Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, coincides with the Hindu New Year and celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
This year, Diwali falls on Sunday, October 27th 2019 and people have already begun to enjoy the lights of the buildings, sparklers, lighting of diyas (candles), creating wonderful rangoli (powder art designs on the floor), sharing gifts and indulging in mithai (sweets). Sounds appealing? Read on for some inspiration on how you can celebrate Diwali in the UAE.
Get Lit At Ferrari World
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is bringing back its Bollywood-themed festive show for 11 days from Thursday, October 24th 2019. Enjoy a performance of Roshanee at the Red Theatre, a performance that blends traditional Indian dance with aerial tricks that will be held four times a day. Elsewhere you’ll find a levitating yogi, henna stations, an insta-worthy throne and Bollywood-inspired street bazaar.
Thursday, October 24, to Saturday, November 2, 10 am to 8 pm, entry ticket DHS 295, Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi.
The Waterfront Market
The waterfront promenade on the Deira Corniche will host a bunch of activities and food stalls from Thursday, October 24th 2019. Visitors can help design the giant rangoli and mural, enjoy some desi Bollywood dancing, or sample snacks at several restaurant pop-ups.
Thursday, October 24-Tuesday, October 29, 3 pm-9 pm, Waterfront Market, Deira
Walking Photography and Food Tour
Celebrate Diwali with a walking photography and food tour in Old Dubai!. Starting at Baniyas Square Metro Station, the 4 hour tour will take participants to a half century old temple tucked away in the alleys of Meena Bazaar, where they can capture shimmering streets and family-run jewellery shops, and stroll alongside residents decked out in ethnic wear. The street-side energy and aesthetic colours offer an opportunity to practise street photography skills, and guests will also dine on delicious treats from bustling Bur Dubai eateries. All you need to take is a camera (mobile or DSLR) and your festive spirit!
Saturday, October 26, 5.45 pm-10 pm; DHS 595; Diwali Unseen Trails, Gulf Photo Plus, meeting at Baniyas Square Metro Station, Deira, Dubai.
Staycation
Enjoy a staycation at Citymax Hotel Ras Al Khaimah with FREE 5 star beach access! Click here to book. While you’re there, make sure to check out Claypot’s Diwali Delights menu from 24th-29th October 2019. Enjoy a dinner buffet for AED 69, while the kids meal is just AED 35. The best part? Each buffet has a buy 1 get 1 free offer! Call 056 9922286 to book a table at Claypot, Citymax Hotel Ras Al Khaimah.
Watch The Sky Light Up
Dubai will have four spectacular firework displays for this Diwali.
The fireworks will take place at Kite Beach at 8pm on October 18, Dubai Festival City between 8 and 8.30 pm on October 24, at 9 pm at The Pointe by Nakheel at Palm Jumeirah on October 26 and at 8.30 pm at Al Seef by Meras on October 27, the main day of the festival.
Diwali wouldn’t be the same without fireworks, and Dubai sure knows how to always put on an unforgettable show. This year, there will be grand fireworks displays to celebrate the Indian festival of lights at Al Seef by the Creek, The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah, and Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City. Head over early to secure the best view point or make an evening of it by enjoying dinner at nearby restaurants such as Mitra – an Indian fusion bistro at the Heritage Zone of Al Seef, or Peppermill at Dubai Festival City Mall that presents prime waterfront views.
Al Seef will be also hosting a one-of-a-kind Diwali fair, “Diwali Mela”, offering an array of activities to delight visitors from 24th to 28th October. The fair will include a festive market, stage performances and kids’ workshops!
All that glitters – Shop for gold
Dubai Duty Free will ensure a sparkling Diwali! Between October 17 and 31, a special Diwali Gold Offer will entitle passengers to buy selected gold products for DHS 8,000 and receive a DHS 5 discount per gram.
In keeping with the age-old tradition of buying and gifting gold during the auspicious season of Diwali, leading gold and jewellery stores across Dubai are offering fantastic discounts and promotions on their latest collections.
Shoppers keen to purchase gold in keeping with the festival’s tradition can expect competitive prices this season, as well as savings of between 30 to 75 per cent. Remember that you can keep track of the daily price of gold in Dubai by visiting Dubai, the city of gold website.
Global Village
The multi-cultural festival park will be opening up for its 24th season with a huge Diwali celebration on Tuesday October 29. Global Village’s Indian Pavilion will offer more than 240 stalls, with handicrafts and artifacts, along with dishes from the southern and northern territories of India.
There will also be a host of spectacular Indian cultural shows taking place on the pavilion’s stage. A hugely-anticipated opening and a Diwali celebration all in one? We’re in.
DHS 15. Tue Oct 29-Sat Apr 4, 2020. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Global Village.
Citymax Hotels wishes you and your loved ones a happy Diwali!
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