The festival of lights aka Diwali is upon us and the city has gone all out to celebrate. Take your pick from any of the following events and celebrate Diwali in Dubai with a bang this year.

For those of you who don’t know, Diwali is a popular religious festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world. The festival symbolises the spiritual victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness. It’s celebrated by decorating the house with bright lights and candles along with exchanging of gifts.

If you are wondering ‘when is Diwali in Dubai’, it falls on Sunday, 27 October 2019. And if you are curious about how to celebrate Diwali in Dubai, take a look at this exciting lineup of activities!

Activities and events in Dubai for Diwali 2019

Dubai is home to a large expatriate community, all of whom hail from different nationalities, religions and cultures. People bring forward their traditions and residents get to experience different kinds of festivities which is why there are so many events for Diwali celebration in Dubai 2019.

Here are our picks for the best things to do and activities to celebrate Diwali in Dubai.

1. WATCH THE DIWALI FIREWORKS IN DUBAI

Amongst all the things to do for Diwali festival in Dubai, watching the fireworks is definitely the cherry on top for the festivities – after all this is the festival of lights. This year there are plenty of places to watch the Diwali fireworks.

Kite Beach – 18 October 2019. 08:00 pm

Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City – 24 October 2019, 08:00 pm – 08:30 pm

The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah – 26 October 2019, 09:00 pm

Al Seef by the Creek – 27 October 2019, 08:30 pm

The fireworks for Diwali in Dubai in these locations are expected to begin post 08:00 pm so make sure to head down a bit earlier to grab the perfect vantage point. While you’re there you can even enjoy all the amazing Diwali activities that are taking place around the area. To find out what each of these places has to offer for Diwali in Dubai continue reading.

DIWALI ACTIVITIES AT AL SEEF

Apart from the fireworks, there is a fun line-up of Diwali events at Al Seef this year too. This includes live stage entertainment, markets and chances to win some amazing prices. Here is the list of activities at Al Seef for Diwali.

2. LIGHT UP THE CREEK WITH YOUR FAMILY AT THE DIYA CEREMONY

First up on the line-up of events happening at Al Seef for Diwali 2019, is the traditional diya lighting ceremony. This is the second Diwali diya lighting ceremony at Al Seef. Last year residents got the chance to put up LED tea lights on a pre-prepared diya pattern. This time too expect some similar.

The lighting of the diya a.k.a earthen lamp symbolises the triumph of good over evil and brings to mind the importance of how light dispels darkness. So make sure to gather all your friends and family along for this ceremonious act, as the sight of all the diyas, lighting up the Dubai Creek will definitely be a sight to behold.

When: 24 – 28 November 2019

Where: Modern Area from 06:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Thursday to Monday

3. SHOP AT THE DIWALI MELA (MARKET)

After lighting a diya at the Creek, you can head down to the Diwali Mela at Al Seef and indulge in some fun Diwali shopping in Dubai – you can either shop for some traditional jewellery, handicrafts, silverware, decorative items and colourful Indian outfits; take your chance at winning at any of the fun games stalls; or, get some beautiful henna designs on your hand at the henna stations. There is all this and more to explore here, so make sure to pay a visit and participate in the activities at Al Seef’s Diwali Market.

When: 24 – 28 November 2019

Where: Heritage Area, Sun-Wed: 04:00 pm – 10:00 pm and Thu-Mon: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am

4. ENJOY THE LIVE STAGE PERFORMANCES

Diwali celebrations cannot be complete without the festive tunes from Bollywood. Al Seef has prepared an exciting line up of live performances and entertainment as part of the Diwali celebrations in Dubai, so get ready to indulge yourself in the Bollywood dances that include Bhangra, Semi-Classical performances and more!

When: 24 – 28 November 2019,

Where: Modern Area from 04:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Thursday to Monday

All the amazing events or Diwali at Al Seef Dubai conclude with the spectacular fireworks show on 27 October by the Creek.

DIWALI EVENTS AT THE POINTE

Just like Al Seef, this time the newly opened waterfront destination, The Pointe is also having their own set of activities to celebrate Diwali in Dubai. The celebrations will begin every day at 04:00 pm, starting from 18 October 2019. Apart from loads of entertainment, music, dances and special prices, there are some great promotions for Diwali at The Pointe you can avail during this festive season.

5. 25% off selected retailers and restaurants

For Diwali in Dubai, some retail outlets and restaurants on The Pointe are offering up to 25% discount for all visitors! While enjoying the entertainment around the area, you can avail of these amazing discounts for Diwali 2019.

