Dubai, one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the Middle East, welcomes a variety of cultural celebrations from all around the world. While the UAE may not be part of India, the strong Indian community has significantly influenced Dubai’s culture, food, and festivals. Among these, Diwali, the Festival of Lights, stands as a shining beacon of culture, faith, and festivity in the city.
What is Diwali?
Diwali is the most important Hindu festival, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. It is a five-day celebration marked by music, dance, lights, delicious food, and traditional rituals. Although it is a religious festival, Diwali is celebrated by people of all backgrounds in Dubai, illuminating the city with lights and joy.
Diwali 2024 Dates in Dubai
This year, Diwali celebrations will begin on Tuesday, October 29 and continue until Sunday, November 3. Here’s a breakdown of the festival’s key days:
Day 1: Dhanteras (October 29)
Traditionally marked by buying gold, silver, or kitchen utensils, this day kicks off Diwali shopping in Dubai’s bustling markets.
Day 2: Chhoti Diwali (October 30)
Families clean and decorate their homes, light diyas (oil lamps), and prepare for the main Diwali celebration.
Day 3: Diwali (October 31)
The main festival day involves worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh, celebrating with family, sharing gifts, and enjoying delicious meals. Although fireworks are restricted, Dubai skies will sparkle with spectacular shows across the city.
Day 4: Govardhan Pooja (November 1)
Families prepare large vegetarian feasts to offer to Lord Krishna, with restaurants across Dubai offering special Diwali menus.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj (November 2)
Brothers and sisters come together to celebrate their bond by exchanging gifts and blessings.
Where to Celebrate Diwali in Dubai 2024
1. Armani/Amal
Located inside the Burj Khalifa, this exquisite restaurant offers a Diwali dining experience with a three-course meal featuring tandoori Portobello, masala chicken puff, aromatic lamb, and freshly baked tandoori breads, paired with a stunning view of the Dubai Fountain show.
- Price: Three Course Meal (AED 350/ AED 425)
- Date: October 31, 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Address: Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
- Contact: +971 4 888 3010
- Website: Home – Armani Hotels
2.Giardino Palazzo Versace
Sparkling lights, festive delights, and a lavish feast awaits you this Diwali. Celebrate the festival of lights with a sumptuous dinner buffet that brings together the warmth of family and the joy of friends for a memorable evening. Indulge in an array of delectable dishes, savour the vibrant flavours, and make this Diwali a night filled with laughter, togetherness and cherished memories.
- Price: AED 263 per person inclusive of food only AED 147 for kids (5 to 11 years old)
- Dates: 31st October & 1st November 2024
- Timings: 7pm top 11pm
- Contact: +9714 556 8805
- Website: Luxury 5 Star Hotel Dubai | Fashion Hotel | Palazzo Versace Dubai
3. Bombay Brasserie
Offering a four-course menu of traditional Indian flavors, the Diwali special includes peri peri tandoori soya chap, mutton chaat, and sweet treats like berry ghewar and walnut chocolate halwa.
- Price: Four Course Meal ( AED 295 per person )
- Date: October 22 – November 4, 6:00 PM – Midnight
- Address: Taj Dubai, Burj Khalifa Street
- Contact: +971 4 438 3100
- Website: Luxury Hotels & Resorts in India & the World | Taj Hotels
4. Khyber
Celebrate with a North Indian-inspired four-course set menu, including a chaat platter and pani puri. Enjoy henna art and live DJ performances to set the festive mood.
- Price: AED 175 per person
- Date: October 26 – November 1, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Address: Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, Palm Jumeirah
- Website: Home – Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
5. Dhaba Lane
Get in the Diwali spirit with Dhaba Lane’s Navratri Thali, offering traditional Punjabi dishes like paneer matar makhana curry and sabudana kheer.
- Price: AED 69 (five courses), AED 45 (four courses)
- Date: November 8 – November 18, Noon – 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Address: Karama, Garhoud, JLT, Al Nahda Contact: +971 4 358 1313
- Website: dhaba-lane.com
6. Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel
Celebrate Diwali with an extensive Indian buffet featuring paneer, pakoras, and traditional Indian sweets, all accompanied by glittering decorations and vibrant Diwali lights.
- Price: AED 111 per person, AED 55 for children Date: October 31, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Address: Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St
- Contact: +971 4 377 1184
- Website: Upscale Hotel in Bur Dubai | Park Regis Kris Kin in Dubai
7. Tej – Ramada by Wyndham Dubai Deira
A brand-new Indian restaurant in the city, Tej offers a mix of modern and traditional Indian dishes, perfect for Diwali dining.
- Open Daily: 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Address: Ramada by Wyndham Dubai Deira, Abu Baker Al Siddique Road
- Contact: +971 4 279 1144
- Instagram: @tejdubai
8. VEGO Café
Celebrate Diwali guilt-free with VEGO Café’s special festive hampers packed with mithai truffles, thandai nuts, and cheese chutney, offering vegan and refined-sugar-free options.
- Price: From AED 40
- Address: Various Locations in Dubai
- Contact:+971 50 147 7462
- Website: VEGO Cafe & Confectionery Dubai | Discover Vegan Delights
Places to Visit for Diwali 2024 Celebrations
Reetii Diwali Exhibit
Shopping Extravaganza at Shangri-La Hotel Discover an exciting one-day-only shopping event featuring a variety of homegrown brands. Explore a wide selection of clothes, trinkets, and sweets, perfect for Diwali gift shopping.
- Date & Time: Sat Oct 12, 12pm-9pm
- Location: Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road
- Contact: +971 4 343 8888
- Website: shangri-la.com
Global Village: An Extravagant Multicultural Extravaganza
During Diwali, Global Village transforms into an international celebration. The India Pavilion is a highlight, where you can indulge in tasty Indian street food, shop for traditional apparel, and enjoy captivating cultural performances. A must-visit to experience a taste of India in Dubai!
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Exit 37
- Contact: +971 4 362 4114 Website: globalvillage.ae
Dubai Creek Fireworks
Head to Dubai Creek to witness an incredible display of fireworks lighting up the skies. This is one of the only locations in the city where Diwali fireworks are allowed. It’s the perfect spot to celebrate with family and friends under a sky filled with colors.
Al Seef Diwali Mela
If you want to experience a traditional Diwali Mela, head to Al Seef. With Diya lighting ceremonies, handmade crafts, jewelry stalls, henna artists, and Bollywood dance performances, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
- Location: Al Seef, Dubai Creek
- Contact: +971 4 504 5000
Waterfront Promenade at Dubai Mall
Witness a spectacular floating art show on boats, where water is used as a canvas to display stunning visual art that captures the magic of Diwali. It’s a must-visit for a unique Diwali experience.
- Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
- Contact: +971 800 382246255
- Website: , The Dubai Mall, Shopping, Dining, What to do in Dubai, Festival Shopping, entertainment, restaurants, cafes, hotels, holidays, events and offers
Conclusion
Diwali in Dubai is not just a festival for the Indian community, but a city-wide celebration that brings together residents and tourists from all walks of life. With so many events, special menus, and cultural performances taking place, this year promises to be brighter than ever. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional feast, watching a Bollywood performance, or simply admiring the lights, make sure to experience the Festival of Lights in true Dubai style.
May the lights of Diwali bring joy, success, and warmth to your life. Happy Diwali!
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