Diwali

Celebrate Diwali in Dubai
Diwali is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism and has its origins in India. Diwali is celebrated to welcome the light in life, because light is associated with success and hope. That is why Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights and the celebration of this festival is accompanied by the consumption of sweets and fireworks. There are many Indians living in Dubai and that is why Diwali is celebrated in Dubai with a lot of activities such as spectacular fireworks shows and shopping festivals. In addition, many Indians visit Dubai with Diwali on holiday. All attractions and shops in Dubai are open during Diwali!
Diwali shopping in Dubai
In the Bur Dubai district in old Dubai you will find the Meena Bazaar, where you can buy many Indian products such as clothing, jewelery and local Indian products. You can also buy all kinds of products for the Diwali celebration such as sweets at this bazaar. Even if you don’t celebrate Diwali yourself, it’s fun to visit this bazaar, because many Indians live in this area. That is why you can see a lot of Diwali decorations in the houses and in the shops around the bazaar. With Diwali it is tradition to buy gold and in the vicinity of the Meena Bazaar you will find many gold shops, but you can also visit the Gold Souk, where you will find many gold shops together. Most gold shops in Dubai give special discounts during Diwali. The major modern malls in Dubai also organize Diwali activities, such as fashion shows and music performances.
Diwali Fireworks shows in Dubai
Diwali is usually celebrated with a lot of fireworks which you will see anywhere in the streets in India. At home people will use firecrackers to celebrate Diwali. But fireworks and firecrackers are forbidden in Dubai and the police are strict. But fortunately there are several places in Dubai where you can see organized fireworks shows during Diwali. A spectacular Diwali fireworks show can be seen on the Burj Khalifa, for example. You have a great view at this fireworks show from the Waterfront promenade along the Dubai Mall. You can also see a fireworks show at the Indian theme park Bollywood Parks above the RajMahal, a replica of the Taj Mahal. In addition to fireworks, Bollywood Parks organizes special Diwali activities, such as special dance shows and the entire amusement park is decorated with Diwali lights. Besides Bollywood Parks, the other theme parks in Dubai often celebrate Diwali as well. They have Diwali decorations, but also performances by Indian artists and you can eat Indian snacks, for example in IMG Worlds or Adventure, Ferrari World and Wild Wadi. At the Dubai Festival City Mall you can enjoy the Imagine water and light show with a special Diwali version.
Eating out during Diwali in Dubai
Diwali is also about eating together with the whole family at home or in a restaurant. Many restaurants offer special packages during Diwali in Dubai. This does not only apply to Indian restaurants, but also other restaurants often offer special Diwali menus. In the big hotels you can often have a Diwali dinner as well, just like at several restaurants around the Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai. It is recommended to book a table in advance because it gets busy in the restaurants with Diwali. Search in Google at Diwali dinner in Dubai and you will find plenty of options for eating out.