pavilion, will offer traditional decorations, gifts, snacks, and sweets. Children can participate in face painting, diya coloring, and rangoli-making activities. Dining options include Indian Chef, Grand Dhaba, and the Indian Chaat Bazaar, serving dishes such as pani puri, pav bhaji, chole bhature, and traditional mithai. All activities are included with the Global Village admission ticket, with prices starting at Dh25.

Baps Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi: Baps Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi will observe Diwali from November 6 to 10 with five days of religious ceremonies, cultural performances, and family activities. The program includes traditional pujas and Maha Annakut Darshan, a presentation of vegetarian food offerings to the deities to mark the Hindu New Year. Visitors can also enjoy cultural performances and other festive experiences. The temple will have special opening hours on Monday, November 9, when it is normally closed. Those unable to attend in person can watch the Dhanteras Pujan ceremony online on November 6 at 8:30 p.m. Entry is free, but advance registration is required online or via the Mandir Abu Dhabi app. Walk-ins are not permitted, and visitors must present a valid Emirates ID or passport. Separate charges may apply for participation in specific religious ceremonies.

Noor: Festival of Lights at Al Seef: Dubai's Al Seef waterfront will once again host Noor: Festival of Lights on November 7 and 8, featuring a program of live music, dance performances, and colorful processions. Each evening will commence with a procession of illuminated puppets and traditional dhol drummers winding through the streets, followed by Bollywood dance performances and live music. On November 7, performers will include Ashu Ali and Saif Hayat from the indie band The Shams, alongside Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi. The following evening, the live band Jammers and singer-songwriter Sooraj Santhosh will perform. This free event takes place at Souk Al Seef, with festivities running from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Khushiyon Se Bhari Diwali at BurJuman Mall: BurJuman Mall is hosting Khushiyon Se Bhari Diwali, a celebration extending until November 12. The program includes festive workshops, musical baithaks (intimate gatherings with traditional music), and activities inspired by the Festival of Lights. The mall is also offering opportunities for families and shoppers to participate in the celebrations, with free workshops among the activities.

Celebrations at Dubai Parks and Resorts: Dubai Parks and Resorts will host three days of festivities from November 6 to 8. The World of Riverland will feature Diwali Dhamaka, with live music and dance performances at Royal Plaza, alongside colorful decorations and Indian street food from Yalla Bombay and Chaat & Chai food trucks. Visitors can also avail of ticket offers, with entry to one theme park priced at Dh99 or two parks for Dh149 per person. Participating attractions include Motiongate Dubai, Real Madrid World, Legoland Dubai, and Legoland Water Park.

Meet Bollywood star Tamannaah at City Centre Deira: Bollywood actress Tamannaah will make a special appearance at City Centre Deira on November 6 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the mall's Diwali celebrations. Festive promotions for shoppers include a chance to win a Jaecoo 8 car with a minimum spend of Dh300 until November 8. Share members will receive 10% cashback on eligible purchases on November 6, excluding Carrefour and Majid Al Futtaim brands.

Haldiram's festive hampers: Indian sweets brand Haldiram's has launched a gifting collection for Diwali featuring traditional mithai, savory snacks, dry fruits, and nuts. The range includes boxes of Amritsari Pinni, Kaju Laddoo, Badam Burfi, and Motichoor Laddoo, with assorted mithai boxes priced from Dh25 to Dh72. Sweet platters cost between Dh35 and Dh199, while dry fruit and nut gifts range from Dh75 to Dh150. Premium hampers combining sweets, nuts, and savory treats start at Dh110, with customizable gifting options also available on pre-order. The collection is available at Haldiram's branches in Karama, Sheikh Zayed Road, and Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Godiva's limited-edition chocolate collection: Belgian chocolatier Godiva, celebrating its centenary this year, has introduced a limited-edition collection featuring gift boxes decorated with colorful floral patterns, stars, and traditional diyas. The range includes a 24-piece Gold Box of pralines, ganaches, and truffles for Dh249, a 40-piece Ultimate Gift Box for Dh429, and Napolitain chocolate boxes starting at Dh129. The most elaborate offering is the Chocolate Chest Box, priced at Dh999, containing 70 pralines and truffles alongside 144 individually wrapped Napolitain chocolates. The collection is available from October 26 to November 9 at Godiva boutiques across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain.

