Celebration of Diwali in Dubai: Dates and Festivities 2025

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Sep 09, 2025
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Celebration of Diwali in Dubai: Dates and Festivities 2025

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated throughout the world, mainly by the Hindu community. It is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists (especially Newar Buddhists of Nepal). When Diwali is celebrated all over the world, how can Dubai lag behind? So, plan a trip to Dubai in October and enjoy the Diwali celebrations in the city. Here is the guide covering everything about the Diwali celebration in Dubai. 

Diwali is a widely celebrated festival that holds a special place in the hearts of people. It is one of the most significant Hindu festivals. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. This festival is celebrated all across India as well as the entire world with great enthusiasm. On this day, people worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi. According to Hindu mythology, Diwali is celebrated because Lord Ram, along with his consort, Sita, and his younger brother Laxmana, came back to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. 

Usually, people celebrate Diwali by lighting oil lamps (diyas), bursting fireworks, exchanging sweets, and performing religious rituals. But in Dubai, Diwali is celebrated as a grand fair in which you will get to see the cultural diversity that the city displays, along with the vibrant Indian diaspora. So, if you are ready to celebrate Diwali in Dubai, here is every detail you need to know. 

Diwali 2025 Dates and Timings

Diwali dates and timings for 2025 are as below: 

Date

Day 

Occassion

18 October, 2025

Saturday

Dhanteras

19 October, 2025

Sunday

Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

20 October, 2025

Monday

Diwali (Laxmi Puja)

21 October, 2025

Tuesday

Govardhan Puja

23 October, 2025

Thursday

Bhai Dooj

5 Day Celebration of Diwali in Dubai

The celebrations of Diwali in Dubai are a unique and outstanding blend of traditional Indian customs and the modern flair of the city. Here you will see so many entertaining things, such as light displays, cultural performances, etc., for several days. Let us see how the 5 days of Diwali are celebrated in Dubai: 

  1. Dhanteras: On Dhanteras, purchasing utensils, jewelry, or appliances is considered auspicious. So, you will find special discounts on numerous items, such as electronics, clothes, etc., in small shops as well as malls. 
  2. Choti Diwali: Choti Diwali is celebrated beautifully as a pre-celebration of Diwali. On this day, communities organize small gatherings, light diyas, share sweets, and enjoy their day.
  3. Diwali: Diwali or Laxmi Puja is the main event, where people offer prayers to Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha and enjoy family reunions. The land gets illuminated by the lamps and sky with the firecrackers. 
  4. Goverdhan Puja: The story behind this day is that Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from Indra's destructive storms. On this day in Dubai, mountains of food are made to offer thanks and seek blessings from Lord Krishna. 
  5. Bhai Dooj: Bhai Dooj is a day that is celebrated to honor the relationship between siblings. On this day, sisters perform rituals and prayers for the well-being, happiness, and prosperity of their brothers, and brothers give them gifts. 

Top 5 Diwali Events in Dubai

Diwali Events in Dubai that you should never miss if celebrating this Diwali in this vibrant city.

  1. Noor Festival at Al Seef: The Noor Festival is organized in Dubai annually during the Diwali celebrations. It features art, music, theatre, and culture for almost three days. The celebrations of this festival symbolize the triumph of good over evil. 
  2. Bollywood Dance Nights: You will find various places in Dubai hosting Bollywood nights. In these events, you can enjoy dancing to Bollywood beats. Sometimes you can meet and relish the vibes of popular Indian as well as international celebs. 
  3. Global Village Diwali Festival: As Global Village is a multicultural hub, you will surely love the festival vibes here. You will observe Indians showcasing cultures, food, handicrafts, performances, and much more on the Diwali theme. 
  4. Diwali at Dubai Mall: Another place you can visit is the Dubai Mall, which is decorated with beautifully lit festive adornments. You can also get special Diwali discounts and live entertainment in or outside the mall. 
  5. Deepavali Utsav at the Etisalat Academy: This is one of the popular events to attend in Dubai for Diwali. Here you will see cultural shows, a live Rangoli competition, traditional Indian games, a food mela, and even performances by celebs. 

