Diwali is the most important festival celebrated by the Hindus. There are millions of Indians settled in the UAE and the government of Dubai also give utmost importance to the Diwali celebration. Also called the festival of lights, Diwali represents radiance and positiveness in an individual’s life.
Dubai does not leave even one stone unturned when it comes to catering to the Indians living in Dubai and the Indian visitors. A lot of events take place during Diwali in Dubai that bring out the spirit of Diwali in the people. Above all, Diwali is the time for you to feel alive, enjoy every moment and make memories that you will cherish for life.
The events that you can enjoy during Diwali :
The city will be buzzing with events and celebrations throughout October with a number of events like fairs, concerts and exhibitions and many more. You will be amazed to see that such grand celebrations for this festival take place in Dubai. If Dubai is where you will be in the days of Diwali and you are curious about the events you can attend and the places that you can visit…don’t you worry!Hence, we bring to you the ultimate guide to all the things that you can do on Diwali 2019 in Dubai.
1. Reeti Diwali Exhibition 2019
The Reeti Diwali exhibition is returning for their latest edition this October. In this exhibition you will find more than 50 exhibitors from Middle East and across Asia who will sell products ranging from clothes, jewelry, home decor, chocolates, etc. Therefore, shop your heart out this Diwali!
Venue:Grand Excelsior Hotel Bur Dubai
Date:Saturday, 5th October 2019
Timings: 12:00AM -10:00PM
2.Dandiya with Falguni Pathak
Play dandiya with the singer behind super hit songs like Maine Payal Hai Cchankai and Udi Udi Jaye, Falguni Pathak. She will be coming to Dubai to celebrate Diwali with you and make you dance to her tunes. Bring all your friends and family and play dandiya together. The evening will be absolutely fun-filled and enjoyable for people of all ages so all the members of your family will enjoy it.
Venue:Zabeel Park Amphitheatre
Date: 10th October-11th October
Timings: 5pm onwards
3. The Grand Diwali Mela
Hosted by Nahid Khan, the Grand Diwali mela gives the buyers and sellers to come in direct contact. You can buy a wide variety of goods from the mela including Diwali gifts for your loved ones! Indulge in some brilliant Diwali shopping and surprise your loved ones with gifts that they will remember forever.
Venue:Grand Excelsior Hotel Bur Dubai
Date: 12th October 2019
Timings: 10 AM- 9 PM
4.Watch Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan Live
Three legendary singers of Bollywood with chart-topping songs are going to visit Dubai for a concert. Wouldn’t it be absolutely mesmerizing to watch their performances live? It will surely be a treat for your eyes. Book your tickets asap and experience the explosion of melody in your ears.
Venue:Dubai World Trade Centre
Date: Friday, 18th October 2019
Timings: 12 AM onwards
Popular Attractions in Dubai:
1. Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner
A BBQ Dinner in the middle of a desert on a starry night is what dreams are made of. This Diwali make your dream come true. Opt for a desert safari with BBQ Dinner and make the most of your Diwali break. During your Desert Safari tour, you can also enjoy Tanoura Dance, Arabian Belly Dance and Henna Tattoos! This one of the best ways to celebrate the festival of lights.
2. Skydive Dubai
Spend this Diwali spreading your wings…well man made wings! Experience the freedom that will leave you spellbound and in awe of the beauty of the sky. Skydiving in Dubai is the most awe inspiring experience and what better occasion than Diwali to win over your fears and fly high. So, let Skydive Dubai leave you speechless this Diwali!
3. Bollywood Theme Park
Every year the Bollywood Parks have special surprises for the visitors on Diwali. You can witness bright lighting, entertainment shows, rangoli displays, dance competitions. Diwali special delicacies and cuisines will also be available so that you can experience the true spirit of the festival.So, book your Bollywood Theme Park tickets to feel like you are a part of a Bollywood fantasy movie.