Vego's fusion mithai and festive hampers: Dubai-based Vego is offering a contemporary twist on traditional Indian sweets this year, with creations inspired by French confectionery and even casino games. Its casino-themed collection includes saffron-infused cashew sweets shaped like gold coins, almond burfi poker chips, and pistachio mithai topped with chocolate ganache. Boxes start at Dh26. Other highlights include French-style mithai bars combining flavors such as coffee besan burfi, milk chocolate ganache, and hazelnut crunch, priced from Dh60 for five pieces. There are also Mahjong-inspired sweets, chocolate-dipped mithai cookies, and vegan and refined sugar-free options. For gifting, Vego offers hampers featuring sweets, savory snacks, nuts, and festive accessories, with prices ranging from Dh95 for a three-jar selection to Dh405 for a Royal Tray.

Varak's Indian-inspired sweets and gifts: Dubai-born dessert and gifting brand Varak has launched a limited-edition collection combining traditional Indian sweets with contemporary flavors and packaging inspired by India's textile heritage. The mithai selection includes Coffee Cashew Katli, Chocolate Mohanthal, Almond Pista Lauj, and Yuzu Hazelnut Mysore Pak, all made fresh to order. Gift boxes feature designs inspired by traditional Indian textiles, including Banarasi brocade, Ikat weaving, and Kalamkari painting. The collection also includes festive hampers filled with sweets, savory snacks, candles, and playing cards. Among the more unusual treats are Burnt Miso Chocolate Cookies, Black Garlic Palmiers, and Tikka Masala Cashews. The range is available at Varak's boutiques in Business Bay and Arjan, through its Dubai Silicon Oasis cloud kitchen, and online.

Festive dining and stays in Old Dubai: Six hotels across Dubai's Deira and Gold District neighborhoods are commemorating the occasion with Indian-themed dining experiences, private celebrations, and staycation offers. Throughout November, The Spicery at Novotel Dubai Gold District, Farmstead at Mercure Dubai Deira, World of Curries at Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Gold District, and Lilly's Garden at ibis Styles Dubai Deira will offer festive buffets featuring Indian dishes, chaat counters, and traditional sweets. Prices start at Dh75 per person. Private celebrations for groups of 10 to 250 guests are also available, with customized menus and decorations. For those looking to extend the celebrations, six hotels in the cluster, including Mercure Dubai Gold District and ibis Styles Dubai Gold District, are offering rooms from Dh200 per night for stays between November 1 and 15.

Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek: Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek is offering staycations from November 1 to 15, with room rates starting at Dh400. The hotel is also hosting a special Greenhouse Social Brunch on November 7, featuring Indian cuisine, live music, and family-friendly activities. Taking place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the brunch will offer a buffet of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, alongside a traditional baithak with Indian folk music and Antakshari, a popular musical game. Guests can also participate in diya painting, rangoli making, and henna workshops, while a festive market will showcase local crafts. Brunch prices start at Dh199 per person for the soft drinks package, or Dh345 with house beverages. Children's tickets cost Dh99, while an early-bird offer is available for Dh119.

Tasting menu at Gymkhana Dubai: Gymkhana Dubai in DIFC is celebrating its first festival of lights on November 8 with a specially curated tasting menu featuring some of the Indian restaurant's signature dishes. Priced at Dh495 per person, the menu includes aloo chaat, Amritsari shrimp and queenies, followed by chicken butter masala and beef cheek vindaloo, served with saffron pilau, dal maharani, and khameeri roti. The special menu is available for one day only, during lunch and dinner service.

Ishq's 13-course experience: Ishq, the intimate 22-seat Indian fine-dining restaurant in Wafi City, Dubai, is celebrating with a special 13-course tasting menu created by chef Nimish Bhatia. Guests can choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus, featuring contemporary interpretations of regional Indian dishes. Highlights include crackling paneer kebab and gulabo khichdi with morels and truffle on the vegetarian menu, while non-vegetarian options include Coorg roasted duck mousseline, ghee roast lobster, and Kashmiri lamb. Both menus conclude with gulab jamun espuma and pea chocolate, a modern take on the traditional Indian dessert. The experience costs Dh799 per person, with an optional beverage pairing for an additional Dh500. There is one seating at 8 p.m., and advance reservations are required.

