Diwali is all about lights, a touch of glamour, lots of time with loved ones, and of course, plenty of sweets! And in true Dubai fashion the city is obviously going all out for it. This Diwali season, you can catch film stars in person,watch drones light up the sky, see rangoli made from flower petals and even get a chance to win a car. But I don’t want to spoil all the surprises for you here. Consider this your ultimate guide to celebrating Diwali 2026 in Dubai, so keep reading to find out more.
Can’t-Miss Events
1. Noor: Festival Of Lights At Souk Al Seef
Head to Souk Al Seef on 7 and 8 November for Noor: Festival of Lights, one of the biggest Diwali celebrations in the UAE. Entry is free. Each night starts with a procession of light puppets and dhol drummers, followed by Bollywood dance and live music on stage.
- 7 November: Ashu Ali and Saif Hayat from the indie band The Shams, and Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi.
- 8 November: Live music band Jammers and singer-songwriter Sooraj Santhosh.
2. Meet Tamannaah Bhatia At City Centre Deira
Want a little film-star sparkle? On 6 November, from 7:30pm, Indian film star Tamannaah Bhatia makes a special appearance at City Centre Deira. Entry is free. The mall is also showing a Gold Rangoli made with Damas, a traditional Indian art form created with gold, diamonds and pearls, so keep your phone ready for photos.
3. Festival Of Lights At Global Village
From 6 to 10 November, Global Village is celebrating Diwali with the best of India. On 6 November, a special drone show lights up the sky and the Main Stage hosts a Baithak singing show with Kavita Seth. You can also pick up Diwali accessories and décor at the Diwali Mela, let the kids enjoy their own activities, explore the India Pavilion and snack at the Indian Chaat Bazaar.
Tickets are AED 25 for a Weekday Ticket (Sunday to Wednesday) or AED 30 for an Any Day Ticket, and you can buy them at the gate, on their website or on the app. Tuesdays are for families and ladies only.
4. Khushiyon Se Bhari Diwali At BurJuman
Want a Diwali that lasts more than a day? From 14 October to 12 November, BurJuman is hosting Khushiyon Se Bhari Diwali every day from 5pm to 9pm at Level 1, Lobby B and around the mall. Entry to the activities is free. Here’s what a typical week looks like:
- Monday to Thursday (5pm to 9pm): Diwali-themed workshops for the whole family.
- Fridays (6pm to 9pm): Musical Baithaks with soulful live performances.
- Saturdays: The Family Diwali Talent Showcase, with music, dance and more.
- Sundays (6pm to 9pm): Lively roaming entertainment with desi beats.
5. Bloom & Glow Diwali At Dubai Miracle Garden
On 7 November, from 4pm to 7pm, Dubai Miracle Garden hosts the Bloom & Glow Diwali Festival as part of Season 15, celebrating the UAE’s Year of the Family. Rangoli is often made from flower petals, and this time it comes to the garden with 200 million of them. Here’s what’s on:
- Community Rangoli Competition: Join in or watch colourful designs take shape among the blooms.
- Grand Diwali Parade: Traditional Indian dance and live music.
- Diya painting and Kids’ Diwali Zone: Hands-on fun for the whole family.
- Photo booth and Best Traditional Dress Competition: Dress up in traditional Indian outfits, including the sari.
- Indian Food & Sweets Market and Diwali Shopping Pop-Up: Festive treats and shopping in one place.
Tickets start at AED 129, and kids’ tickets are AED 79. This is a separate event, so a regular Dubai Miracle Garden day ticket isn’t needed and isn’t included. Find out more on their website.
6. Diwali At AYA Universe
On 2 November, AYA Universe at Wafi City Mall is hosting an interactive Diwali celebration. Explore 12 interactive worlds spread across 40,000 sq ft, with dazzling light displays, glittering gardens, infinite star fields and reverse waterfalls. Don’t miss The Source, where celestial effects add an extra dimension to the experience.
Diwali Dining Deals To Savour
1. Kinara By Vikas Khanna
On 7 and 8 November, enjoy a Diwali set menu by Chef Ashish Kumar for AED 350 per person, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, a welcome drink, a sweet box for each table and live entertainment. Book dinner on Diwali weekend for a chance to win dinner for two on 22 November and meet Michelin-acclaimed Chef Vikas Khanna (T&Cs apply).
- Location: JA Lake View Hotel
- Reservations: Call 04 814 5604 or visit their website
2. Jamavar
At Jamavar in Downtown Dubai, a four-course tasting menu by Surender Mohan takes inspiration from the Chahar Bagh, the traditional garden of paradise. The setting is styled by Indian design house Good Earth. The non-vegetarian menu is AED 425 and the vegetarian menu is AED 395.
