Places to Visit During Diwali in Dubai – A Complete 2025 Guide

Dubai is one of the liveliest cities in the world and a visit during Diwali is an experience that blends the festival of lights and the glamour and glitz of this city. With its dazzling skyline, upscale shopping, and cultural diversity, Dubai sparkles during the Diwali season. In case you’re planning your trip, use this guide to find out the best places to visit during Diwali in Dubai as well as the celebrations, experiences, and shopping you shouldn’t miss.

Why should you go to Dubai during Diwali?

Dubai has a large Indian community, and Diwali is celebrated here with the same passion as in India. Special events are hosted all around the city, with streets, malls, and landmarks sparkling with lights and lanterns. The Diwali celebration in Dubai is full of fireworks, festival markets, shopping offers, and cultural shows. Whether you are with family, friends, or on your own, you will enjoy the festive vibes across the city along with a taste of the modern way of life that is unique to Dubai.

Top Places to Visit During Diwali in Dubai

These must-visit places during Diwali will drench you in Diwali spirit:

1. Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai

A vacation in Dubai is incomplete without visiting the famous Burj Khalifa. This iconic building is entirely illuminated during Diwali making it look even more beautiful. The Dubai Fountain also gets drenched in the festive lights with special shows and festive music. Both these attractions are the most photographed places during Diwali nights. While you have to book tickets for Burj Khalifa visit, the Dubai Fountain show can be enjoyed without any fees.

2. Global Village

If you want to see and experience the taste of India in Dubai during Diwali, then you must visit Global Village. This is a great place to enjoy cultural aspect of Diwali. Visit India Pavilion where you can enjoy Indian delicacies typical during the festive season. There are attractive handcrafts for sale and traditional shows. Global Village is a huge, multicultural theme park that must be on the list of places to visit during Diwali in Dubai for travelers.

3. Dubai Festival City Mall

Step into the world of ultimate shopping, entertainment, and dining experience in Dubai Festival City Mall. It’s an iconic retail and entertainment center in the city where you can shop latest trends, dine in a stunning waterfront setting at one of the largest food court in Dubai, and enjoy the award-winning IMAGINE show that features attractive lights display, water and sound to enthrall visitors.

4. Dubai Creek and Al Seef

Dubai Creek and Al Seef turn into a vibrant hub of celebrations during Diwali, featuring spectacular fireworks, festivities soak in traditions, and alluring cultural performances. There are unique offerings of the season wherein visitors can engage in lively activities like diya-lighting workshops, rangoli-making, Indian art workshop, and enjoy live performances.

Watch the night sky illuminated with fantastic fireworks display, participate in cultural activities, enjoy musical performance, and drench in the festive vibes of Diwali.

5. Dubai Marina & JBR

During the Diwali festival season, Dubai Marina and JBR are adorned with Diwali-inspired decorations. The entire area is illuminated, and the walkways are filled with festive charm making an evening stroll a pleasant experience. You can also catch a glimpse of fireworks from here. For dining, visit any restaurant and cafes with a waterfront view. The vibrant nightlife, festive events, stunning waterfront views, and exclusive dining options make these places must visit during Diwali.

6. Desert Safari Experience

To experience adventure, culture, and regional delicacies, you must take a desert safari in Dubai during Diwali for a twist. Though desert safaris don’t include Diwali-specific celebrations, you can enjoy the typical activities that include thrilling dune bashing, camel riding, cultural performances, and dining under the desert night sky. Mixing adventure with cultural celebration is a good way to enjoy Diwali festival.

7. Shopping & Entertainment During Diwali

Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall and City Centre Deira provide festive discounts and special events. To add more glow to the festive celebration, shop for gold jewelry in Gold Souk, Deira. In case you want to travel without hassles, look for Dubai Diwali Packages, which include flights, accommodation, sightseeing, and special Diwali event ticket. These packages allow you to visit best places in Dubai and enjoy festive events without bothering about planning.

8. Experience Cultural Events and Fireworks

The Diwali nights in Dubai are illuminated with special lighting and fireworks displays. Popular tourist attractions like Burj Khalifa, The Pointe, and Dubai Creek turn the night into a sparkling day with lightings. Culture-related activities such as dance shows, music concerts, rangoli competitions are held in malls and community centers. 

You can choose from Dubai Tour Packages that comprise of city tours, dhow cruises, desert safari, and entry tickets to the tourist attractions. Combing these tours and activities with Diwali festivities is best to enjoy your Dubai vacation during Diwali.

Diwali celebrations in Dubai have to be experienced at least once in your lifetime. Shopping, dining, and cultural celebrations held in Dubai make the festival of light extra special for visitors. Whether you’re are exploring Downtown Dubai, participating in a desert safari, shopping for latest trends, or dining in a restaurant with stunning waterfront views, Dubail will make your Diwali celebration unforgettable. Take advantage of Dubai Diwali Packages or Dubai Tour Packages offered by local tour agencies and turn the festival of lights into a lifetime of experience. Dubai does not only provide the best attractions in the world but also makes sure that you do not miss the warmth and the festive spirit of Diwali even when you are away from home.