If you have been waiting for a reason to dress up like a Bollywood lead, this is it. Diwali is the festival of lights, and it marks the win of good over evil. It also gives you the perfect excuse to wear your best lehenga or sherwani and as much jewellery as you can carry. The festival falls on Nov 8 this year, but Dubai has plenty planned in the days before it too. Here is where you can join in.
Citymax Hotels: Bollywood Nights With Big Prizes
If you love old Bollywood fun, this one is for you. The Huddle is hosting a Housie Night, which is Bingo, on Nov 3 in the evening. Prizes are worth up to Dh7,800 and include vouchers from places like Max Fashion and Balance Spa.
Then on Nov 5, Indi16 hosts Loki’s Bollywood Quiz from 8.30pm. You can test how much Indian cinema you really know, and the prizes go up to Dh10,500. Wear your best filmy outfit and bring a friend who knows every dialogue. Food and drinks are priced a la carte.
Global Village: Five Days and a 600 Drone Sky Show
Global Village will mark Diwali with five days of celebrations, from Nov 6 to 10. The big highlight is a sky show with 600 drones. There will also be a Baithak on Nov 6, a musical night, games and plenty of regional Indian food. Kids get their own activities, so the whole family can enjoy it.
Tickets cost Dh25 on weekdays and Dh30 on weekends, which makes this one of the easier options on the wallet.
Movenpick Downtown: A Traditional Feast
The Oasis Terrace and Garden at Movenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai is serving a Diwali buffet on Nov 7 from 7pm to 10pm. It comes with a live chaat and dessert counter. After eating, you can look at rangoli art, paint an earthen pot and walk through a pop up market full of Diwali items.
If you want an early taste, the same place serves Diwali inspired dishes from Nov 2 to 6, between 8am and 11pm. Think Masala Chai Monday and Tandoori Tacos Tuesday.
The buffet costs Dh169 for adults and Dh84.50 for kids aged 7 to 12. Children under six eat free.
Noor: Festival of Lights at Souk Al Seef
Noor is now in its third year, and it is free to attend. It runs on Nov 7 and 8, from 6pm to 11pm, at Souk Al Seef. Expect a procession of puppets and drummers, plus live music on stage.
On Nov 7, you can catch Ashu Ali and Saif Hayat from the indie band The Shams, along with Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi. On Nov 8, the stage belongs to the band Jammers and singer songwriter Sooraj Santhosh. Wear your fanciest Indian outfit here. Nobody will say you are too dressed up.
Rohini Indian Restaurant: Family Food and a Best Dressed Prize
Rohini in JLT is a good pick if you want to catch up with family over a proper meal. From Nov 5 to 10, it serves set menus with dishes like dahi vada and butter chicken. The vegetarian menu costs Dh149 and the non vegetarian one costs Dh189.
There is a fun twist too. Every day, the restaurant picks a best dressed guest and enters them into a draw. The winner gets bragging rights and breakfast for two.
SoBo Diwali Brunch at Taj JLT
For a party feel, try the SoBo Diwali Brunch at SoBo at Nonya, Taj JLT. It runs on three Saturdays between Oct 31 and Nov 14, from 1.30pm to 5pm. You get festive decor, a menu with an Indian twist and lots of lights. Prices start from Dh299 with soft beverages.
Quick Look at Every Event
| Event | Where | When | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housie Night and Bollywood Quiz | The Huddle and Indi16 | Nov 3 and Nov 5 | A la carte |
| Diwali at Global Village | Global Village | Nov 6 to 10 | Dh25 weekdays, Dh30 weekends |
| Diwali Buffet | Movenpick Downtown | Nov 7, 7pm to 10pm | Dh169 adults, Dh84.50 kids 7 to 12 |
| Noor: Festival of Lights | Souk Al Seef | Nov 7 to 8, 6pm to 11pm | Free |
| Diwali set menus | Rohini, JLT | Nov 5 to 10 | Dh149 veg, Dh189 non veg |
| SoBo Diwali Brunch | Taj JLT | Oct 31 to Nov 14, 1.30pm to 5pm | From Dh299 |
Plan Your Diwali Week
With so many choices, it helps to pick one or two and book early. Global Village and Noor suit families and large groups. The quiz and Housie nights are great with friends. For a quiet family meal, Rohini and Movenpick are good picks.
If you have kids at home, there is another fun idea for the same season. Wild Wadi Waterpark reopens on November 1, so you can check the timings and ticket prices before you go.
Looking for another reason to plan ahead? The UAE has also announced a new national occasion, and you can read about Zayed the Founder Day, its date and whether you get a day off.
However you choose to celebrate, wear something bright, eat well, and take plenty of photos. Happy Diwali.