Dubai is gearing up to transform into a vibrant wonderland of joy, colour, and citywide celebrations for the Festival of Lights from 25 October to 7 November 2024. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s programme will feature exclusive Diwali retail promotions, glittering gold & jewellery offers, grand raffles and mega prizes, incredible live concerts and cultural performances, must-try Indian delicacies, lively outdoor markets, thrilling fireworks, and much more. From the heart of the city to its bustling neighbourhoods, the jam-packed calendar of festivities promise to make Dubai the ultimate destination for all Diwali festivities.

The season’s extensive calendar of events was announced today in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, at a festive event hosted at B Hub in BurJuman Mall, in the presence of Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai and Mohammed Feras, Associate Vice President at DFRE.

Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai, commented: “We are delighted to announce that the Consulate General of India, in collaboration with Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai Holdings, will be celebrating the Diwali festival from 25 October to 7 November 2024. The highlight of our festivities, Noor – Festival of Lights, will take place at Al Seef from 25-27 October 2024, and we warmly invite everyone to join in the celebrations with enthusiasm. We are also pleased to recognise the active participation of various malls, business groups, and cultural organisations in making this event a grand success. We are confident that this year’s celebrations will create an unforgettable Diwali experience for all.”

Mohamed Feras, Associate Vice President at DFRE,said: “The Festival of Lights is a highly anticipated time for celebration, family, and joy in Dubai, attracting everyone from around the world to experience the city’s vibrant diversity, culture, and cuisine. The festival underscores Dubai’s status as a global city that is home to over 200 nationalities and a world-leading retail and entertainment destination where everyone can find specially curated experiences all year round. We invite everyone to gather with their friends, family and loved ones to experience the joyous spirit of this season in Dubai as the celebrations light up our city in extraordinary ways. From exclusive retail promotions and live entertainment to thrilling fireworks displays, Diwali markets, and unforgettable gastronomy experiences, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.”

SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS

A series of mesmerising fireworks displays will light up the night skies this Diwali, celebrating a spectacular start to the festivities. Families and friends can watch thrilling fireworks at two of the city’s best-loved family destinations: Al Seefon 25 October at 9pm, and Global Village on 25-26 October and 1-2 November.

THRILLING EVENTS AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Friends and family can experience the unique offerings of the season with an enchanting programme of live entertainment throughout Diwali.

Fans of comedy can look forward to the return of Romesh Ranganathan in Dubai this Diwali, with a brand-new show examining the human condition. The leading UK stand-up comedian will bring his sharp wit and observational humour to Coca-Cola Arena for one night only on 25 October, promising a night of riotous laughter, introspection, and no real answers.

A not-to-be-missed highlight of this year’s celebrations is Noor – Festival of Lights, which will be hostedat Al Seeffrom 25-27 October, produced by leading Indian Festival curator and production company TeamWork Arts. Promising the perfect evening out, the three-day cultural fair will immerse the city into the magic of Diwali through stunning lights, artistic expressions, interactive experiences, and grand performances – all set against the backdrop of mesmerising Diwali décor and captivating fireworks in Al Seef’s vibrant lifestyle destination where Dubai’s past and present merge. An enchanting experience awaits everyone, with vibrant puppets’ processions, theatre shows, poetry recitations, musical performances, stand-up comedy, painting and design workshops, traditional Indian delicacies, and so much more spread across the 1.8-kilometre promenade. It’s the prime opportunity to explore Al Seef’s vast array of experiences, which include a traditional souk and alleyways filled with charming restaurants, boutiques, and attractions.

Music lovers can embark on a mesmerising musical journey with The Unforgettables, a soulful tribute to the legendary Late Jagjit Singh, who dedicated his life to elevating Indian music to new heights. The concert series is currently being hosted at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School,until 26 October, where the incredibly talented Tauseef Akhtar – a devoted disciple personally trained by Jagjit Singh himself – is bringing the maestro’s greatest hits to life.

Adding to the excitement will be Meera: Echoes of Love, a captivating performance blending dance, theatre, and music. Featuring seventy local artists, the production will celebrate the strength of women and the deep emotions tied to love and devotion. Audiences can enjoy this heartfelt show on 26 October at Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park.

Another standout cultural event will be Deepavali Utsav 2024, scheduled for 26 October at Etisalat Academy, Dubai. This vibrant celebration of the Festival of Lights will bring an evening filled with tradition and joy, where families will be able to dive into traditional Indian games, experience folk dances from across India, and enjoy a lively funfair with exciting rides and activities for all ages. The event will also offer a delightful array of Indian delicacies from food stalls, ensuring a rich festive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

India’s renowned theatre thriller “Ashvin Gidwani’s Barff” will head to Zabeel Theatre on 8 November, inviting fans to step into the heart of suspense. Written, directed, and performed by the acclaimed Saurabh Shukla, the award-winning actor from the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, the captivating play will leave everyone on the edge of their seats with every twist and turn.

