Diwali in Dubai: From fireworks to markets, 8 free-to-attend celebrations

For your Diwali celebrations in Dubai, we have compiled six free-to-attend activations across the emirate. From shopping and food fests to rangoli art and cultural performance, here’s where to enjoy an ethnic day for Diwali.

Residents can celebrate Diwali, with mesmerizing projection shows full of lights at Al Wasl dome, Expo City Dubai.

Buy a trinket: Indian-themed décor, hanging flowers and photo opportunities are available for purchase around BurJuman Mall. But if you aren’t into photos, you can still enjoy the place and get yourself a different style of souvenir from fashion, accessories, and décor to delectable Diwali-themed sweet and savoury bites and much more from October 1 to 30.

Witness the action: Expect a colourful Diwali celebration at the Waterfront Market’s main atrium area with a range of activities to mark the occasion including the chance to see a rangoli artist work magic with colours and energetic Bollywood dances performed by skilled artists throughout the day, from October 15- 24.

Eye on record breaking show: Dubai Festival City Mall will host record-breaking water and light ‘Imagine’ show that will be specially choreographed for Diwali and synchronised with the fireworks display, cultural performances and LIVE DJ on October 23. You can view the fireworks from the Festival Bay waterside.

Cultural tribute: Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Global Village with the UAE’s best representation of Indian traditions, culture and food at India Pavilion. Residents and tourists can shop for unique items and special gifts from more than 240 stalls selling the finest Indian handicrafts and artefacts, while also enjoying spectacular Bollywood shows, crafts and performances from October 25.

And this action-packed event will see fireworks lighting up the sky.

For Diwali, the world’s biggest dancing fountain will play popular Hindi songs and host live performances. You can catch the performances from 6pm to 10pm every day between October 14 and October 28. As for the fountain, every third show will be to the beat of a Hindi number.

Food truck fest: In this free-to-attend festival, you can enjoy delicious wares from food trucks, shopping outlets, cultural performances, live music and kids’ plays. There will be more than 50 vendors at the Diwali Dhamaka Festival, to be held in Souq al Marfa on Dubai Islands. The two-day festival will be on October 22 and 23.