Your Ultimate Guide To Celebrating The Festival Of Lights In Dubai

Dubai is all set to become a radiant hub of Diwali celebrations, with a spectacular line-up of events from 25 October to 7 November 2024. Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s Diwali festivities promise to dazzle residents and visitors alike with exciting retail offers, dazzling fireworks, cultural performances, and much more. This city is pulling out all the stops to ensure that this Diwali is brighter, more vibrant, and more festive than ever before! Here are all the exciting details you need to know.

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Noor – Festival Of Lights

Mark your calendars for a highlight of this year’s Diwali celebrations: Noor – Festival of Lights at Al Seef! From October 25 to 27, this magical event, curated by the talented TeamWork Arts, will transform the city into a festive wonderland filled with stunning lights and artistic expressions. Enjoy interactive experiences like Puppet parades, theatre shows, poetry recitals, musical performances, stand-up comedy, painting and design workshops, and traditional Indian delicacies.

Enjoy thumping drum beats by percussionist Nathoo Lal Solanki, drama by actor-director Gopal Dutt and the power of Awadhi folk music by Malini Awasthi on Day 1. October 26 will see sufi-qawwali, urdu storytelling, Rajasthani folk and sufi performances while the last day will have a stand-up act by comic Aaditya Kulshreshth and a fusion rock show by Swarathma.

• Dates: 25-27 October
• Location: Al Seef’s 1.8-kilometre promenade, where you can explore charming boutiques and restaurants.

Also read: 17 Ways To Celebrate Diwali In Dubai – Gift Hampers, Feasts & Fun Events

Fireworks: Lighting Up The Sky

No Diwali celebration can be completed without fireworks, and Dubai promises to deliver an unforgettable experience with two grand shows. Mark your calendars for these spectacular displays:

• Al Seef on 25 October at 9 pm – Kick off the Diwali weekend with a breathtaking show along the scenic Dubai Creek.
• Global Village on 25-26 October and 1-2 November at 9 pm– Experience even more jaw-dropping fireworks displays over two weekends, lighting up the skies above Global Village as part of the city’s larger-than-life celebrations.

Also read: Global Village Fireworks – Here’s How & When To See It Every Weekend

Glittering Gold Offers & Mega-Prizes

This Diwali, it’s all about celebrating with a little extra sparkle! Across Dubai, jewellery stores are offering dazzling deals on their collections, making it the perfect time to shop for gold and gifts. Get ready to shine brighter and save big with these exciting offers!

1. Shine Bright With Dubai Jewellery Group

The Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG) is bringing back their much-anticipated “Shine Bright this Diwali with City of Gold Glamour” campaign from 20 October to 7 November. Shoppers can enjoy up to 50% off select diamond and pearl jewellery collections, along with reduced making charges, special exchange offers, and free gifts with every purchase. But the real showstopper? Spend AED 500 or more, and you could be one of 30 lucky winners to take home a share of AED 150,000 in gift vouchers!

• Campaign Duration: Until 7 November
• Discounts: Up to 50% off on select collections
• Bonus: Gift vouchers worth AED 150,000 for 30 lucky shoppers

Also read: 6 Events You Cannot Miss During Dubai’s Month-Long Celebrations From Nov 3 – Dec 3

2. Dubai Shopping Malls Group Gold Prizes

Dubai Shopping Malls Group is turning up the excitement this Diwali! Until 7 November, when you shop for just AED 200 at any participating mall, you’ll enter for a chance to win AED 100,000 worth of gold. Plus, on 1 November, spend AED 400 or more for a shot at winning premium boxes of chocolates!

• Campaign Duration: Until 7 November
• Prizes: 24-carat gold coins and premium chocolates
• How to Win: Spend AED 200 for a chance to win gold, or AED 400 for chocolates

3. City Centre Deira’s Festive Fun

City Centre Deira is pulling out all the stops from 25 October to 7 November with stunning light displays, exciting prizes, retail offers, cultural performances, and live entertainment. Shoppers who spend AED 300 or more can scan their receipts on the SHARE app for a chance to win half a kilo of gold! Don’t miss the one-day-only flash sale on 29 October for an extra 5% cashback on gold and jewellery purchases in celebration of Dhanteras.

• Dates: 25 October – 7 November
• Flash Sale: 29 October – 5% cashback on gold and jewellery
• Grand Prize: Half a kilo of gold for lucky shoppers

At City Centre Al Shindagha, fashion and F&B lovers can enjoy 10X SHARE points on all purchases, adding even more rewards to their Diwali shopping spree.