Places to Witness Diwali Lights in Dubai

If you are not witnessing Diwali lights in Dubai, then you are missing something you should never. Here is the list of some places where you can enjoy Dubai’s stunning Diwali lights: 

  1. Burj Khalifa: Give your eyes a really mesmerizing bliss that is created at the iconic building, Burj Khalifa. During Diwali, you can savour this beautifully illuminated building while enjoying Diwali lights. 
  2. Karama and Meena Bazaar: These markets get transformed into something extraordinary during Diwali. Here, you will find traditional decorations, bustling markets, and amazing deals as well. 
  3. Dubai Marina: Dubai Marina, a waterfront promenade, gets beautifully embellished with lovely lights and lanterns. Water, skyscrapers, lights, and lanterns together offer a captivating setting.
  4. Bur Dubai: Bur Dubai, also known as “Mini India” of Dubai, truly comes alive on every Indian festival, especially Diwali. You will be glad to see the colorful street lights, diyas, and a lively, party-like atmosphere.

Shopping During Diwali in Dubai 2025

Places where you can do shopping in Dubai during Diwali are: 

  1. Al Karama Old Market: If you want to enjoy the authentic Diwali vibes, you must visit Al Karama. Here you can shop for colorful and attractive Indian wear, home décor items, and accessories, that too at bargain prices. 
  2. The Dubai Mall: The Dubai Mall gets beautifully decorated during Diwali. As the mall is a paradise for shoppers, it offers more amazing offers and discounts during the Diwali season. You can even find dazzling lights and themed decor. 
  3. Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Souk Madinat is a popular market having traditional charm with modernity. During Diwali, you can shop for unique Diwali gifts, artisanal crafts, and festive décor. 
  4. Dubai Festival City Mall: The Dubai Festival City Mall is a must-visit spot to go shopping in Dubai during Diwali. Here you can get festive discounts, Indian fashion, and cultural performances. Witness and enjoy IMAGINE, the light and fountain show.
  5. Dubai Gold Souk: On Diwali, if you want to purchase some gold, the Gold Souk in Dubai is the perfect place. Here you will find hundreds of shops offering intricate jewelry at competitive and affordable prices.

Get an Urgent Dubai Visa for Diwali 2025

Now, your question would be: How to get an Urgent Dubai Visa to celebrate Diwali 2025 in Dubai? The solution to this problem is our website, Urgent Emirates Visa. On this website, you can easily apply for and get your visa within 2-4 hours. To get an Urgent visa for Dubai, the steps you have to follow are: 

  • Step 1: Visit our website ‘Urgent Emirate Visa’ and enter the correct country name as asked. 

  • Step 2: Select the type of visa you have to apply for. 

  • Step 3: Complete the application form with correct details and upload the authentic documents. 

  • Step 4: Make the payment and get the visa confirmation on your registered email ID. 

Conclusion

As Diwali is a widely celebrated Hindu festival, enjoying this festival in Dubai could be a really mesmerizing experience. You can effortlessly plan a trip to Dubai this Diwali, as now you have the information needed. Whether you want to know about Diwali and its festivities, where to shop, which event to attend, or so on, this guide has offered you everything. So, make your Diwali 2025 more memorable and celebrate in Dubai. 

FAQs

When is Diwali 2025?

Diwali 2025 is on 20 October 2025, while the festivities of Diwali begin on 18 October 2025 and end on 23 October 2025. 

How is Diwali celebrated in Dubai?

In Dubai, Diwali is celebrated wholeheartedly, not just by the Indian communities, but by almost everyone. You will get to see traditional entertainment, cultural performances, fireworks, rangoli workshops, and much more. 

Which are the 5 days of Diwali?

The 5 days of Diwali are: Dhanteras, Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi), Diwali (Laxmi Puja), Goverdhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. 

Is Diwali a good time to visit Dubai?

Yes, Diwali is a great and perfect time to visit Dubai, as Dubai celebrates Diwali beautifully, and at a point you don’t feel like you are not in India.