When it comes to this festival, you can never be overdressed.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to dress like a Bollywood star, consider this your cue. It’s time to embrace the sparkle with dazzling lehengas, elegant sherwanis and all the jewellery you can carry. Diwali, India’s Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of good over evil and offers the perfect opportunity to dress to impress.
Although Diwali falls on November 8 this year, the celebrations begin well in advance, with plenty of events to enjoy. Test your knowledge of Indian cinema at a Bollywood quiz, indulge in a feast of chaat and capture the festive spirit with plenty of photographs.
If you’re in Dubai, here are some places to celebrate:
Citymax Hotels
Get ready for a dose of Bollywood nostalgia, complete with themed outfits, quizzes and bingo games featuring prizes worth winning. The Huddle will host Housie Night (Bingo) on November 3 from 8.30pm, offering prizes worth up to Dh7,800, including vouchers from Max Fashion and Balance Spa.
On November 5, head to Indi16 for Loki’s Bollywood Quiz, where fans can put their Indian cinema knowledge to the test. Prizes are valued at up to Dh10,500.
Price: À la carte
When: November 3, from 8pm onwards; November 5, from 8.30pm onwards
Where: The Huddle (November 3); Indi16 (November 5)
Global Village
For a festive outing packed with activities for children and a spectacular 600-drone sky show, Global Village deserves a spot on your Diwali itinerary. The family-friendly attraction has lined up a series of celebrations featuring a traditional Baithak on November 6, a musical evening, games and authentic Indian regional delicacies.
In short, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Price: Dh25 on weekdays; Dh30 on weekends
When: November 6–10
Where: Global Village
Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai
Follow the glow of the diyas to The Oasis Terrace and Garden for a traditional Diwali feast on November 7. The spread will feature a live chaat station and a tempting dessert counter, offering plenty to savour throughout the evening.
After the meal, explore colourful rangoli displays, try your hand at painting an earthen pot and browse a pop-up market filled with festive finds. The celebrations begin earlier in the week, too, with Diwali-inspired specials at The Oasis Terrace and Garden from November 2–6, including Masala Chai Monday and Tandoori Tacos Tuesday.
Price: Dh169 per adult; Dh84.50 for children aged 7–12; free for children under six
When: November 7, 7pm–10pm for the buffet; November 2–6, 8am–11pm for Diwali-inspired dishes
Where: Downtown Dubai
Noor: Festival of Lights
For an evening filled with dazzling lights, delicious food and lively performances, head to Noor: Festival of Lights at Souk Al Seef, now celebrating its third year.
Expect a colourful procession featuring puppets and drummers, alongside a vibrant musical line-up. On November 7, indie band The Shams, featuring Ashu Ali and Saif Hayat, will perform alongside Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi. On November 8, the entertainment continues with band Jammers and singer-songwriter Sooraj Santhosh.
And when it comes to your outfit, don’t hold back. Bring out your most glamorous Indian attire — because there’s no such thing as being overdressed for Diwali.
Price: Free
When: November 7–8, 6pm–11pm
Where: Souk Al Seef
Rohini Indian Restaurant
Bring the family together over a festive feast at Rohini Indian Restaurant in JLT. Its special Diwali set menus feature favourites such as dahi vada and butter chicken, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.
There’s also an incentive to dress up for the occasion. From November 5–10, one best-dressed guest will be selected each day and entered into a prize draw, with the winner taking home breakfast for two — along with some well-deserved bragging rights.
Price: Dh149 for the vegetarian menu; Dh189 for the non-vegetarian menu
When: November 5–10
Where: JLT
SoBo Diwali Brunch
Celebrate Diwali like a Bollywood star at SoBo’s special brunch, taking place across three Saturdays. Expect vibrant festive décor, a menu infused with Indian flavours and dazzling lights that bring the celebration to life.
Price: From Dh299, including soft beverages
When: October 31–November 14, 1.30pm–5pm
Where: SoBo at Nonya, Taj JLT
