Diwali in UAE: How the festival of lights has evolved over the years
From gatherings to grand spectacles, Diwali in the UAE continues to unite and inspire joy
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In 1960, Dubai’s Indian community marked Diwali with simple gatherings and oil lamps at small melas — a heartfelt celebration that laid the foundation for today’s grand UAE festivities. Above, Indian expatriates at a Diwali Mela in 1960.
Courtesy: Narain Sawlani/Gulf News archives
In the 1970s and early 1980s, Diwali in the UAE was celebrated quietly, yet with heartfelt warmth. For the first wave of Indian expatriates, there were no massive light displays or cultural programmes — only a handful of lamps glowing outside homes.
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1987: Bur Dubai came alive with Diwali lights and street festivities, as the city’s Indian community gathered to celebrate the Festival of Lights with music, lamps, and shared joy.
Gulf News archives
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By the 1990s, as Indian communities grew, Diwali expanded beyond homes. Cultural associations began hosting dance shows, music nights, and community dinners, while markets in Karama and Bur Dubai overflowed with diyas and sweets.
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2001: Crowds gathered at Dubai’s Crowne Plaza Hotel for a lively Diwali concert by Indian pop singer Nitin Bali, featuring music, dance, and celebration.
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In 2005, shoppers thronged Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai, selecting colourful, hand-painted diyas from Lal’s store as Diwali preparations filled the market with festive lights, fragrance, and excitement.
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In 2017, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi celebrated Diwali with a vibrant nine-day, circus-themed festival, blending Indian traditions with dazzling performances and family entertainment under its iconic red roof.
Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News archives
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In 2017, residents flocked to Bikanervala in Karama to buy traditional sweets ahead of Diwali, as the aroma of festive treats filled the air.
Virendra Saklani/Gulf News archives
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Saasha Bhatkal and her sister Sarisha Bhatkal decorate lights at their Abu Dhabi home, adding warmth and sparkle to their Diwali celebrations.
Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News archives
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Shoppers thronged Joyalukkas store at Deira Gold Souq ahead of Diwali, selecting jewellery to mark the festive season with sparkle and prosperity.
Virendra Saklani/Gulf News archives
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In 2018, children in Sharjah celebrated Diwali by lighting mild crackers at home, filling the night with sparkle, laughter, and the warm glow of the Festival of Lights.
Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News archives
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Buildings in Mankhool glowed with colourful decorative lights during Diwali, creating a festive atmosphere across the neighbourhood.
Virendra Saklani/Gulf News archives
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In recent years, the celebration has transformed dramatically. Today, shopping malls, corporate offices, and schools across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah celebrate the “festival of lights” with decorative themes, cultural performances, and Diwali lunches.
Virendra Saklani/Gulf News archives
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Crowds gathered at Dubai Festival City on November 4, 2021, to enjoy dazzling fireworks lighting up the sky in celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News archives
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During Expo 2020 Dubai’s six-month run in 2021, Diwali celebrations brought vibrant performances, lights, and cultural showcases, uniting visitors from around the world in the spirit of the Festival of Lights.
Gulf News archives
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2024: Guests enjoy colourful cultural performances during the “Ghar Jaisi Diwali” celebrations at Zabeel Park, capturing the warmth and community spirit of the festival.
Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
Devadasan K PChief Visual Editor
Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 26 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct.
Whether he’s selecting images of royalty, chasing the biggest celebrity moments in Dubai, or covering live events himself, Devadasan is always a few steps ahead of the action.
Over the years, he has covered a wide range of major assignments — including the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, feature reportage from Afghanistan, the IMF World Bank meetings, and wildlife series from Kenya.
His work has been widely recognised with industry accolades, including the Minolta Photojournalist of the Year award in 2005, the Best Picture Award at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2008, and a Silver Award from the Society for News Design in 2011.
He handles the newsroom pressure with a calm attitude, a quick response time, and his signature brand of good-natured Malayali humour. There's no fuss — just someone who gets the job done very well, every single time.
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