Ultimate Guide to Diwali in Dubai 2024

May the divine light of Diwali fill your life… Ahaan! Leave these boring wishes!

May this Diwali bring the luxury lights of bars and clubs and add some spark to your life. May sand dunes and beachy waves fill your day with more serenity. May your soul be full of adventures and flavors of different cuisines. 

Sounds like Dubai kinda Diwali, right? 

Dubai, an eclectic blend of tradition and modernity, provides many exciting places to visit in Dubai during Diwali. Let's delve into some of these captivating spots more:

The world's tallest building is truly captivating, but it takes on new depth during Diwali. Decorated with stunning lighting displays and fireworks shows, its beauty becomes even more mesmerizing at the Diwali celebration at Burj Khalifa. Providing one with one of Dubai's must-visit spots, the Burj Khalifa Tour makes its view truly remarkable from nearby areas or its observation decks.

Timings: Open 24 Hours

Location: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd., Downtown Dubai, Dubai 

Things to do on Diwali: Experience the luxury of Dubai from the top. Witness the spectacular light show. Look at the surrounding area, especially the Dubai Mall and Waterfront Promenade, which are decked out for Diwali. Enjoy a delicious Diwali dinner while taking in the panoramic vistas.

With its fine white sands and soothing sound of waves, Jumeirah Beach has quickly become one of Dubai's premier locations for Diwali celebrations. Families and friends gather here for picnics through the Jumeirah Beach Entrance Fee and Tickets and socializing during this festive occasion. It offers the ideal place for everyone to come together while commemorating this joyous celebration of light!

Looking for more beaches in Dubai? Head to the Best Free Beaches in Dubai

Timings: Open 24 Hours

Location: Jumeirah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Things to do on Diwali: Soak up the sun, build sandcastles, or simply relax with a good book. Enjoy delicious cuisine at one of the many beachfront restaurants. Pamper yourself with a relaxing spa treatment.

A Diwali Mela at Al Seef is the place to go if you want to experience Diwali in Dubai, just like in India. The entire area is illuminated during the Diya lighting ceremony, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. There is also a Diwali Mela, where several stalls sell and display handmade diyas, decorative items, beautiful jewelry, and traditional clothing. Henna designs can be applied to your hands, and you can make colorful rangolis. You can enjoy various Bollywood performances and concerts at Al Seef.

Timings: Open 24 Hours

Location: Al Seef St - Al Hamriya - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Things to do on Diwali: Participate in the traditional lighting of diyas. Groove to the energetic rhythms of live Bollywood music. Be mesmerized by spectacular fireworks and keep the little ones entertained with themed workshops.

Diwali isn't all about lighting lamps and setting off fireworks; it's also about enjoying delicious Indian cuisine! For Diwali brunch in Dubai in 2024, there will be an excellent selection of Indian restaurants offering authentic flavors. Here are our recommendations:

This premium Indian restaurant in Grosvenor House, owned by famous chef Vineet Bhatia, had a modern makeover at the end of 2021. The food offered here features subtle interpretations of street food from India, according to the restaurant's minimalist elegance. Consider dishes like kachori chaat, truffle mushroom puchkas, and even a drink called a 24k Gold Saffron Latte that taps into Dubai's passion for all things gold.

Timings: Everyday: 6 PM to 12 PM; Sat-Sun: 1 PM to 4 PM (extra hours)

Location: Grosvenor House Dubai - Al Emreef St - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Diwali Bombers: Selection of Tandoor Breads, Butter Roti, Cucumber Raita, Mix Appetizer Sampler & Anniversary Special Cake Slice

This cuisine offers an unforgettable Diwali dining experience, complete with breathtaking panoramic city views. Enjoy authentic Indian fare such as kebabs, curries, and sweets; don't forget their signature Diwali desserts to cap it all off! Meals like exotic curries and other specialties are made at the table using traditional ingredients and time-honored culinary techniques. Savor a remarkable dining experience while admiring breathtaking views of the Dubai Fountain and the Downtown Dubai neighborhood.

Timings: Everyday: 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM

Location: Burj Khalifa, level 3 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Diwali Bombers: Watermelon Cheese Shot, Chicken Tikka 3-Way

Mint Leaf of London in Dubai provides an authentic Diwali dining experience at Emirates Financial Towers, featuring delectable vegetarian and non-vegetarian offerings alongside an elaborate Diwali thali platter. Their contemporary setting creates the ideal fusion between tradition and modernity!

