This week, things will get lit in Dubai as the city celebrates Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights. You’ve probably noticed little clay lamps and rangoli (colourful floor designs) decorating your neighbour’s doorsteps, and entire balconies lit up like a Christmas tree. And if you are the neighbour decking up their home, Happy Diwali!
The five-day festival, also known as Deepavali, symbolises the triumph of the light of good over the darkness of evil. Earthen oil lamps (diyas) and lights and fireworks light up the city all week. But that’s not all – a host of fun activities and elaborate feasts kick off across Dubai that people of all faiths and nationalities can join in. Here are 35 dazzling things to see do and eat this Diwali in Dubai.
Table Of Contents
Diwali dining deals
1. Armani/Amal
The Indian arm of the glamorous Armani stable of restaurants serves up a smashing meal this Diwali with glittering views of the Dubai fountains bursting to life. A three-course Diwali set menu is up for grabs for three days at this Burj Khalifa restaurant, featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Amuse bouches, starters like nadru ki chat (lotus root chips), mains like dhaniya mirch ka murgh, plus mini gulab jamuns and trad Indian mithai for dessert are all part of it.
📅: October 31-November 2; 6:30pm-11pm
💵: AED 399 per person
📞: Call 04 888 3666 or email restaurant.reservations@armanihotels.com
📍: Burj Khalifa, Level 3, Downtow Dubai
2. The Restaurant, Address Dubai Mall
Dubai’s unique brand of evening brunches gets the Diwali razzle dazzle at The Restaurant Diwali Brunch. On November 2, enjoy a buffet full of Indian classics paired with entertainment by a live singer and saxophonist.
📅: November 2; 7:30pm to 11:30pm
💵: AED 285 per person for soft beverage package and AED 385 per person for house beverages
📞: Call 04 245 8888 or email dineatfountainviews@addresshotels.com
📍: Address Dubai Mall
3. Dhaba Lane, multiple locations
Punjabi restaurant Dhaba Lane has a lavish five-course set menu at AED 69 per person available for 10 days. Highlights include warming soups such as murgh dhaniya shorba, cajun malao broccoli, Jodhpuri mutton curry and more. Available for both lunch and dinner at all Dhaba Lane outlets in Dubai.
📅: October 31-November 10; from 12pm-4pm and 7pm-11pm
💵: AED 69 per person
📞: Various loctions, book here
4. Pincode
The swanky restaurant in the Dubai Hills Mall has a special Diwali menu running until November 3. Celebrity Chef Kunal Kapur has woven nostalgic vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes into the menu with a dash of modernity. quenching kesar peda lassis, dahi ke sholey with sriracha mayo, rajasthani laal maas, kabuli pulao and more. Desserts too are reimagined as hot kalakand and nutella fudge.
📅: October 31-November 3
💵: AED 149 per person
📞: Call 04 566 1424 for bookings
📍: Dubai Hills Mall
5. Punjab Grill
Michelin-selected restaurant Punjab Grill in Anantara Hotel, Business Bay is offering an exclusive Diwali menu until November 7. Dig into unique fusion dishes that marries the best of Indian food with interantional cuisines. Items like masala maska bun with pav bhaji butter, chicken tikka masala chat, ajwaini mathri nachos, sesame-coconut crusted shrimp laddoos and jalebi churros will hit the spot.
📅: October 25-November 7
💵: AED 45 onwards per dish
📞: Call 050 194 1107
📍: Lobby Level, Anantara Hotel, Downtown, Business Bay
6. Rang Mahal
The iconic Indian restaurant nestled away in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel has whipped up a six-course menu for Diwali on October 31. Inventive fusion dishes such as imitation gourmet chaat, barf ka gola (lemon sorbet) and Amritsari paneer chole kulche are served course after course. Desserts include delectable delights like citrus mishti doi adds a sweet touch.
📅: October 31; from 6pm-12am
💵: AED 199 per person
📞: Call 04 414 0000 or email mhrs.dxbjw.ays@marriotthotels.com
📍: JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay
7. Varq
Taj Palm Dubai’s Indian restaurant Varq is rolling out a sparkling three-course Diwali menu. A selection of kebabs such as seekh kebab, tandoori breads, chaat counter, and an array of desserts will leave the tables groaning with delicious dishes. Make sure to leave some space for desserts such rose petal ice cream, doodh peda and the ultimate sugar high with some kulfi at a dedicated live kulfi station.
📅: October 31-November 3
💵: AED 285 per person
📞: Call 04 275 4444
📍: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, East Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah
8. Bombay Bungalow
This Instagrammable JBR hotspot has a three-course Diwali menu of mouthwatering tikkas and melt-in-your-mouth sweets. You can dig into chilli pakora, dahi ke kabab, daal bhaati choorma and more served with bread baskets and steamed rice. Wash down the spicy feast with desserts like coconut malpua or a special Diwali drink called the Indian guava sour.
