The UAE is ready to celebrate Diwali 2025 with unprecedented fervor, turning the Emirates into a global spectacle of the Festival of Lights. With the main day of Diwali falling on Monday, October 20, communities across Dubai and Abu Dhabi are preparing for a week of cultural events, major retail promotions, and family-friendly festivities.
1. Extended Breaks and Community Support
- Extended School Holidays: Many Indian-curriculum schools in the UAE, including institutions in Dubai and Sharjah, have announced three-to-five-day holiday breaks from October 17–22, coinciding with the weekend to allow families to celebrate and travel.
- Government-Backed Community Events: The UAE is actively supporting major community celebrations. The largest Indian Diwali celebration is set to take place at Zabeel Park, Dubai, on Sunday, October 19, with over 60,000 attendees expected. The event, supported by the UAE Government Media Office, will feature prominent artists like Neha Kakkar and Mika Singh, and Dubai’s RTA has extended Metro hours to facilitate movement.
- Worship and Cultural Hubs: The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi will remain open on the main Diwali day, Monday, October 20 (a non-operational day), to accommodate the large influx of worshippers. Special Lakshmi Puja, a virtual Dhan Puja, and the grand Annakut offering on October 22 are scheduled.
2. Dazzling Fireworks and Entertainment
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have announced multiple venues for spectacular fireworks displays:
| Venue | Date(s) | Time |
| Al Seef (Dubai Creek) | Friday, October 17 | 9:00 PM |
| Global Village | Oct 18, 19, 24, & 25 | 9:00 PM |
| Yas Marina (Abu Dhabi) | Diwali Night (October 20) | Scheduled |
| Riverland Dubai | Oct 17–19 | 9:30 PM |
- ‘Noor: Festival of Lights’: Dubai’s waterfront destination, Al Seef, will host the Noor: Festival of Lights from October 17–19, featuring cultural showcases, live music, dance, poetry, and workshops, culminating with a fireworks display.
- Bollywood Park, Global Village, and Wafi City are also hosting special Diwali Melas, live performances, and family activities throughout the festive week.
3. Record-Breaking Retail Promotions and Giveaways
The festival is driving a massive shopping season, particularly for gold, with city-wide raffles and discounts:
- Gold Giveaways: The Dubai Jewellery Group’s ‘Shine with Prosperity’ campaign offers shoppers spending over AED 1,000 a chance to win from a pool of AED 150,000 in vouchers, plus complimentary gold coins on purchases over AED 4,000.
- Major Prizes: Shoppers can enter draws to win a SOUEAST SO6 SUV car at BurJuman Mall, and the Dubai Gold Souk Extension is running raffles for gold coins and bars on spends of AED 500 or more.
- Discounts: Retailers are offering massive discounts, including up to 70% off on select diamond and pearl jewellery, and promotions with zero deduction on old gold exchange.
4. Eco-Conscious Celebrations
In line with global sustainability efforts, a strong push for an eco-friendly Diwali is visible across the Emirates, promoting:
- Sustainable Décor: Encouraging the use of clay diyas, natural colors for rangoli (like turmeric and rice flour), and upcycled/recycled lanterns.
- Clean Alternatives to Firecrackers: Promoting laser and light shows, or community lighting events instead of traditional fireworks to minimize air and noise pollution.
The overwhelming response and the scale of official and community events solidify the UAE’s commitment to providing a vibrant ‘home away from home’ experience for its resident population and visitors during Diwali.