Timings: Everyday: 12 PM to 1:00 AM 

Location: Emirates Financial Towers - 15th Floor, South Tower - DIFC - Dubai

Zafran Indian Bistro boasts an engaging and contemporary ambiance and serves up an exquisite Diwali menu featuring classic North Indian fare like biryani, kebabs, and sweet treats! They also provide innovative cocktails and mocktails to add extra celebration and pleasure to your dining experience!

Timings: Everyday: 12 PM to 1:00 AM 

Location 1: Mirdif City Centre, Level 1 - Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd - Dubai

Location 2: Dubai Hills Mall - Dubai Hills Estate - Al Khail Rd - near Gate number 1 - Dubai

For those who want to purchase gifts for Diwali, Dubai is a wonderful shopping destination. Here, you will find traditional Indian wear as well as festive decorations at these stores:

Dubai's Diwali Market offers festive shoppers a lively hub of festive shopping—the ideal place for finding traditional Indian clothing, intricate jewelry pieces, and home decorations for Diwali festivities. Experience all its vibrant splendor! It will leave a memorable and vibrant souvenir from Diwali 2024.

Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai offers another wonderful shopping destination. It is home to unique ethnic wear, jewelry, and accessories at reasonable prices. With many small shops along its narrow lanes offering unique options at reasonable rates, Meena Bazaar makes for a delightful trip through lively street markets filled with treasures celebrating Diwali!

For dazzling Diwali gifts that stand out, head to Deira and shop the Gold Souk in Deira for something truly spectacular. Known for its extensive gold supply and competitively priced jewelry selections during the Diwali season, you are certain to find stunning pieces in this Dubai Shopping Festival that make for great keepsake souvenirs that will shimmer like diamonds when opened by your loved ones on Diwali day! It is the perfect place to find something extra special.

If you’re seeking a second-hand market for a big purchase, then read: Dubai Flea Market

The Textile Souk of Bur Dubai is an oasis of colorful fabrics and traditional garments perfect for Diwali celebrations. Everything from sarees to kurta-pajamas can be found in this Diwali market in Dubai, making this market an excellent spot to shop traditional attire!

Dubai is well known for its extravagant fireworks shows, and Diwali is no different. Join crowds at popular locations like Dubai Creek or Jumeirah Beach to witness a sky lit up by brilliant displays that light up the skies with vivid color and lights against its skyline—truly an impressive show to experience!

Bluewaters is renowned for its stunning fireworks displays, and Diwali is no exception. Expect a mesmerizing show illuminating the Dubai skyline. Find the perfect vantage point at The Beach, JBR, or from one of the island's many rooftop restaurants and bars. This place allows visitors to experience India in Dubai!

Timings: Open 24 Hours

Location: Jumeirah Beach Residence coastline, near Dubai Marina, Dubai

Things to do on Diwali: Immerse yourself in the Indian culture at the Indian Pavilion. Enjoy energetic Bollywood performances. Witness special Diwali celebrations with traditional decorations, rangoli, and festive lighting. 

Make sure to bookmark Dubai Festival City Mall on your list for its magnificent fireworks displays. A must-see attraction during Diwali is the breathtaking fireworks show at Dubai Festival City Mall. A spectacular fireworks display, Bollywood music, and other cultural activities make up the spectacle, which lasts several days.

Timings: Open 24 Hours

Location: Jumeirah Beach Residence coastline, near Dubai Marina, Dubai

Things to do on Diwali: Immerse yourself in the Indian culture at the Indian Pavilion. Enjoy energetic Bollywood performances. Witness special Diwali celebrations with traditional decorations, rangoli, and festive lighting. 

Diwali in Dubai is more than a mere festival; there are grand celebrations across the city to commemorate it! Below are a few exciting ways to commemorate Diwali:

Dubai is home to numerous temples and gurudwaras where traditional Diwali celebrations take place, creating an opportunity to connect spiritually and communally through rituals, prayers, feasts, and communion services. Join these gatherings as an excellent way to get involved with local Indian communities while experiencing all that this festival entails!

Recommendation: BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, UAE's 1st Hindu Temple

Diwali shopping in Dubai 2024 and decorations are essential parts of the festive celebrations in Dubai, not only buying gifts for loved ones but also decorating your home beautifully with traditional diyas, rangoli patterns, and colorful torans (door hangings). All can be found in various stores throughout Dubai.

At Diwali, households are filled with the aroma of freshly made sweets and snacks prepared with care by Indian families across Dubai. Classic favorites like jalebi, gulab jamun, and barfi can often be found being prepared at these homes, but there are also plenty of tasty delights on sale in local sweet shops!

For this, you must try the best desserts in Dubai.

Celebrate Diwali with the radiance and luxury of Cruises in Dubai.