📅: October 29-November 3
💵: AED 240 for two people
📞: Call 800 692 8779
📍: Unit 2301, The Beach Mall, in JBR Walk
9. The Cinnamon Club
Forget fireworks. This modern fine dining restaurant at Park Hyatt Dubai is set to fire up tastebuds this Diwali with a special set menus available on October 31 and November 1. Dig into a vegetarian or non-vegetarian meal served amidst the glory of traditional clay diyas (lamps) and colourful decorations. The multi-course dinner includes the eatery’s best-sellers such as fiery Rajasthani lamb curry, paneer pesto tikka, malabar boatoman’s fish, a mountain of freshly-baked Indian breads, coconut rice kheer and more. More info here
📅: October 31-Novemember 1; 6:30pm-11:30pm
💵: AED 150 for vegetarian thali and AED 175 for non-vegetarian thali.
📞: Call 04 602 1839
📍: Park Hyatt, Port Saeed
12. Jamavar
What better place to celebrate Diwali with your family that at award-winning restaurant Jamvar that’s the brainchild of father-daughter restaurateur duo Dinesh and Samyukta Nair? Hailing from the founding family of India’s legendary Leela Palace Hotels, they’ve brought the successful fine-dining concep to Dubai last month. For Diwali, they’ve got a five-course tasting menu with delectable vegetarian and non-vegetarian options like sabudana truffle khichdi, konkan soft shell crab, Old Delhi butter chicken, dum tarkari biryani and more.
📅: October 23-November 3
💵: AED 525 for non-vegetarian menu and AED 425 for vegetarian menu per person
📞: Call 04 553 7852 book here
📍: Address Residences, Opera District, Downtown Dubai
13. Kashkan by Ranveer Brar
Fend off the fresh wave of homesickness that accosts you during the festive season with a trip to celebrity chef and actor Ranveer Brar’s Dubai restaurant. However, we should warn you that their Diwali brunch of classic Indian home-cooked staples and personal touch of Diwali gifts will make you teary-eyed and nostalgic. Forever favourites like ram ladu, tamatar aur pudine ka saar, ghost Lucknowi seekh kebab, mawe ki phirni and dry nuts chai make the lineup of this tantalising menu. Festivities here also include welcome gifts of good luck bracelets and keepsake goodie bags to ensure you leave with full bellies and a New Year filled with prosperity.
📅: October 30-November 3; 12pm-4pm
💵: AED 159 per person
📞: Call 055 129 1646 or visit the website
📍: Kashkan by Ranveer Brar, Level 1, Dubai Festival City Mall
14. Purani Dilli
Old Delhi’s magical flavours come to life at this Indian restaurant’s Utsav-e-Diwali celebrations. A huge buffet spread complete with live cooking stations will rustle up delicacies like navratan seekh, Lucknowi Awadhi murgh chaap, Gulfam paneer, motiya pulao, mothichur ladoo cheesecake, and plenty more.
📅: November 1-3; from 7:30pm-11:30pm
💵: AED 129 per person at SZR branch and AED 109 per person at Bur Dubai branch
📞: Purani Dilli at Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road and Bur Dubai
📍: Call 056 4142213 or 050 2116816
15. Kinara by Vikas Khanna
Masterchef India judge and celebrated chef Vikas Khanna’s restaurant at the JA Resort has a three-course set Diwali menu. Besides lip-smacking dishes from India’s diverse regional cuisines, celebrations here are turned up a notch with live entertainment, a henna artist, and a themed photo booth to snap festive pictures.
📅: October 30-November 3; 6:30pm -10:30pm
💵: AED 280 per person
📞: Call 04 814 5604
📍: JA Lake View Hotel JA The Resort, Exit 13 Sheikh Zayed Road, Mina Jebel Ali
16. Bombay Borough
The all-day bar and Indian restaurant in DIFC is going all out with an eight-course Diwali ‘Patakas and Spice’ menu that’s exploding with flavour. Take your pick from a snack platter of innovative dishes like chilli-infused savoury kaju katli, pecorino chakli, choose between veg and non-veg mains like saag burrata and lamb chop nihari then polish that off with desserts like gajak souffle cheese cake.