25% discounts: Seafood Kitchen, Palapa, Fat Chow, Mama Pho, Asian District, Piazza Pizza, Chicago Meatpackers, Kyo, Amira’s Deli, Icons Café and Rue Royale

25% discounts: Keventers, A Cappella, Applebees, Classic Rock Coffee, The Stuffed Burger Co., Afters Dessert Café and Oud Dubai

6. 20% off Careem rides from and to The Pointe

The Pointe is making it easy for all residents of the city to enjoy their Diwali activities. Careem, which is one of the popular transport apps in Dubai is offering 20% off all rides to and from The Pointe for those who wish to join the celebrations. Just use the code #ThePointe code to avail of this amazing Diwali offer in Dubai.

The Diwali extravaganza at The Pointe ends on the 26 October 2019 with a dazzling fireworks show.

Kids Activities for Diwali in Dubai

Looking for some kids activities for Diwali in Dubai? Here are a few places to visit for Diwali in Dubai that are great for the whole family!

7. Diwali Night at Zabeel Park

Dubai favourite public park, Zabeel Park is also joining in for the festivities of Diwali in Dubai. On 18 October, the Zabeel Park Amphitheatre will be hosting a fun celebration for everyone with live singing, cultural shows and even a fashion show for kids. There will also be a quirky pop-up market with food stalls and shops selling Indian accessories, clothing and cosmetics.

When: 18 October 2019

Where: Zabeel Park Amphitheatre

What time: 04:00 pm-midnight

Entry Fee: AED10 – AED 25

8. Diwali activities at Global Village

Enjoy some exciting Bollywood performances and activities to celebrate the festival of lights in Dubai with friends and family at Global Village. For Diwali 2019 in Dubai, visitors will have the chance to enjoy many activities for Diwali at Global Village, which include interactive installations, live dance performances, activities for kids and much more! You can also hit the street food stalls and sample some of the Diwali special food in Dubai at Global Village.

When: 29 October 2019

Where: Global Village

What time: Sat-Weds: 04:00 pm-midnight; Thurs, Fri and Public Holidays: 04:00 pm – 01:0 am; Monday is designated for families with kids and ladies only.

Global Village Entry Ticket – AED 15

Contact: +971-4-362-4114

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9. Diwali events at Ibn Battuta Mall

Malls around Dubai are also hosting many events for kids this Diwali. Parents looking for malls with Diwali activities for kids will find a great selection at the Ibn Battuta Mall. The interesting line up of Bollywood-inspired events and activities include dance performances, giveaways and fantastic shopping offers. There will also be spectacular festive décor across the mall, providing great photo opportunities for all.

Date and time: 17 – 27 October 2019

Venue Ibn Battuta Mall

Ticket: Free

10. Watch the IMAGINE show at Dubai Festival City Mall

Known to be one of the best free things to do in Dubai, the IMAGINE show at Dubai Festival City is featuring a special Bollywood edition this time for Diwali in Dubai. The fountain, along with elements of fire, light and a laser, will perform to the story of Hathi, the lost baby elephant, to provide a special way to celebrate Diwali in Dubai with the whole family.

Along with with the special Imagine show, there will also be an Elephant Parade exhibition where 50 life-size baby elephant sculptures will be displayed at the mall. The aim of this Elephant Parade in Dubai Festival City Mall is to raise awareness for elephant conservation globally.

Date: 24 October – 29 November 2019

Time: Daily 10:00 pm onwards to 00:00

Venue: Dubai Festival City Mall

Ticket: Free

11. Activities for Diwali at Burjuman mall

What better way than to celebrate the Festival of Lights than a range of fun, family-friendly activities that include traditional henna painting, dance performances and craft activities. Kids also get a chance to snap a picture next to some of the biggest and brightest decorations across the mall. Here is a complete agenda of free Diwali activities in Burjuman mall.

While the kids enjoy Burjuman’s amazing free Diwali activities in Dubai, parents can take a chance at striking gold just by shopping items worth AED 200 at the mall. 28 lucky shoppers stand a chance to win up to 1.5 kgs of gold bars!

Indian themed decor: 17 – 27 October 2019

City 101.6 Roadshow with the RJs – 18 October 2019; 07:00 pm – 09:00 pm; Level 1 Main Atrium

Diwali activity area for kids: 20 – 27 October 2019; 04:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Level 1 Main Atrium

Traditional Dance Performances: 24 – 27 October 2019; 06:30 pm – 08:30 pm; Level 1 Main Atrium

DIWALI CONCERTS IN DUBAI AND OTHER PERFORMANCES

Along with the festivities at the Creek, there are many other Diwali events in Dubai including concerts by popular Indian musicians. So get ready to watch some of the biggest Bollywood performers live at these venues, as part of the Diwali 2019 celebrations in Dubai.

