Still figuring out your Diwali in the UAE plans? The Festival of Lights is just around the corner, kicking off the five-day celebrations starting from Saturday, October 18th. This year is not going to be any different when it comes to celebrations, displays of lights, and shopping experiences. To mark the occasion, there are some amazing offers and dining experiences that you can be part of. During this Indian festival, you can snag the best events, spectacular fireworks, and dazzling houses with lights.

So, start your planning and mark your calendars for the following places where you can celebrate Diwali in UAE 2025. 

Dubai Events This Diwali 2025

1. BurJuman Mall 

Make your way to BurJuman Mall to take part in the Jhilmil Diwali celebrations. From 1 to 20 October, the central atrium transforms into a cozy baithak, where you can enjoy Indian classical and folk music performances every Saturday, celebrating the spirit of Diwali's community gatherings. Fridays bring interactive family fun with quiz competitions. At the same time, Sundays feature roaming performers, including dhol players and traditional dancers. 

Throughout the week, you can participate in workshops like diya painting, rangoli making, henna art, and lantern crafting. The Diwali Bazaar on Level 2 brings the true spirit of the festival with over 20 vendors offering handcrafted décor, diyas, lanterns, festive apparel, accessories, and gifting essentials. 

Date: 26th September to 22 October, 2025

2. Diwali Meta at Global Village

Explore the Diwali Mela at the heart of Global Village during the Festival of Lights. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere with Rangoli art displays, live performances on the main stage, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Dress in traditional Indian attire to fully embrace the spirit of the occasion. Explore the Indian Pavilion for a variety of shops offering handicrafts, artefacts, gold, souvenirs, and home décor. You can even satisfy your culinary cravings with a wide range of authentic Indian flavours, from street food at the Indian Chaat Bazaar to dining at Indian restaurants. 

Date: 17th to 20th October, 2025

Entry tickets: Global Village website 

3. Diwali Celebrations at Al Seef, Noor

Set against the charming backdrop of Al Seef, Noor – Festival of Lights returns with a packed calendar of culturally charged experiences designed for communities to come together and celebrate India through its incomparable and rich wealth of performing arts. The festival will feature various grand processions, storytelling, dance, live music, interactive conversations, stand-up comedy, and more. The celebration will culminate in a spectacular display of choreographed fireworks across the Dubai night sky. Noor will also host immersive workshops to foster community engagement, including rangoli-making and an energetic drumming experience. You can expect performances of famous artists like Shekhar Ravijani, Nizami Bhandu, Manju Ramanan, Gillis Chuyen, and many more.

Date: 17 to 19 October 2025

For reservations: call at +91 9643302036

4. Festival Plaza 

Festival Plaza, the community lifestyle destination for homeware and wellness, transforms into a place of celebration for Diwali in Dubai. You can enjoy a rich blend of traditional music, storytelling, and high-energy performances. Enjoy folk tales brought to life through music and narration, a singing showcase by top South Asian artists, and vibrant Bhangra performances from community dance groups. The festivities also include instrumental ensembles featuring traditional instruments like the tabla, sitar, and flute. Moreover, live Sufi and Qawwali music will transport audiences into the heart of Diwali traditions.  

On 25 October, don’t miss the theatrical performance of "Aangan Ki Roshni – A Diwali Story," a Diwali-themed play. For the little ones, there are fun workshops where they can create their own Festival of Lights sweets, paint Diyas, and explore Textile Block Printing, ensuring the whole family can experience the joy and creativity of the season. 

Date: 24th to 25th October from 5 pm

5. Gold District 

Dubai's Gold District in Deira will be the heart of Diwali celebrations. Known for its proximity to the iconic Gold Souk, Dubai Creek fireworks, and vibrant cultural neighborhoods, the area is home to several Accor hotels, including Novotel Dubai Gold District and Mercure Dubai Deira, all offering easy access to the festivities. Shoppers can explore over 300 jewellery stores at the Gold Souk, a Diwali tradition for many, while those seeking a spiritual experience can visit the Shri Krishna Mandir in Bur Dubai.

The district's excellent connectivity, with the Gold Souk Metro Station and Dubai International Airport nearby, makes it an ideal base. Additionally, Accor's Dubai Deira & Gold District hotels offer exclusive Diwali 20% discounts on stay, festive programs, and special dining options. This also includes traditional thali dinners and mithai hampers, ensuring a memorable celebration for all guests.

6. Waterfront Market 

The Waterfront Market in Dubai will showcase the largest Rangoli of Spices, crafted with over 20 varieties sourced from the Market and displayed at its atrium. The Dry Goods & Spices Market offers more than 250 types of dates, nuts, dried fruits, and spices, perfect for festive sweets and gifting. At the same time, the Fruits & Vegetables Market features over 150 varieties to complete Diwali cooking and offerings. Children can enjoy the Waterfront Market Foodie Explorer Passport and Little Rollers' kid-sized trolleys, making festive shopping an educational and fun experience for the whole family. 

Date: 8th to 26th October, 2025; Open daily

Where to Watch Fireworks on Diwali in Dubai?

Souk Al Seef – Old Dubai

Step into Al Seef, where Dubai’s heritage charm meets the modern glow of festivity. Think cobbled walkways, dreamy waterfront views, and food from every corner of the planet. The smell of shawarma in the air? Check. The shimmer of fireworks reflected on the creek? Double check.

Date: October 17, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM

Global Village

Global Village isn’t just a theme park — it’s like every vacation you’ve ever dreamed of, all crammed into one glittery location. One minute you’re eating Turkish ice cream, the next you’re bargaining for Moroccan lamps, and before you know it, you’re spinning in mid-air on a carnival ride wondering if this counts as cardio.

Dates: October 18, 19, 24, and 25, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM (on all days)