📅: October 31-November 3; all day
💵: AED 285 per person
📞: Call 054 995 8296
📍: DIFC, Gate Village 3, next to Sotheby’s, Opposite Gate 2
17. Claypot
Claypot restaurant in Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai has the most economical Diwali Buffet planned for just AED 59 per person. The festive spread drops a few dirhams for kids for just AED 29. An array of traditional dishes will served as part of the Diwali banquet on November 1 and 2. Call 050 100 7065
18. Giardino, Palazzo Versace
The botanical chaos of this all-day dining restaurant at Palazzo Versace will be interrupted by bright pops of Indian vibrance on October 31 and November 31 as part of a special Diwali dinner buffet. The delicate minimalist crockery here is switched up for copper-bottomed serving ware to ladle out generous servings of curries, biryanis, mithais like ladoos and more.
📅: October 31-November 1; 7pm-11pm
💵: AED 263 per adult and AED 146 per child
📞: Book here
📍: Palazzo Versace, Al Jaddaf – Jaddaf Waterfront
Fireworks and Lights
20. Global Village
The shopping and entertainment park is going all out for Diwali this year with. There’s a massive rangoli art session where guests can watch the colourful design take shape live, fireworks on November 1 and 2 (9pm) and a special Festival of Lights Market in the Indian Pavilion. Here, you can shop for clay diyas, decorative items to dress up your home, traditional jewellery and clothing like lehengas. Until November 3, the park’s main stage will also be the setting some thrilling Bollywood performances and cultural shows.
21. Mankhool, Bur Dubai
Most malls and storefronts have turned up all their lights in honour of Diwali but to fully be immersed in the traditional glow of the festival, you’ve got to visit Mankhool which has some of the highest concentrations of Indian expats.
Diwali in Dubai is incomplete without a visit to this Bur Dubai neighbourhood where a cluster of apartment complexes that turn into blindingly beautiful displays of fairy lights strung across facades and giant diya-shaped light fixtures twinkling at you. For most Dubai residents, driving through these streets to soak up the festive vibes is a mandatory Diwali activity.
The easiest way to locate this section of Bur Dubai is to type in Citymax Hotels into Google Maps and then follow the trail of illuminated buildings when you get there. Make sure you hit every street from 9A to 19B, using Doubletree by Hilton and Golden Sands apartments as markers to weave in and out of the labyrinth of roads.
22. Burj Khalifa
The world’s tallest building shines bright with special laser shows and celebratory messages across its facade to celebrate Diwali and wish the city’s 3.5 million strong Indian diaspora. Keep tracking their official page for announcements of similar displays to mark the joyous festival this year as well.
Activities
23. Play Diwali bingo at Mahi Cafe
The global tapas and shisha joint in Al Nahda meticulously celebrates everything Indian, from cricket to Diwali. They’re adding a fun twist to the festival with weekly Bingo nights on Thursday until October 31. Instead of the traditional card game of Teen Patti, try your hand at this numbers game to win exciting prizes. AED 45 gets you a welcome drink and three rounds of the game. Mid-game, munch on treats like kaju katli, ladoo and barfi at the Indian sweets station or wander over to the photo booth stocked with traditional props for some sparkling Diwali portraits.
From 7pm-10pm; call 56 931 1300
23. Trawl the mall for some cultural entertainment at BurJuman
BurJuman Mall in Al Karama has a packed schedule of activities until November 2.
🛍️ Shop for decor, sweets, snacks and clothing at the Diwali bazaar festive market from 10am-10pm on Level 1 of the mall.
🎨Workshops run from 4pm-10pm at the Main Atrium
🎭 Catch live dance and music performances and an entertaining theatrical show called ‘Ivan and The Light Warriors’ daily. Shoppers who spend AED 250 at the mall get free VIP seats to the shows. Find show schedule here
🏮 If you live in and around the neighbourhoods of Bur Dubai, Karama, Oud Mehta & Deira, keep your eyes peeled for the Diwali On Wheels mobile cart that’ll be roaming the streets to hand out free Diwali lanterns to brighten your celebrations.
24. Enjoy a Diwali staycation
For a relaxed, quieter Diwali sans the lights and commotion withdraw into this luxurious staycation at the Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights. A special Diwali deal running until November 2 is perfect for switching up the sweets for the suite life with a two-night stay for two including breakfast for two.
AED 550 per night per room; book here
25. Drive to Yas Bay for a free Bollywood Candlelight concert
This Festival Of Lights Candlelight Concert happening at Yas Island on November 1 is worth the drive to Abu Dhabi, we promise. Thousands of LED candles will light up the waterfront plaza venue of this alfresco concert. Indian instruments like the sarangi and tabla will be the stars of the show and play orchestral versions of iconic songs from Indian cinema. Attendance is free but registration is a must. Book your spot here.
Two one-hour shows from 6:30pm – 7:30pm, then 8:30 pm – 9:30pm
26. Walk around Al Seef and Dubai Creek
Savour the balmy outdoor weather by taking a long stroll around the faux heritage buildings of Al Seef and the shores of the Dubai Creek. The rustic wind towers and airy courtyards have all been strung with Diwali lights, vibrant festoons and decorations that will be up until the end of the festive season.