12. Legends Forever: Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan live in concert

Get ready to watch Bollywood’s most famous singers Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan take the stage at the Dubai World Trade Centre to perform their greatest hits to ring in the festivities of Diwali in Dubai. These Bollywood icons are behind iconic Indian tracks like ‘Bole Chudiyan’ to ‘Chura Ke Dil Mera’. So get ready to enjoy four hours of unforgettable hits from the trio, as part of the Diwali events in Dubai.

When: 18 October 2019

Where: Dubai World Trade Centre

What time: 09:00 pm onwards

Ticket prices starting from AED 125

13. Deepavali Utsav at Etisalat Academy

The Deepavali Utsav at Etisalat Academy is another power-packed entertainment event for the whole family to enjoy this Diwali in Dubai. Visitors of this Diwali event in Dubai get to see celebrity playback singer Vijay Prakash take the stage to perform his hits, as well as other fun activities like themed dance and Rangoli competitions. The event also includes lots of delicious food, games and pop-up markets to get you in the Diwali spirit.

When: 18 October 2019

Where: Etisalat Academy, Muhaisnah, Dubai

What time: 02:00 pm onwards

Ticket prices starting from AED50 – AED 100; children under 4 years enter for free. Diwali dinners and parties in Dubai While there are plenty of family-friendly activities for Diwali in Dubai this year, for those looking to spend the evening out with a relaxing dinner, here’s a look at some of the most amazing Diwali parties in Dubai for all the adults! 14. Set Diwali menu at Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor

Dine at the stylish Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor restaurant at The Canvas Hotel Dubai with Indian celebrity chef Sanjay Kapoor’s set Diwali menu. It’s a five-course set menu with a delectable spread of authentic Indian flavours

Date: 20 – 28 October 2019

Venue: The Canvas Hotel Dubai – MGallery by Sofitel, Port Rashid

Price: AED 159 per person

Contact: +971-4-386-8111

15. Mahec by Satish Arora

For a unique Diwali in Dubai experience, Mahec by Satish Arora is offering a four-course set menu with a wide selection of dishes that are perfect for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences.

Date: 27 October 2019

Time: 07:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Venue: Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Méridien Village Terrace, Airport Road, Al Garhoud, Dubai

Price: AED 179 per person for non vegetarian, AED 159 per person for vegetarian, AED 75 for kids (4-11 yrs)

Contact: +971-4-526-0658

16. Kaleidoscope – Atlantis The Palm

This year enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Kaleidoscope, as one of your things to do for Diwali in Dubai. Located at Atlantis The Palm, this popular restaurant is serving a spread of fine Indian delicacies and hosting a range of fun activities like henna painting and music for the whole family to enjoy!

Date: 27 – 29 October 2019

Time: 06:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Venue: Ground Level, The Avenues, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Price: AED 240 per person including water and soft drinks. AED 120 for children aged 4 to 11, Free for children under 3

Contact: +971-4-426-2626

17. Delicious Diwali at Dusit Thani

24th. St restaurant at the Dusit Thani is giving you the opportunity to celebrate the Festival of Lights with their Diwali buffet, that is serving a sumptions menu of Indian delicacies like Hara Bhara Kebab, Nawabi Chaap, Tandoori Chaap Masala, Anari Fish Curry and Moti Choor Ladu.

Date: 20 – 27 October 2019

Venue: 24th Floor, Dusit Thani Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road

Price: Kindly contact Dusit Thani for prices

Contact: +971-4-317-4515

There we have it! A list of all events for Diwali in Dubai for 2019. Apart from these exciting celebrations for Diwali, many of the Indian restaurants in Dubai will be offering special deals and discounts. If you plan to decorate your home for the festivities, supermarkets such as Carrefour, Al Maya and Lulu are the perfect place to buy Diwali decorations in Dubai as they will have an amazing selection of candles, lights and more. Daiso and Day 2 Day are also great places to find plenty of budget options for Diwali decorations in Dubai.

What’s your favourite way to celebrate Diwali? Let us know in the comment section below and stay tuned to the best lifestyle and property blog in Dubai for more updates on the latest information about things happening in the city.

To all those celebrating, here’s wishing you a blessed Diwali!