From carnivals to fireworks, discover the most exciting, family-friendly Diwali activities the city has to offer. Whether you’re looking for celebrations that remind you of home or just need an excuse to go shopping, here’s a roundup of lively ways to spend the festival of lights in Dubai.
Bollywood Parks
Dubai Parks and Resorts is the place to be for Diwali this year. The glitzy and glamorous Bollywood Parks is going all out for the festival with flavourful and authentic Indian street food, thrilling rides, exclusive screenings of popular Bollywood films and star-studded live entertainment in collaboration with Zee Network.
Catch live performances by Shankar-Ehsan-Loy, Bollywood’s most famous trio behind 50 film soundtracks including blockbusters like ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ and ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ on 9 November. The following day the former lead of the sensational Bombay Vikings, Neeraj Shridhar, will take the stage with remix hits like ‘Kya Soorat Hai’ and ‘Chod Do Anchal’ to keep the festivities rolling. Don’t be late because the first 100 visitors get free entry!
When: 9-10 November
Where: Bollywood Parks, Dubai Parks and Resorts
Al Seef Diwali Market
Dubai’s newest cultural hub, Al Seef, is going all out this year hosting ten days of celebrations with the Diwali Mela, a showcase of delicious food, live music, cultural performances and traditional decorations. Join in as Dubai attempts to break another Guinness World Record for the largest ‘diya’ lighting, or simply peruse the endless displays of festive finds, decorative candles, precious jewellery and more. Al Seef’s Diwali Mela is a must-see carnival with games for little ones, a mega draw with exciting prizes on 10 November, and lots of promised fun.
When: 1-10 November
Where: Al Seef Mall, Dubai Creek
Diwali Fireworks at Dubai Creek
Gather your kids and charge your cameras for Dubai Creek’s scintillating display of fireworks in honour of the festival of lights. Planned for 7 November, watch as they brighten up the evening sky with the backdrop of Dubai’s impressive skyline as part of Al Seef Diwali Market. Time your visit to get the most out of the vibrant carnival and the brilliant water-side spectacle.
When: 7 November
Where: Dubai Creek
IMAGINE Show
Dubai Festival City Mall’s record-breaking projection IMAGINE will shine in the colours and spirit of Diwali with a bespoke choreography to A.R. Rahman’s iconic global hit ‘Jai Ho.’ The display is located along the mall’s waterfront with its selection of gourmet restaurants, so bring the whole family along for dinner and a free show of water, fire, lights and lasers to a tune that rattled radio stations worldwide. It’s the perfect excuse to explore the incredible discounts and offers commemorating the holiday at many leading retail stores in Dubai.
When: 1-10 November - please check date
Where: Dubai Creek - location should be Dubai festival city waterfront??
