Diwali 2026 in the UAE falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, with the five-day festival running from Dhanteras on Friday 6 November to Bhai Dooj on Tuesday 10 November. Lakshmi Puja in Dubai is on the Sunday evening, 5:58 PM to 7:56 PM. Diwali arrives almost three weeks later than it did last year, so this season lands in cooler November evenings, which is good news for anyone planning to watch fireworks outdoors.

This page is the practical side of Diwali in the UAE: the dates, where the city celebrates, and how to plan around a working week. For the full puja vidhi, muhurat and samagri, see our Diwali 2026 guide for the UAE.

Diwali 2026 dates in the UAE

Lakshmi Puja muhurat in Dubai: 5:58 PM to 7:56 PM on Sunday 8 November, inside Pradosh Kaal (5:35 PM to 8:10 PM). The Amavasya runs from 9:57 AM on 8 November to 11:01 AM on 9 November. Sharjah and Ajman run about a minute ahead of Dubai, Abu Dhabi about four minutes behind.

How the UAE celebrates Diwali

Diwali is not a public holiday in the UAE, but in 2026 the main day falls on a Sunday, part of the weekend for most of the country. Dhanteras is a Friday and Govardhan Puja a Monday, so the festival straddles the working week on both sides.

Public celebrations follow a familiar pattern every year, and the 2026 programmes are usually announced from mid-October. These are the places to watch.

Global Village

Global Village reopens for its new season each autumn, and in recent years it has marked Diwali with celebrations around the India pavilion, stage performances, rangoli displays and fireworks on selected nights. Check the Global Village app or website for the 2026 Diwali nights before you go, as fireworks are not nightly.

Old Dubai and the Creek

Al Seef and the Creek-side heritage areas have hosted Diwali festivals with processions, music, workshops and fireworks over the water. Bur Dubai is also where most families shop for the festival, from mithai to puja flowers, and the lanes near the temples are at their busiest on Diwali evening.

Malls and community venues

Malls with a strong Indian customer base, BurJuman among them, have run Diwali bazaars, diya painting and rangoli workshops, and weekend performances through October and November. Community associations and residential compounds hold their own melas, usually on the weekend closest to Diwali, which this year is 7 and 8 November.

Gold shopping on Dhanteras

Buying gold or silver on Dhanteras is one of the strongest Diwali traditions among UAE families, and the Deira Gold Souk and jewellery stores across the emirates run festive offers in the run-up. Dhanteras 2026 is Friday 6 November; see our Dhanteras 2026 guide for the puja muhurat.

For fireworks specifically, our guide to where to watch Diwali fireworks in Dubai covers the spots worth heading to.

Before the Lakshmi Puja

Diyas, the Lakshmi Ganesh murti and return gifts, delivered across the UAE. Shop Diwali pooja items and decorations

Hand-Painted Clay Diya 6 cm with Wicks

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Clay Laxmi Ganesh Idol Pair (10 cm)

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Diwali Dry Fruit Return Gift Box

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Planning your Diwali week in the UAE

• Order puja samagri by the first week of November. Diyas, rangoli colours and Lakshmi Ganesh murtis sell through fast in the last few days, and deliveries slow down as the festival approaches.
• Book restaurant thalis and hotel dinners early. Diwali evening on a weekend fills Indian restaurants across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• Plan the Monday. Govardhan Puja is on a working day this year, with its muhurat from 3:22 PM to 5:34 PM. Many families prepare the Annakut on Sunday night and offer it after work.
• Keep Bhai Dooj simple. Tuesday 10 November, with the tilak time from 1:09 PM to 3:21 PM in Dubai. Families who cannot meet in the afternoon usually keep it in the evening.

Frequently asked questions

When is Diwali 2026 in the UAE?

Sunday, 8 November 2026. The five days run from Dhanteras on Friday 6 November to Bhai Dooj on Tuesday 10 November.

What time is Lakshmi Puja on Diwali 2026 in Dubai?

5:58 PM to 7:56 PM on Sunday 8 November, the overlap of Pradosh Kaal and the fixed Vrishabha lagna. Pradosh Kaal itself runs from 5:35 PM to 8:10 PM.

Is Diwali a public holiday in the UAE?

No. In 2026 the main Diwali day falls on a Sunday, which is part of the weekend for most UAE residents, but Dhanteras on Friday and Govardhan Puja on Monday are working days.

Where can I watch Diwali fireworks in Dubai?

Global Village and the Creek-side areas around Al Seef have held Diwali fireworks in recent years. Dates for 2026 are usually announced from mid-October, so check the venue's own listings before you go.

Why is Diwali in November this year when it was in October last year?

Diwali follows the Kartik Amavasya of the lunar calendar, not a fixed solar date. In 2026 that new moon falls on 8 November.

Do I use Indian or UAE timings for the puja?

UAE timings. Every muhurat depends on local sunset, so the Indian times on most panchang apps would put a UAE family in the wrong window.