The five-day celebration of India’s festival of lights, Diwali, is just around the corner. It’s all about honouring good overcoming evil and light over darkness and is celebrated by millions of people around the world.
We have picked out the best places to enjoy the festivities in Dubai. Whether it’s with the whole family or just the girls – we got you. Celebrations will start Wednesday 29th October and end Sunday 3rd November and we can’t wait.
Scan our list of places to celebrate this year’s Festival of Lights.
JLT
Enjoy live entertainment with dancing and music and sample food and drinks at JLT Park. There will also be a DJ to make the evening spectacular.
📅 Friday 1st November from 5pm-8pm.
📍 LT Park, between clusters P and Q.
💸 Free.
Burj Khalifa and Downtown
The world’s tallest building lights up for Diwali. It’s something you should see. The Diwali celebrations at the Burj Khalifa will be a truly magical experience. With stunning light shows and even fireworks, this is the place to be for this year’s festival of lights.
📅 Open 24 hours.
📍 Downtown Dubai.
💸 Free.
Khoya
Just in time for Diwali, this Indian sweets shop has opened in Dubai Hills Mall. It’s not your run-of-the-mill sweets, these are more on the luxurious side and we’re *totally* here for it. Not only do they look fab, but they taste amazing too. Sweeten up your Diwali celebrations with these delicious treats.
📅 Daily from 10am-11pm.
📍 Dubai Hills Mall.
💸 Check out their prices here.
Global Village
It’s only our fave place in Dubai. And it is the place to celebrate Diwali like no other. Head to the Indian Pavilion for amazing Diwali-themed shows and delicious traditional Indian food. Don’t forget to try the mango lassi – it’s sooo good.
📅 Sunday-Wednesday from 4pm-12am, Thursday-Saturday from 4pm-1am.
📍 Global Village.
💸 From Dhs30.
Jumeirah Beach
If an evening on the beach with the sound of the waves in your ears doesn’t sound like a great way to celebrate Diwali, then we don’t know what does. Jumeirah Beach is the perfect place to celebrate with your family and enjoy a picnic on the beach.
📅 Open 24 hours.
📍 Jumeirah Beach.
💸 Free.
Armani/Amal at Burj Khalifa
Looking for an amazing dining experience for this year’s Diwali celebrations? The Armani Amal Restaurant at Burj Khalifa offers delicious authentic Indian food and best of all, you can enjoy your meal overlooking the Dubai Fountains.
📅 Daily from 6:30pm-11:30pm.
📍 Downtown Dubai.
💸 Check out their prices here.
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE)
What to expect at the DFRE this Diwali: exclusive retail promotions, gold and jewellery offers, grand raffles and huge prizes. There will also be live concerts and cultural performances you won’t want to miss. And don’t forget to indulge in some Indian delicacies. Get ready for a dazzling fireworks display.
📅 Friday 25th October to Thursday 7th November.
📍 Al Seef Creek Dubai.
💸 Free.
Vego Café and Confectionary
We all love a place that offers vegetarian and vegan food. Vego now invites guests to celebrate Diwali together. With a wide range of exquisite Diwali hampers filled with handmade mithai, chocolates and savoury delicacies.
📅 Daily 8am-11pm.
📍 JLT.
💸 From Dhs20.
Khyber
Indulge in an exciting culinary experience for this year’s Diwali celebrations. Khyber, the award-winning restaurant, will be offering a four-course Diwali menu. Enjoy a variety of North Indian delicacies paired with fab live entertainment. There will also be a henna artist *love* on Friday 1st November.
📅 Saturday 26th October to Friday 1st November.
📍 Dukes the Palm.
💸 From Dhs175.
Sugargram
If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to be. The home-grown brand offers special treats for this year’s Diwali. Indulge in bite-sized cupcakes, artisanal sweets and the exclusive Tin(y) Cake. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Diwali with family and friends and treat yourself to some delicious treats.
📍 Available on ChatFood and Deliveroo. Order here.
💸 From Dhs55.
Purani Dilli, Four Points by Sheraton
Experience Utsav-e-Diwali at Purani Dilli. The restaurant invites guests to celebrate Diwali with traditional food that takes you through all the flavours of Old Delhi. With a live cooking station and fantastic vibes, this is sure to be a night to remember.
📅 Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd November from 7pm-11:30pm.
📍 Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road.
💸 From Dhs109.
Bombay Borough
If you want to eat all day for this year’s Diwali celebrations, Bombay Borough is the place to be. With their 8-course set menu, you will def have enough to last you the whole day. You can enjoy delicious Indian cuisine and yap with your loved ones all day long. Sounds fab, right?
📅 Wednesday 30th October to Sunday 3rd November.
📍 DIFC.
💸 Dhs285.
Ewaan in Palace Downtown
Indulge in an exquisite Diwali buffet with loads of traditional Indian and international delicacies (plus a chocolate fountain *yum*). It’s the perfect place to celebrate the festival of lights with your loved ones. Yapping and eating delicious food – sounds like your Diwali plans are sorted.
📅 Friday 1st November to Sunday 3rd November from 6pm to 10:00pm.
📍 Palace Downtown.
💸 Dhs350.
Address Dubai Mall
A Diwali brunch with your loved ones sounds great, right? Let yourself be transported to the heart of India while enjoying traditional food and fab vibes. This brunch will allow you to taste all the different flavours that India has to offer *so excited*.
📅 Saturday 2nd November from 7pm to 11:30pm.
📍 Address Dubai Mall.
💸 From Dhs285.