Also read: Experience The Charm Of Marriott Marquis Dubai: The Jewel Of The Creek

Thrilling Events & Live Entertainment

This Diwali, friends and family can dive into a season of excitement with an enchanting lineup of live entertainment! Here’s what you can look forward to:

1. A Night Of Comedy With Romesh Ranganathan

Comedy fans, get ready for a treat! The brilliant Romesh Ranganathan is returning to Dubai this Diwali with his brand-new show, exploring the quirks of the human experience. The leading UK stand-up comedian will light up the Coca-Cola Arena on October 25 for one night only, promising an evening filled with laughter, reflection, and perhaps a few questions without answers.

• Date: 25 October
• Location: Coca-Cola Arena
• Get your tickets here.

3. Musical Tribute To Jagjit Singh

Experience a soulful tribute to the legendary Late Jagjit Singh with The Unforgettables. Currently hosted at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, on October 26, it features the talented Tauseef Akhtar, a devoted disciple of Jagjit Singh, bringing the maestro’s greatest hits back to life.

• Dates: 26 October
• Location: Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School
• Highlight: A heartfelt celebration of Indian music.

4. Meera: Echoes of Love

Don’t miss “Meera: Echoes of Love,” a captivating performance that intertwines dance, theatre, and music! Featuring seventy local artists, this production will celebrate the power of women and the emotions surrounding love and devotion.

• Date: 26 October
• Location: Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park
• What to Expect: A blend of artistic expression celebrating love.

Also read: 57 Fun Things To Do This November In Dubai – Music Festivals, Sports Events & More

5. Deepavali Utsav 2024

Join the vibrant celebration of Deepavali Utsav 2024 on October 26 at Etisalat Academy, Dubai! This family-friendly event promises a joyful evening filled with a rangoli competition, folk dances, and a funfair with rides and activities for all ages. And, of course, indulge in a delightful array of Indian delicacies from various food stalls, creating a rich festive atmosphere.

• Date: 26 October
• Location: Etisalat Academy, Dubai

Earn Extra Skywards Miles

If you’re hunting for the perfect Diwali gifts, Skywards has a special offer for you! Until 7 November, you can earn 30% more Skywards Miles when you spend AED 1,000 or more at participating outlets, including Liali Jewellery, Bayt Damas, Meraki by Tiara Gems, and others. And the perks don’t stop there – shoppers who use their Emirates Skywards Credit Card or shop at Dhamani 1969 and Farah Jewellery in Dubai Mall can earn even more miles.

• Offer Valid: Until 7 November
• Eligible Stores: Liali Jewellery, Bayt Damas, and more
• Bonus: Extra miles with Emirates Skywards Credit Card

Also read: UAE Announces Major Visa Change For Indians

Diwali Markets Galore

Diwali is all about celebrating with loved ones, and what better way to do it than by exploring some of the city’s most vibrant markets?

Celebrate Diwali At Global Village

Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Global Village from 28 October to 3 November with vibrant festivities and family fun! Explore the Festival of Lights Market by India Pavilion, featuring stunning Rangoli art, lively performances at the Main Stage, and delicious Indian street food at the Indian Chaat Bazaar. Each night, enjoy dazzling fireworks and don’t miss the chance to indulge in fine Indian dining. Tickets are available on the Global Village app, website, or at on-site booths.

Indian Flavours You Cannot Miss This Diwali

Diwali isn’t just about lights and celebrations – it’s a food lover’s dream! Dubai’s top restaurants are turning up the heat with authentic Indian dishes, traditional recipes, and exclusive Diwali menus that perfectly capture the festive flavours of the season.

Also read: Top 10 Restaurants In Dubai For Indian Cuisine Dining

Celebrate Diwali With Talabat UAE

This year, Talabat UAE is making Diwali extra special with a wide range of festive offers, delicious feasts, and sweet treats! From 15 October to 2 November, Talabat mart will have a specially curated collection of Indian delights and grocery essentials to make every celebration at home complete. Plus, speciality stores on Talabat will spotlight mouthwatering festive sweets – perfect for gifting loved ones this Diwali.

And it doesn’t stop there! From 28 October to 7 November, enjoy exclusive discounts at Dubai’s finest Indian restaurants, bringing the rich and vibrant flavours of Diwali straight to your door.

Additionally, check out Chutney’s Restaurant at Movenpick Hotel & Apartments, Bur Dubai, iZ at Grand Hyatt Dubai, Punjab Grill, and Dhaba Lane. Each offers festive menus and vibrant celebrations, making these spots perfect for enjoying Diwali with delicious food and great ambience.

With so much to see, do, and experience across the city, the Festival of Lights celebrations in Dubai are not to be missed. Visit the Festival of Lights website and @DubaiFestivals on social media channels for more information.

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