GLITTERING GOLD OFFERS AND MEGA-PRIZES

In keeping with the tradition of buying and gifting gold during this auspicious season, leading jewellery stores across Dubai will offer fantastic discounts on their latest collections. It’s the perfect season to shop, save, and shine brighter this Diwali.

Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG) will ignite the festive spirit with their highly anticipated “Shine Bright this Diwali with City of Gold Glamour” campaign from 20 October – 7 November. Adding sparkle to the season’s celebrations will be irresistible discounts of up to 50 per cent on select diamond and pearl jewellery collections, various price-drops on making charges and exchanges, and free gifts for all shoppers with every purchase. Adding to the excitement, 30 lucky shoppers will be able to win their share of AED 150,000 in gift vouchers upon spends of AED 500 or more.

Shoppers can take advantage of exciting promotions from Damas as part of their “Celebrate Golden Beginnings” campaign. Customers who purchase diamond jewellery valued between AED 3,000 and AED 4,999 will receive a free 0.5-gram 22k gold coin, while those spending AED 5,000 or more on diamond jewellery will receive a 1-gram 22k gold coin. For those making larger purchases, an additional 1-gram gold coin will be given for every AED 20,000 spent on diamond jewellery. Damas is also offering reduced making charges on select 22k gold jewellery and a special zero deduction policy on gold exchange, allowing customers to trade in their old jewellery for new gold or diamond pieces without deductions based on the prevailing gold rate. These offers are available at select Damas stores across Dubai until 3 November.

At Lulu Hypermarkets, the Diwali promotion runs until 3 November, where families can shop for all their festive essentials, from ethnic wear to stunning home décor accessories. Lulu is also offering a wide selection of corporate gift packs featuring premium traditional sweets, beautifully decorated festive boxes, and Diwali-themed shopping gift cards in various denominations. Shoppers can also explore an extensive range of pooja accessories, festive clothing for the entire family, and special seasonal treats.

Dubai Shopping Malls Group will make Diwali truly unforgettable with a thrilling opportunity for shoppers to win AED 100,000 worth of gold. From 21 October to 7 November, 20 lucky winners will be able to take home 24 carat gold coins when they shop for just AED 200 at any store in participating malls. Plus, 10 lucky shoppers will stand a chance to win a premium box of chocolates at each participating mall for every spend of AED 400 or more on 1 November.

City Centre Deira will add to the citywide Diwali excitement with stunning light decor, unbeatable grand prizes, unmissable retail offers, captivating cultural performances, and thrilling live entertainment from 25 October to 7 November. Visitors to the mall can immerse themselves in a vibrant festive atmosphere, while shoppers who spend over AED 300 will have the chance to win a glittering half kilo of gold by simply scanning their receipts on the SHARE app. And, for one day only, a special flash sale on 29 October in celebration of Dhanteras will offer an exclusive 5 per cent cashback on gold and jewellery purchases. In addition, at City Centre Al Shindagha, shoppers will be treated to 10X SHARE points on all spends on fashion and F&B, giving them even more rewards during the festive season.

Shoppers have even more opportunities to unlock golden surprises with Centrepoint’s sparkling celebrations. From 25 October to 7 November, visitors to the brand’s branches at Deira City Centre, BurJuman Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, and Oasis Centre Dubai stand the chance to take home glittering gold when they spend just AED 300.

EXCLUSIVE SEASONAL SHOPPING

With jaw-dropping discounts, exciting giveaways, and free gifts on select purchases, Diwali will be the perfect chance for shoppers to treat their loved ones and save big while upgrading their tech, home, and lifestyle.

BurJuman Mall’s ongoing “Roshan Diwali” spend-and-win promotion is giving 10 lucky shoppers the chance to win a share of AED 75,000 worth of dazzling home makeovers from Home Box upon spends of just AED 250 until 3 November. In addition, the mall is hosting vibrant live entertainment, dance performances, special thematic theatre shows, workshops, and so much more throughout the season from 18 October to 2 November. The mall’s incredibly popular “Diwali on Wheels” campaign is back bigger and better for its third edition this season, taking the festivities to the heart of the community with two specially adorned trucks touring the streets of Bur Dubai, Deira, Karama, and Oud Mehta with free giveaways for everyone.

Lulu Hypermarket in Al Qusais will host a special Diwali Mela from 24 October to 2 November, which will be headlined by actors from the Tamil blockbuster film “Brother”. The festivities will also feature chaat and sweet counters, rangoli contests, and dance performances. A vibrant and joyful Diwali shopping experience awaits all shoppers with fashionable wardrobe makeovers, a sensational range of festive sweets, a curated selection of home décor accessories, exquisite gift items, and much more.

Shoppers on the hunt for sparkling Diwali gifts can earn 30 per cent more Skywards Miles with Skywards Everyday until 7 November. The offer is applicable on spends of AED 1,000 or more at participating outlets include Liali Jewellery, Bayt Damas, Meraki by Tiara Gems, ARTISTRY Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Dhamani 1969, Farah Jewellery, Dusoul by Dhamani, Three Star Jewellery, Roberto Coin, and Jewel. Plus, additional miles are up for grabs for those who pay with an Emirates Skywards Credit Card or shop at Dhamani 1969 and Farah Jewellery in Dubai Mall.