Sweets and gift hampers
Indians have loved their jalebis long before Jason Derulo made it an international hit. Mithai, the name for traditional Indian sweets, are rich bite-sized delicacies made from milk, sugar, nuts, ghee and flour wrapped up in ornate boxes. Here’s where you can buy authentic mithai in Dubai and special Diwali gift boxes and treats.
27. Joshi Confectionary and Sweet
This hole-in-the-wall sweet shop in Meena Bazar is the oldest and first Indian cafe/restaurant to have opened in the city, dating back to 1968. That’s three whole years before the creation of the United Arab Emirates, making it older than the country it is in! During Diwali, the teensy little shop is piled high with trays of sugary sweets (mithai) and savour snacks that are staples during the festival such as mohanthal, kaju katli and jalebis.
📍Location: 74th St, Meena Bazar, Al Fahidi
28. The Kakao Guy
This Dubai-born chocolate shop has had our hearts since day one with its melt-in-your-mouth Nama chocolates which we consider one of Dubai’s best chocolate desserts. Now they’re set to outdo themselves for Diwali with unique sweets like the Pistachio Rose Barfi and Classic Chocolate Bark all beautifully wrapped up in ready-to-gift hampers. You can choose eggless options and request customisations too.
💵 : From AED 70 -AED 450 for Diwali gift hampers
📞: WhatsApp +971552298823
29. Forrey and Galland
Luxury chocolatiers Forrey and Galland have created various handmade Diwali gift hampers. Packed with decadent treats such as handmade chocolates, Indian sweets, elephant and rangoli-shaped cookies dry fruits and nuts, these vivid paisley patterned boxes add warmth and colour to Diwali gifting.
💵 : Prices range from a flame box of AED 29 to a hamper of AED 2,415
📍Dubai Mall, Ground Floor; more info here
30. Bikanervala
As much as sweets are a part of Diwali celebrations so are savoury snacks called namkeen that add some crunch and spice to the menu. With a history of 117 years, this popular Indian restaurant and store that started in Rajasthan’s city of Bikaner in 1905, is a go-to for Diwali snacks and edible gifts. They’ve got around 10 branches spread out through the city, and have even found themselves a coveted spot in The Dubai Mall. Hit them up for sweets such as moongdal barfi and mootichoor ladoo and savoury snacks such as shakkar para, chiwda and mathri. We’d suggest dining in and relishing freshly-made piping hot desserts such as gulab jamuns and carrot halwa.
📍Various locations; visit www.bikanervala.ae
31. Bateel
Luxury dates and gourmet gifting brand Bateel has a cavalry of Diwali hampers, gift boxes and bags that’ll turn your heads with the sheer options. Choose from stuffed dates, candied fruits, nuts, single-origin chocolates and maamoul biscuits to pack up for your loved ones.
AED 55 onwards for gift sets; more info here
32. Puranmal
This restaurant and sweet shop chain from India is another outlet that’s synonymous with Indian sweets in Dubai. Definitely give their dry fruit sweets a try if you desire a break from the milk-and-ghee variants of mithai. Khajoor till ladoos, rose soan papdi, besan ladoo and dry fruit barfis are items your tastebuds will thank you for. They also box up a mix of traditional sweets in stunning wooden and metal boxes that you’ll hold on to long after the sweets have been eaten.
📍Various locations; visit www.puranmal.ae
33. Sri Krishna Sweets
A household name in South India, this is your one-stop shop for sweet treats from the southern half of the country. Their flagship outlet in Karama serves signature sweets such as buttery mysore pak, thiratipal, kerala boondi ladoos, Karnataka’s famous Dharwad pedha and savoury snacks such as murruku, banana chips and spicy madras mixture.
📍Various locations; visit www.srikrishnasweets.ae
34. Flowwow
Online gifting portal Flowwow has cast the net far and wide when it comes to Diwali gifting in Dubai with ideas to please even the most fussy relative. Opulent jars of roasted almonds and butterscotch crunch jar cake for foodies, vibrant flower arrangements, boxes with diyas and chocolates are all the different options you can pick and choose from. What takes the cake though is a stunning Diwali cupcake wreath made of 7 frosted vanilla and chocolate cupcakes! More info here
35. Sugargram
Were you looking for reasons to indulge in cupcakes instead of mithais this Diwali? This Dubai-based online bakery has you covered. Miniature cupcakes and artisanal bonbons by traditional Indian sweets like rabri, coconut barfi, rasgulla, laddu, and gulab jamun make it into Diwali-themed sleeves and boxes painted in Indian motifs.