Brief Background of the Festival
Diwali in Dubai is the most significant Hindu Festival that celebrates Good over Evil. Known as the Festival of Lights, where "light" is a metaphor for knowledge. The days are highly celebratory, with lots of music, dancing and dining, along with some Hindu traditions.
Diwali in Dubai Dates
Diwali in Dubai is a 5-day long festival, with the main Diwali falling on the 3rd day on New Moon. Diwali is preceded by two festivals - Dhanteras and Choti Diwali and succeeded by two - Goverdhan Pooja and Bhai Dooj.
Diwali 2025 Dates: Saturday, November 1
5 Days of Diwali
Date | Event |
Saturday 18th October 2025 | Dhanteras |
Monday, 20th October, 2025 | Choti Diwali |
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | Diwali |
Wednesday, 22nd October, 2025 | Goverdhan Puja |
Thursday, 23th October 2025 | Bhai Dooj |
5-Day Celebration of Diwali in Dubai

Day 1: Dhanteras
The first day of Diwali in Dubai begins with buying a utensil of brass/silver/gold. It is considered a very sacred day to shop in the markets of Dubai for decorations, lights, sweets, and materials of daily use. The markets of Dubai are filled with people; sweet shops flourish with hustling customers. People also buy gifts for family and friends, ranging from sweets to gold/silver jewelry. Various places to go for Diwali Shopping are :
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The Dubai Mall
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Wafi Mall
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Deira City Centre
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Mall of the Emirates
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Bur Dubai Souk
Day 2: Choti Diwali
A day preceding the main festival, this day is used to make all the arrangements for the next day. This includes making sweets at home, visiting close family and friends, and sharing gifts. Households and buildings are lit up with lights, diyas, and candles.
Day 3: Diwali
As the main day arrives, Everyone dresses up in their best traditional Indian attire to worship Laxmi-Ganesh, the Hindu Gods of wealth and protection. It is an evening spent with family and friends, playing indoor games like cards and dancing and singing. Using fireworks is not permitted to households in Dubai; however, one can see the sky lit up with fireworks by the Emirates.
Day 4: Goverdhan Pooja
The day after Diwali in Dubai, Hindus prepare a large vegetarian meal and offer it to Lord Krishna. Langars are held across the city, where Hindus will be serving home-cooked vegetarian meals. Special menus are made in several Indian restaurants.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj is the day of siblings and cousins. A sister offers sweets to his brother, and in return, the brother gifts his sister with presents and vows to protect her.
Places To Visit During Diwali in Dubai
1. Dubai Creek for Fireworks

2. Bollywood Parks

3. Festivities at Al Seef

4. Waterfront Promenade at the Dubai Mall

Diwali in Dubai is one of the most popular festivals that is enjoyed not just by the Indian community in the city, but all residents and tourists as well. How will you be celebrating it this year?