- Location: Address Residences Opera District – Burj Khalifa – Downtown Dubai
- Reservations: Call 04 553 7852 or visit their website
3. Purani Dilli
On Sunday 8 November, Purani Dilli at Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road hosts Utsav, a Diwali buffet for AED 129 per person. Expect authentic Indian dishes, festive sweets, a live chaat and jalebi station, rangoli displays and live entertainment. Private dining rooms are available for groups.
- Location: Four Points by Sheraton
- Reservations: Call 056 414 2213 or visit their website
4. Mowsem
On Sunday 8 November, Mowsem serves a Diwali dinner buffet for AED 225, with authentic Indian dishes prepared by Indian chefs. It’s at Palm West Beach, so you can also take a sunset stroll along the promenade before dinner.
- Location: Palm West Beach
- Reservations: Call 04 230 0059 or visit their website
5. Hard Rock Cafe
From 2 to 15 November, Hard Rock Cafe Dubai and Hard Rock Dubai Sports City are serving the Shine A Light menu. Choose Paneer Makhani for AED 75 or Butter Chicken for AED 85, each with a side of naan, fries, mashed potatoes or vegetables of the day.
- Location: Dubai Sports City
- Reservations: Call 04 323 1922 or visit their website
6. Bombay Brasserie
From 1 to 8 November, Bombay Brasserie at Taj Dubai Business Bay serves special Diwali dishes with festive décor and live entertainment. The week ends with the Grand Diwali Night Brunch on 8 November, with live cooking stations. Dining starts from AED 275.
- Location: Burj Khalifa St, Business Bay
- Reservations: Call 04 438 3222 or visit their website
7. Gastro Kitchen
On Sunday 8 November, Gastro Kitchen at DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Jumeirah Beach hosts a festive dinner buffet in the garden, with views of Ain Dubai, Diwali décor and Dhol and dance performances. It’s AED 199 per person including water, and AED 99 for children.
- Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Jumeirah Beach
- Reservations: Call 055 166 8092 or visit their website
Shop, Scan & Win Big!
You’re probably going to do some Diwali shopping anyway, so why not get a chance to win something big while you’re at it?
1. Win A Jetour T1 Comfort At BurJuman
From 14 October to 12 November, spend AED 300 across BurJuman and you’ll get a digital raffle entry for a chance to drive home in a brand-new Jetour T1 Comfort worth AED 114,000. The promotion is in partnership with Jetour from Elite Group Holding (T&Cs apply).
2. Shop, Scan & Win 2 Soueast Cars
Between 24 October and 12 November, spend AED 200 or more at a participating mall for a digital raffle entry. Two winners will each get a car: one Soueast S06 Comfort and one Soueast S08 Luxury. The cars are fully sponsored by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), and the draw is tentatively planned for 14 November at the DET office. Find out more at shopandwinrewards.com. The participating malls are:
- Arabian Center
- Dubai Festival Plaza
- Silicon Central
- Al Ghurair Centre
- Bay Avenue
- Al Khail Gate
- New West Zone – Al Khail
- New West Zone – Mizhar 1
- New West Zone – Mizhar 2
- Circle Mall
- Ibn Battuta
- Reef Mall
3. Diwali Gold Rush
Gold is a big part of Diwali shopping, and from 24 October to 12 November, more than 150 jewellery stores across Dubai are joining the Diwali Gold Rush. Here’s what’s on offer:
- 25% to 50% off selected diamond and polki jewellery
- A free gift with purchase on selected collections
- 25% to 50% off making charges on selected collections
- Zero deduction on old gold exchange
There’s also a bonus for HSBC Visa credit card holders. From 31 October to 6 November, you can get an instant discount, taken straight off your bill at the time of payment, on gold, diamond and pearl jewellery:
- Spend over AED 5,000: 3% cashback, up to AED 300
- Spend over AED 10,000: 5% cashback, up to AED 500
- Spend over AED 15,000: 7% cashback, up to AED 1,050
This card offer covers HSBC Visa credit cards only, and it doesn’t include gold coins and bars.
Now for the part that really gets people excited: the raffle. For every AED 1,500 you spend on jewellery, you get one raffle coupon, with a chance to win a share of 1 kilo of gold. There are two draws:
- Dhanteras Draw: 5 lucky winners will each get 100g of gold. The draw is planned for 8 November 2026, and it includes qualifying purchases made up to and including Dhanteras.
- Grand Prize Draw: 1 winner will get ½ kg of gold, with all qualifying purchases made during the campaign entered.
5. Win A Jaecoo J8 At City Centre Deira
From 23 October to 8 November, spend AED 300 at City Centre Deira stores for a chance to win a Jaecoo J8 SUV. On 6 November, you can also enjoy 10% cashback in SHARE points on your receipts (T&Cs apply).
Time To Celebrate
From free festivals and film-star visits to festive feasts and chances to win a car or even gold, Dubai has a Diwali plan for everyone this year. Pick a few favourites, bring your family and friends, and make the most of the Festival of Lights.
Happy Diwali to all who celebrate!
