Diwali 2026 In Dubai: Date, 600-Drone Show & 6 Places To Celebrate

Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November. Dubai is marking it with a citywide Festival of Lights from Monday 2 to Thursday 12 November.

The biggest free event is Noor at Souk Al Seef. At Global Village, a 600-drone show on Diwali night comes with your normal entry ticket. Here’s where to go, what’s on and what to book ahead.

When is Diwali 2026?

The main day of Diwali, when families perform Lakshmi Puja, is Sunday 8 November 2026. Dhanteras, the traditional day for buying gold, falls on Friday 6 November.

Diwali isn’t a UAE public holiday, so schools and offices follow their normal schedules. This year the main night falls on a Sunday, so most people can celebrate without taking leave.

What is the Dubai Festival of Lights?

The Dubai Festival of Lights is the city’s official Diwali programme. Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, runs it from Monday 2 to Thursday 12 November 2026.

It covers three things: shopping offers and prize draws, cultural events, and celebrations around the city. Expect jewellery offers from gold retailers, raffles at participating malls and Diwali menus at well-known Indian restaurants.

Best places to celebrate Diwali in Dubai

1. Noor – Festival of Lights, Souk Al Seef

Noor is back on the creekside at Souk Al Seef. It runs from 6pm to 11pm, with a Diwali procession, live music and dance. Entry is free.

The nearest Metro station is Al Ghubaiba on the Green Line. It’s a short walk along the creek from there, which is easier than looking for parking on a festival night.

2. Global Village

Global Village is holding five days of Diwali from Friday 6 to Tuesday 10 November. On Diwali night, Sunday 8 November at 8pm, 600 drones will fly a Festival of Lights show. You’ll see it best from around the Stunt Arena and the Syria Pavilion.

Other highlights:

• Baithak: the park’s first traditional musical gathering, on the Main Stage on Friday 6 November from 8pm to 9pm.
• Diwali Mela: a festive market with the India Pavilion, selling decorations, gifts, snacks and sweets.
• Games night: interactive games with prizes on Saturday 7 November.
• Kids Corner: diya colouring, rangoli and face painting.
• Indian Chaat Bazaar: street-food favourites such as pani puri, pav bhaji and chole bhature.

Everything is included in normal entry: AED 25 Monday to Thursday or AED 30 on any day. Diwali night is a Sunday, so you’ll need the AED 30 ticket, and the park closes at midnight.

3. Hindu Temple, Jebel Ali

Dubai’s Hindu temple is in the Worship Village in Jebel Ali. Entry is free. Lakshmi Puja evening is the busiest time, so arrive early and expect queues for darshan and parking.

4. BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi

If you don’t mind a drive of just over an hour from Dubai, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Mureikhah holds special Diwali celebrations. You must register online before you visit, as unregistered visitors are turned away. Bring a physical Emirates ID or passport.

The temple normally opens Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 8pm and is closed on Mondays. Check the Diwali timings on the temple website before you go.

5. Meena Bazaar and the Gold Souk

For diyas, rangoli colours, sweets and festive clothes, Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai gets very busy in the days before Diwali. On Dhanteras, Friday 6 November, the Gold Souk in Deira will be packed. Go in the morning if you want time to compare prices.

6. Mall celebrations and prize draws

Several malls are taking part in the Festival of Lights. BurJuman is hosting Diwali celebrations, and some malls are running car raffles for shoppers who spend above a set amount. Look for “Shop. Scan. Win” signs and keep your receipts.

Where to eat for Diwali

As part of the official programme, Jamavar, Varq, Bombay Brasserie and Kinara by Vikas Khanna are serving special Diwali menus. Book ahead if you want a table on Saturday 7 or Sunday 8 November.

Will there be Diwali fireworks in Dubai?

As of 1 November 2026, DFRE has not published a Diwali fireworks schedule, and the official programme doesn’t list any displays. The confirmed sky show this year is the Global Village drone display on Sunday 8 November.

Global Village does hold fireworks shows during the season, but it hasn’t said which nights. Check the Dubai Calendar and Global Village’s social media in the week of Diwali. We’ll update this guide if fireworks are confirmed.

Tips for Diwali in Dubai

• Use the Metro for Al Seef and the Bur Dubai souks. Roads around the creek get very busy in the evenings.
• Dress modestly at temples, with shoulders and knees covered.
• Book restaurant tables and temple slots a few days ahead.
• If you’re buying gold, ask for the day’s rate and the making charge separately.

For the full list of official events, see Visit Dubai’s Noor – Festival of Lights page and the BAPS Hindu Mandir website for temple bookings.

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FAQs

What date is Diwali 2026 in Dubai?

Diwali is on Sunday 8 November 2026. Dubai’s official Festival of Lights runs from Monday 2 to Thursday 12 November.

Is Diwali a public holiday in the UAE?

No. Diwali isn’t an official UAE public holiday, although some Indian schools and businesses give their own day off.

Is the Noor festival at Al Seef free?

Yes. Noor – Festival of Lights at Souk Al Seef is free to attend. It runs from 6pm to 11pm.

What time is the Global Village Diwali drone show?

The 600-drone show is at 8pm on Sunday 8 November 2026. It’s included in your Global Village entry ticket.

Do I need to book to visit the BAPS Mandir for Diwali?

Yes. Registration on the temple website or app is mandatory, and you need a physical Emirates ID or passport to enter.