Dubai is one of those cities that doesn’t let any occasion go uncelebrated, and Diwali is no exception. The Festival of Lights is back, and Dubai isn’t playing around this year. I’m talking fireworks, concerts, delicious food, and a shopping spree with prizes that’ll make your jaw drop. Until October 26, Dubai will turn into a glittering playground of festivities, offering everyone the chance to win a luxury car, gold worth AED 150,000, and cash prizes totalling another AED 150,000! So, if my math is right, that’s half a million worth of prizes up for grabs this Diwali! I have even more incredible details where that came from, so keep reading to find out.
Also read: Delicious Dining Deals To Celebrate Diwali In Dubai
Win Cars, Gold & Cash
This Diwali, shoppers can try their hand at winning some amazing prizes across malls and stores citywide. Here’s where you can go and what you can get:
BurJuman Mall: Spending AED 250 or more until October 22 puts you in the running to win a SOUEAST S06 car. Plus, expect the venue to be buzzing with live music, traditional dance shows, and fun workshops for kids.
Dubai Gold Souk Extension: The Shop, Scan & Win Gold promotion gives every shopper a chance to win gold with each AED 500 spent from October 10 to 26.
The Dubai Shopping Malls Group is adding to the sparkle with AED 100,000 worth of gold vouchers up for grabs! Twenty lucky shoppers will each win AED 5,000 by spending just AED 200 or more between October 13 and 26. And if you’re into textiles, you might just stitch yourself some luck — 10 winners will share AED 50,000 in cash prizes (AED 5,000 each) by shopping for AED 200 or more at participating outlets in the Shop Textiles. Spark Rewards promotion during the same period.
Centrepoint: Their Scratch & Win campaign (October 15–28) is giving away 3-gram gold coins to 66 lucky winners who spend AED 300 or more. Talk about festive rewards!
The Dubai Jewellery Group: Their Shine with Prosperity campaign is turning heads too. 30 lucky winners will walk away with jewellery vouchers worth a total of AED 150,000. Shoppers spending AED 1,000 or more can also snag up to 70% off on selected pieces, free gifts, complimentary gold coins for purchases above AED 4,000, and even zero deductions on gold exchanges.
Lights, Music & Laughter
This year’s Diwali entertainment line-up is absolutely star-studded! The Noor – Festival of Lights returns to Souk Al Seef from October 17 to 19, turning the waterfront destination into a cultural wonderland filled with live music, processions, workshops, and fireworks lighting up the night sky. Music fans are in for a treat. The legendary composer Ilaiyaraja will perform live at Dubai Opera on October 18, while Andrea Jeremiah and The Jeremiah Project will rock the stage at Etisalat Academy that same evening
Comedy lovers, you’re covered too! Russell Peters brings his latest Relax World Tour to Coca-Cola Arena on October 25, while Sugar Sammy performs English-language comedy at Zabeel Theatre on October 18. For Tamil audiences, Praveen Kumar will deliver a laughter-filled show at Live@Play by Hive Al Quoz on October 25.
And for something a little different, Dubai Festival Plaza hosts Lights & Legends – The Stories of Diwali on October 24 and 25, blending theatre, music, folk tales, and dance into a magical storytelling experience.
However, this Diwali the spotlight shines brightest on City Centre Deira, which is set to host the region’s first-ever Diwali Escalator Fashion Show on October 25! A dazzling fusion of fashion, movement, and festive energy. And that’s not all… A special surprise appearance promises to make the night an unforgettable one!
Markets, Melas & More
What’s Diwali without a splash of colour? Global Village is joining the celebration from October 17 to 20 with its special Festival of Lights programming. Expect vibrant Rangoli art, stage performances, fireworks, and a lively Diwali Mela at the India Pavilion. There’ll also be handmade gifts, festive décor, and plenty of Indian street food at the Chaat Bazaar.
At Waterfront Market Deira, visitors can admire the largest Rangoli made entirely of colourful spices like turmeric, chilli, coriander, and cloves. A true feast for the senses running until 26 October.
Wafi City will also join the fun from October 17 to 19, transforming its Main Atrium into a Diwali celebration zone with South Asian performances, puppet shows, creative workshops, and free kids’ activities. You can even stop by Asha’s for a special Diwali tasting menu featuring traditional mithai and gourmet Indian dishes.
Citywide Shopping Frenzy
If you’re planning a shopping spree, this is the perfect time! From fashion and perfumes to home décor and electronics, stores across Dubai are offering exclusive Diwali promotions. Some with discounts as high as 75%!
Hypermarkets have also turned festive, stocking up on everything from colourful diyas and ethnic wear to sweets and savoury snacks for your Diwali gatherings. Restaurants across the city are also joining in, serving up traditional favourites and modern takes on Indian classics. Find more details here: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/diwali-in-dubai/diwali-dining
And here’s one more reason to shop: Emirates Skywards is celebrating its 25th anniversary by giving members 25% bonus Miles and a chance to win a share of 25 million Miles when shopping at select stores.
A ‘Dubai’ Diwali To Remember
From fireworks that light up the skies to prizes that make your shopping trips sparkle, Dubai’s Diwali 2025 celebrations are shaping up to be the most spectacular yet. Whether you’re here for the culture, the concerts, or the shopping deals, one thing’s for sure, this Diwali, the city of gold is shining brighter than ever!
To know more, visit festivaloflightsindubai.com
