Dubai, the busiest city in the Middle East, hosts several Indian festivals every year. Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, is celebrated in Dubai with great joy. This extraordinary occasion is a fun-filled celebration time in winter for Emirati families. This Hindu festival is celebrated to mark the victory of Good over Evil. The city will glimmer with lights and dazzling fireworks displays on this special day.
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FAQ for Diwali in Dubai
1. When Is Diwali In 2023?
Diwali 2022 will be celebrated on 24th October. Danteras will be celebrated on Friday, 10 November 2023 and will be complete with the celebration of Bhai Dhooj on Sunday, 12 November 2023.
2. How Is Diwali Celebrated In UAE?
Significant cities in UAE, such as Sharjah, Ajman, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, celebrate Diwali with lots of fireworks, joy, and lights. Even though the UAE doesn’t have an official holiday for Diwali, the residents celebrate the day with delicious food, lights, and fireworks. In addition, several popular destinations in UAE cities organize huge light shows where thousands gather to witness the fireworks.
This 5-day long occasion of Diwali has Dhanteras and Choti Diwali festivals before it and Goverdhan Pooja and Bhai Dooj following it. The Diwali celebrations in the city begin with sweet shops, gift shops, and jewelry shops filled with customers on a shopping spree. Then, from colorful events, family entertainment options, and vibrant fireworks, Dubai comes alive with Diwali each year. Skyscrapers, balconies of residential buildings, and offices gleam at night with brightly colored lights on Diwali.
10 Best Places To Visit In Dubai During Diwali
For Diwali 2023, visit the following locations in Dubai to have a blast with your loved ones on this special occasion.
1. Burj Khalifa
This renowned building measuring 828 m in height, is one of the tallest skyscrapers globally and is the most visited destination for Diwali. Popularly called Burj Dubai, this structure boasts a massive observation deck on the 148th Level, which offers a magnificent view of the city’s skyline.
This skyscraper flaunts an illuminated look during Diwali every year, accompanied by Bollywood blockbuster songs and a fountain with flying water streams to match the song tune. Enjoy the vivid firework display from the Burj Khalifa’s observation deck as a part of the Diwali show.
2. Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel
How does celebrating Diwali by watching colorful fireworks on display from the world’s most powerful observation wheel sound? Yes, you heard it right. Fondly called the “Dubai Eye,” this impressive giant wheel is touted as the city’s most famous landmark. It is designed with 48 capsules and can hold up to 1400 people.
Enjoy the beautiful fireworks and the well-lit skyline of the city from the top of this Ferris Wheel. This gigantic wheel assures a 360-degree panoramic view of the Diwali spirit of Dubai and its coastline when seated in the glass capsule at the height of 167 m.
3. Bluewaters Island
If you thought Bluewaters Island is famous, as the Ain Dubai wheel is located here, we can tell you’re wrong. Each year, this island arranges a special Diwali show along with a splendid fireworks display to lift your spirits during this special day.
Watch the fireworks light up the Dubai sky while enjoying the festival of lights with yummy foods, family events, and live music at the Street Festival. You can also enjoy live dance and music performances from famous Bollywood numbers.
4. Palm Jumeirah
This magnificent man-made island in Dubai is well-known for its towering skyline. This distinct feature of this serene island is that it is shaped like a palm tree when you view it from the top angle. This island has a lot of luxury resorts to ensure a comfortable stay for tourists and locals visiting it during Diwali.
Enjoy an authentic Indian feast served by several fine dining options located here while witnessing the magic of a fireworks display unfolding before your eyes in the night sky.
5. Global Village
This beloved destination in Dubai is where you should head to celebrate Diwali in style. From an eye-captivating fireworks display to Bollywood shows, this Global Village rightly captures the essence of the Indian festival. Don’t miss to watch the special stunt show held at night, which has some death-defying stunts performed by the Hollywood stunt team on jet skis, bikes, and cars.
6. Dubai Creek
It’s no secret that the residents of Dubai love to visit this scenic location each year on Diwali. The Creek is the abode of an excellent selection of restaurants and eateries, shopping activities, and fun-filled events to keep everyone engaged. In addition, watching the fireworks at this place is a favorite activity of the Emiratis on the special day when negativity is banished by light.
The best thing about Dubai Creek is that there are no restrictions for bursting Diwali crackers. So have a memorable time by visiting this place to make your Diwali more special.
7. Dhow Cruise
Take a 2-hour cruise on the shimmering sea of Dubai with your loved ones by booking a Dhow boat to celebrate Diwali differently. Enjoy the fireworks display across the starlit sky and be mesmerized by the stunning skyline views while tasting some of the dishes from popular cuisines worldwide.
Make this special occasion with the popular Tanura dance and several live performances while sailing along Logo Island. Make sure you opt for the upper deck dining option during your cruise to catch a glimpse of the brightly lit city while cruising through the Marina Towers, Yacht club, and Dubai Marina.
8. Jumeirah Beach
Located on the Persian Gulf’s coast, this white sand beach in Dubai is a popular tourist destination and is flocked by people on all special occasions like Diwali. This beach is studded with several luxury hotels and resorts to make your stay memorable. Enjoy an evening or morning stroll on the beach’s sandy shore with your loved ones and pets. If visiting this beach during Diwali, don’t forget to watch the display of multi-hued fireworks held on the beach premises. The iconic firework display in Jumeirah Beach is attractive because it will feature earth elements like water, fire, etc.
9. Dubai Festival City
If you are on the hunt for a fair dose of shopping, dining, and entertainment under a single roof for this Diwali, then this Dubai destination is the right choice. It houses several outlets selling world-renowned brands to help you shop to your heart’s content. So grab a quick bite or enjoy a laid-back dinner at the restaurants in this location to satiate your hunger pangs.
Have a great time with your family or friends at the live shows with dance and music. The region is known for its pompous fireworks show to mark the occasion of Diwali. Make the most of this special day by visiting the bay waterside region or the seafront restaurant with a great view.
10. Waterfront Promenade
Lying at the base of Burj Khalifa and near Dubai Mall, this location is the perfect place to get a fantastic glimpse of the Dubai Fountain. There are many restaurants where you can have your food while enjoying the enthralling view. On Diwali day, you can witness the beauty of floating paintings exhibited on slow-moving boats across the river.
If you plan to visit the Emirates capital during Diwali, rest assured that you will have a good time, as some events will be held at various spots across the city. Fireworks display is a significant point of attraction during Diwali in Dubai, coupled with live music or dance performances to assure you a great time.