Spectacular citywide celebrations are setting the stage for a dazzling Diwali season starting today, 25 October
There’s something for everyone to enjoy with spectacular fireworks, thrilling live entertainment, free-to-attend cultural experiences, vibrant markets, glittering gold offers, a feast of Indian delicacies, and much more
Dubai, United Arab Emirates- A packed programme of sparkling celebrations across Dubai are ushering in a truly memorable Festival of Lights starting today, 25 October, promising unforgettable moments, endless joy, and exhilarating excitement for everyone in the city.
From spectacular fireworks and thrilling live entertainment to free-to-attend cultural experiences, vibrant Diwali markets, glittering gold offers, a feast of Indian delicacies, and so much more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), here’s a glimpse of the top experiences awaiting everyone this Festival of Lights…
- 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 Seef on 25 October at 9pm, and Global Village on 25-26 October and 1-2 November.
- THRILLING 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 with a brand-new show at Coca-Cola Arena today, 25 October. Music lovers can embark on a mesmerising musical journey with The Unforgettables concert series at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School until 26 October. Also on 26 October, Meera: Echoes of Love brings a captivating performance blending dance, theatre, and music to Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park. Lastly, 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.
- FREE-TO-ATTEND CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Citywide cultural fairs are immersing the city in the magic of the season through stunning lights, artistic expressions, interactive experiences, and grand performances – all set against the backdrop of mesmerising Diwali décor.
A not-to-be-missed highlight of this year’s celebrations is Noor – Festival of Lights, a three-day cultural fair being hosted at Al Seef starting today, 25 October and running until 27 October, produced by leading Indian Festival curator and production company TeamWork Arts. Another standout cultural event promising an evening filled with tradition and joy for families across the city is the Deepavali Utsav 2024, being hosted on 26 October at Etisalat Academy, Dubai.
- DIWALI MARKETS
Citywide colourful pop-up Diwali markets are offering shoppers a treasure trove of festive finds, from one-of-a-kind home décor to jewellery to gift family and friends.
Deep Utsav 2024 at Glendale International School, Oud Metha brings a grand spectacle of family fun, festive delights, dazzling entertainment, and thrilling activities for all ages on 27 October. Meanwhile, 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, spectacular fireworks, Diwali shopping experience, traditional dining, and more.
Shoppers can also enjoy exclusive Diwali shopping experiences on 26 October at the Diwali Fiesta Exhibition at Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers – Hotel & Residence, as well as the Diwali Edit – Fashion & Luxury Exhibition at DoubleTree by Hilton M Square.
- GLITTERING GOLD OFFERS AND MEGA PRIZES
Diwali wouldn’t be complete without fantastic gold offers. Leading jewellery stores across Dubai are offering fantastic discounts on their latest gold and jewellery collections.
Shoppers can take advantage of exciting promotions from Damas at select stores until 3 November, including free gold coins, reduced making charges, and zero deduction policy on gold exchange. Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG) is igniting the festive spirit until 7 November, with irresistible discounts, free gifts, and the chance for 30 lucky shoppers to win their share of AED 150,000 in gift vouchers upon spends of AED 500 or more. Dubai Shopping Malls Group brings a thrilling opportunity for 20 lucky shoppers to walk away with AED 100,000 worth of gold, 24 carat gold coins, and more when they spend just AED 200 until 7 November.
BurJuman Mall is giving 10 lucky shoppers the chance to win AED 75,000 worth of dazzling home makeovers from Home Box upon spends of just AED 250 until 3 November. City Centre Deira is adding to the citywide Diwali excitement with stunning light decor, grand prizes including half kilo of gold, exciting retail offers, and thrilling live entertainment until 7 November. And, for one day only, a special flash sale on 29 October in celebration of Dhanteras brings an exclusive 5 per cent cashback on gold and jewellery purchases. At City Centre Al Shindagha, shoppers can avail 10X SHARE points on all spends on fashion and F&B, giving them even more rewards during the festive season until 7 November. Shoppers at select Centrepoint stores also stand the chance to take home glittering gold when they spend AED 300 until 7 November.
- EXCLUSIVE SEASONAL SHOPPING
With thrilling discounts, exciting giveaways, exclusive rewards, 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.
The Diwali promotion at Lulu Hypermarkets runs until 3 November, where shoppers can take home festive essentials, corporate gift packs, festive boxes, and Diwali-themed shopping gift cards in various denominations. Plus, their Al Qusais branch is hosting a vibrant Diwali Mela with chaat and sweet counters, rangoli contests, and dance performances until 2 November.
Shoppers on the hunt for sparkling Diwali gifts can earn 30 per cent more Skywards Miles with Emirates Skywards Everyday with spends of AED 1,000 or more at participating outlets until 7 November.
Those looking to refresh their electronics and home appliances this season can enjoy discounts of 25-50 per cent at Ecity until 7 November, and stand the chance to take home mega prizes like a free gold coin, a brand-new TV, and more with select purchases. The latest gadgets and electronics are up for grabs with up to 30 percent off at Jumbo’s Bur Dubai branch until 1 December, where 4 lucky shoppers can also win 10 grams of gold each and 1 grand prize of 50 grams of gold with spends of over AED 500.
Several other retailers are also offering exclusive discounts and deals throughout the festival, including Odora Perfumes, 6thstreet.com, Amazon.ae, La Marquise Jewellery, Pure Gold, Day to Day, Biba, Home Box, Nazih Cosmetics, 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.
FANTASTIC FEAST OF INDIAN DELICACIES
Foodies can feast on specially curated set menus, wholesome dishes, and authentic recipes that capture the flavours of the season at Dubai’s leading restaurants – be it fine dining experiences, family-friendly hotspots, cosy spots to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Participating brands include talabat UAE, Chutney’s Restaurant at Movenpick Hotel & Apartments in Bur Dubai, iZ at Grand Hyatt Dubai, Punjab Grill – a Michelin-Guide Select restaurant, and Dhaba Lane.