4. Burj Khalifa
The iconic Burj Khalifa also lights up to celebrate the festival of lights. Spend your evening watching the lighting show at Burj Khalifa. The world famous sunset view from the Observation Deck on the 148th floor is a must watch if you are in Dubai. The view from the Burj Khalifa at the top will leave you marveling at the architectural ability of the country. Skip the row of the visitors with the fast track pass and reach the observation deck. Don’t forget you will be on the fastest elevator in the world!
5. Ferrari World
Celebrate Diwali at the largest Ferrari themed park in the world. Apart from all the rides, you can also experience the festivities of Diwali like performances by international artists, rangoli designs, diya painting, lantern lighting and many more. We promise you there will not be a dull moment during your time at the park.The Ferrari world rides are a treat for all the adventure lovers..book your Ferrari World tickets to ride the fastest roller coaster in the world.
6. Dhow Cruise in Dubai
Make your Diwali dinner special by dining on the traditional Dhow Cruise Dubai. You can enjoy a luxurious dining experience along with a host of live entertainment shows. The dinner upon the Dhow Cruise is one of the most lavish ways to celebrate Diwali.
Shopping Excursions:
Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is one of the biggest malls in the world. Head there to shop for gifts for your loved ones. You can buy almost anything that you desire from the mall. You can buy almost all the premium brands from this mall. So shop till you drop and get up and go again because there is no end to the amount of shopping that you can do here!
Mall of the Emirates
If you wish to widen your choices, you can also go to the Mall of the Emirates on the Sheikh Zayed Road. Buy amazing jewelry from this mall and you can also do some budget shopping at the Mall of Emirates shops. In addition, you can visit the Ski Dubai which is situated in this mall.
Souks in Dubai
Souks in Dubai are the ultimate places from where you can shop for gifts and souvenirs for your family and friends. Moreover, Dhanteras, which is also an important part of the Diwali festival signifies buying gold and silver and Dubai is the right place for you to be on that festival. You can buy gold and silver from the souks at amazing prices. Therefore, if you were worrying about Diwali shopping, you don’t have to anymore. Here is a list of souks where you can buy a range of things for your loved ones!
1. Gold Souk- 54 Al Khor Street, Deira
2. Spice Souk — 26 34 Street, Deira
3. Perfume Souk — Sikkat al Khali Street, Deira
4. Textile Souk — 57 Ali Bin Abi Talib St, Bur Dubai
5. Souk Madinat — King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Jumeirah
6. The Souk — Financial Centre Road, Downtown Dubai
7. Souk Al Bahar — Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
Culinary Experience:
Diwali without food is like Earth without water….unimaginable! Food is the most important part of all the Indian festivals. Therefore, here is a list of places that you can go enjoy a meal and make the most of the festival.
1. Little Miss India
The restaurant focuses on the food with regional Indian flavors. The restaurant offers mouthwatering dishes and a great selection of mocktails. Complementing the delectable food and drinks is the view of the Dubai Marine Skyline. Dining at restaurant is a perfect way to spend your Diwali. The overall ambiance of restaurant is amazing and you will absolutely love it!
2. Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor
Sanjeev Kapoor is one of the most popular chefs in the world…and he is not just a name!The restaurant owned by Sanjeev Kapoor has a menu that has been set by the man himself. The restaurant offers a range of authentic and Indian cuisine and signature dishes that reflect quintessential Indian ingredients and cooking techniques. Head there for a meal and we promise, you will lick your fingers clean.
3. Mahec
Located in La Meridian Dubai, Mahec is one of the highly anticipated restaurants in cosmopolitan Dubai. The restaurant serves traditional Indian cuisine with a modern styles and palettes. You will love the spread that they offer and surely get a taste of India sitting in Dubai. From the street special chaat to the tangy prawn curry from the coasts of India, you will find a number of dishes that will leave you wanting more. And if you’re feeling the spice, let the staff advise you on the drink that will go well with your dish.
Diwali is symbolic of the win of win of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Therefore, let the light in you shine bright and hope this list of things to do on Diwali will make you smile and will be helpful to you!
We wish you a very happy and blessed Diwali and hope that you enjoy the festival in Dubai with your loved ones.