Festive dining at Rohini, JLT: Rohini Indian Restaurant & Bar at Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers is marking the occasion from November 5 to 10 with special vegetarian and non-vegetarian set menus, festive drinks, and a nightly Best Dressed competition. The vegetarian menu features dishes including paneer tikka, vegetable biryani, and slow-cooked dal makhani, while the non-vegetarian selection includes butter chicken, Kashmiri rogan josh, and chicken biryani. Both menus conclude with traditional desserts such as rice kheer, gulab jamun, and malai ka motichur with saffron mascarpone cream. The vegetarian menu costs Dh149 per person, while the non-vegetarian option is Dh179. One guest will be named Best Dressed each evening, with a surprise prize.

Buffets at Purani Dilli: Both branches of Purani Dilli are celebrating with special Indian buffets. At Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, the Utsav feast includes traditional favorites, live chaat and jalebi stations, and colorful rangoli displays on November 8, priced at Dh129 per person. The Bur Dubai branch is offering a buffet of Indian specialties over two evenings on November 7 and 8 at Dh125 per person.

Festive set menu at Mausam: Mausam at Dubai Mall is marking the occasion with an all-day set menu called Flavours of India. Diners can expect a selection of Indian street food, kebabs, regional curries, and festive desserts, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The experience also comes with views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.

Dining experiences at JA Resorts & Hotels: JA Resorts & Hotels is offering two dining experiences. At Kinara by Vikas Khanna in JA Lake View Hotel, guests can enjoy a curated Indian set menu by chef Ashish Kumar on November 7 and 8, priced at Dh350 per person. The experience will be accompanied by live entertainment, a welcome drink, and a box of festive sweets. Diners can also enter a draw to win dinner for two and a chance to meet celebrity chef Vikas Khanna on November 22. Meanwhile, Jeema at JA Hatta Fort Hotel is offering a three-course Indian-inspired dinner on November 8, priced at Dh199 per person, including a festive dessert and a cocktail or mocktail, against the backdrop of the Hatta mountains. The restaurant will be decorated with rangoli, flowers, and traditional diyas.

Vegetarian favourites at Ziya, Anantara Downtown Dubai: Ziya at Anantara Downtown Dubai is celebrating with Swad Mahal, a special vegetarian menu featuring traditional Indian favorites. The meal begins with a solkadhi welcome drink made with coconut and kokum, followed by dishes including papdi chaat, khaman dhokla, shahi paneer, panchmel dal, rice, and Indian breads. For dessert, diners can enjoy kaju katli and puran poli. The special menu is available until November 8 for lunch and dinner, priced at Dh99 per person.

Avatara's tasting menus: Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant Avatara is celebrating the festival of lights on November 8 with two special tasting menus showcasing contemporary interpretations of Indian cuisine. The 12-course lunch features dishes such as wasabi greens with daikon and ghevar, butternut with black lime and finger lime, and aloe vera with pomelo, coconut, and watermelon. For dinner, a more elaborate 17-course menu includes truffle with mushroom tart and black garlic aioli, banana with curry leaf sorbet, and jasmine rice with pandan, jaggery, and sesame ice cream. The experience concludes with a selection of traditional Indian sweets. Dinner packages are priced at Dh960 per person with non-alcoholic beverages or Dh1,260 with alcoholic beverages.

Diwali Utsav at Namak, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi: Michelin-selected Indian restaurant Namak at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi is hosting a special festive dinner on November 7, featuring a family-style Indian feast with live cooking stations. Bollywood singer Sujata Singh will perform a selection of classics during the evening, which runs from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Dinner is priced at Dh189 per adult, with children's packages starting at Dh75. The event is taking place for one night only, and advance reservations are recommended.

Festive dinner at Royal Rose Abu Dhabi: Royal Rose Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, is marking Diwali with a special dinner at its Printania Restaurant on November 7 and 8. Guests can enjoy a festive dining experience inspired by the occasion, with the hotel inviting families and friends to celebrate together. Dinner will be served from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on both evenings. Prices and menu details have yet to be announced.