Those looking to refresh their electronics and home appliances this season can enjoy fantastic savings at Jumbo until 1 December. Unmissable deals of up to 30 per cent off are currently on offer across the full range of televisions and home appliances from leading brands. What’s more, spends of over AED 500 gives 4 lucky shoppers the chance to take home 10 grams of gold each, while 1 lucky winner can win the grand prize of 50 grams of gold. The exclusive offer is available at the brand’s Bur Dubai branch only.

The latest gadgets and electronics will be up for grabs at incredible prices at Ecityfrom 25 October to 7 November, with discounts of 25-50 per cent on smartphones, laptops, tablets, accessories, appliances, and more. Plus, shoppers will receive a free gold coin with purchase of selected smartphones, laptops, or appliances. Adding even more joy to every shopping spree, select purchases will also come with a luxurious Lindt chocolate hamper or a brand-new TV for shoppers to take their home entertainment to the next level.

Irresistible offers on luxury fragrances are waiting to be discovered at Odora Perfumes from 25 October to 7 November. Shoppers who spend AED 500 or more can unlock Odora’s exclusive Diwali Sparkles Box, wich features incredible discounts of up to 50 per cent, along with special coupons for gift sets, bags, lotions, home fragrances, and more.

Many other retailers are also offering exclusive discounts and deals throughout the festival, including Odora Perfumes, Amazon.ae, The Watch House, Sharaf DG, and many more. Shoppers can take advantage of incredible savings across fashion, electronics, beauty, and home décor to make this shopping season even more rewarding.

DIWALI MARKETS

Whether shopping for stunning home décor or picking out exquisite jewellery to gift loved ones, shoppers can take advantage of incredible deals at citywide pop-up Diwali markets.

Global Village will host a magical Diwali celebration from 28 October to 3 November, bringing endless family fun for everyone with vibrant Rangoli art painting, lively performances on the Main Stage, and spectacular fireworks. The Festival of Lights Market, presented by India Pavilion, promises an unforgettable Diwali shopping experience for everyone. At the same time, extensive dining options will spotlight India’s finest culinary delights, from traditional street food at the Indian Chaat Bazaar to fine dining at several restaurants. Entry tickets are available via the Global Village mobile app, website, or on-site ticketing booths.

FANTASTIC FEAST OF INDIAN DELICACIES

Foodies are in for a treat this Diwali, as Dubai’s leading restaurants will pull out all the stops for a feast of flavours with authentic dishes, traditional recipes, must-try delicacies, and exclusive Diwali menus that capture the flavours of the season.

talabat UAE will welcome the Festival of Lights with a wide range of offers, festive feasts, sweet treats, and thoughtful gifts. talabat mart is helping make Diwali celebrations extra special with a curated collection of Indian delights and grocery essentials from 15 October to 2 November. A variety of specialty stores will also spotlight festive sweets on talabat, providing the perfect gifts during the festive season. Those celebrating at home can enjoy the rich flavours of Diwali with exclusive discounts on the finest Indian restaurants in Dubai from 28 October to 7 November.

Chutney’s Restaurant at Movenpick Hotel & Apartments, Bur Dubai will bring a vibrant Diwali celebration to the city this season. Traditional festivities, delicious food, and exciting competitions awaits everyone from 31 October to 3 November. Foodies can start their celebration with the Chef’s special amuse-bouche, followed by a delightful Diwali set menu available for both lunch and dinner. On Diwali day, guests will be invited to dress in their finest traditional attire and participate in a creative Rangoli design competition for a chance to win special prizes. Plus, lucky diners will stand the chance to win an exciting Diwali raffle, while little ones will be able to enjoy fun-filled activities at the restaurant’s Little Birds Kids Club. As the evenings unfold, live entertainment will add the perfect musical touch to an unforgettable dining experience.

iZat Grand Hyatt Dubai will bring the magic of India’s Festival of Lights to life with an exclusive three-course set menu from 31 October to 2 November. The glow of a thousand candles, the vibrancy of coloured Rangoli, and the fragrance of marigolds will greet every guest as they embark on an unforgettable culinary journey to savour classic delights of the season. Diners can indulge on this special set menu and a dedicated chaat counter for only AED 199 per person.

For those seeking delicious food and royal Indian ambience this Diwali, Punjab Grill – a Michelin-Guide Select restaurant – will serve a delectable feast of rich and authentic flavours this season. An extraordinary festive menu featuring an artful combination of tradition and innovation promises to dazzle foodies from 25 October to 7 November.

The vibrant flavours of Punjab will take centre-stage at Dhaba Lane this Diwali, with an exclusive 5-course set menu available from 31 October to 10 November for just AED 69 per person. Whether celebrating with family or enjoying a festive outing with friends, this carefully curated menu will make Diwali a truly special experience for everyone.

With so much to see, do, and experience across the city, the Festival of Light celebrations in Dubai are not to be missed.

Visit the Festival of Lights website and @DubaiFestivals on social media channels for more information.