Dubai: Dubai will shine brighter than ever for the Festival of Lights 2025, bringing an extraordinary line-up of unforgettable experiences to residents and visitors from 17 to 26 October. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) with support from the Consulate General of India, this year’s celebrations will deliver a kaleidoscope of breathtaking fireworks, blockbuster concerts, exclusive retail promotions, glittering gold & jewellery offers, grand raffles and mega prizes, the return of the incredibly popular Noor - Festival of Lights, alongside cultural performances, must-try Indian delicacies, lively outdoor markets, and much more. Every corner of the city will come alive with the spirit of Diwali, making Dubai the ultimate destination to celebrate the season.

Commenting on this year’s programming, Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai, said: “We are delighted to partner with Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) in bringing the joyous spirit of Diwali to the vibrant city of Dubai. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness - a message that resonates deeply with the diverse and harmonious community here. This collaboration will feature an array of cultural performances, spectacular fireworks, mall-wide celebrations, and exciting prizes, offering everyone a chance to immerse in the rich traditions of India. It's a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bonds between our Indian diaspora and the UAE's multicultural fabric, fostering greater understanding and shared happiness. On behalf of the Consulate General of India, I extend my warmest wishes for a prosperous and illuminated Diwali to all."

Mohamed Feras, Acting Vice President - Retail Calendar and Promotions at DFRE, said: “The Festival of Lights is a special moment in Dubai’s calendar, reflecting the city’s spirit of togetherness, community, and shared joy. It is a time when over 200 nationalities that call our city home come together to share in traditions, create memories, and celebrate side by side. This year’s edition will once again illuminate Dubai with an extraordinary line-up of experiences that showcase our rich cultural diversity and reinforce our reputation as one of the world’s leading destinations to live, visit, and work. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike to join in the celebrations with their friends and families, and embracing the warmth of the Festival of Lights across our city.”

SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS
The night skies will burst into colour with unmissable Festival of Lights fireworks at two of the city’s best-loved family destinations: Souk Al Seef on 17 October at 9pm, and Global Village on 17-18 October and 24-25 October at 9pm.

CONCERTS, COMEDY, AND CULTURAL SHOWCASES
Marking its highly anticipated return this year, Noor - Festival of Lights will once again transform Souk Al Seef into a hub of vibrant cultural experiences for one weekend only from 17-19 October. Promising the perfect evening out, the three-day cultural fair will feature grand processions, interactive workshops, soulful live music, thought-provoking discourses, stand-up comedy, and much more - creating a truly immersive celebration set against the backdrop of mesmerising Diwali décor and captivating fireworks. 

Blockbuster entertainment will pulse through the city in a jam-packed programme of world-class music, comedy, and cultural events. Award-winning legend Ilaiyaraja will step into the spotlight at Dubai Opera on 18 October with chart-topping tracks from South India, while Andrea Jeremiah Live Ft. The Jeremiah Project will electrify audiences at Etisalat Academy on the same evening on 18 October with one of the most anticipated South Indian musical concerts.

Comedy fans will not want to miss global comedy legend Russell Peters as he returns to Dubai with his brand-new world tour for one night only at Coca Cola Arena on 25 October. Internationally renowned comedian Sugar Sammy will host an English-language show at Zabeel Theatre on 18 and 19 October, while India’s top comedy voices Praveen Kumar will deliver a Tamil-language comedy spectacle at Live@Play by Hive Al Quoz on 25 October.

A special theatrical storytelling series will take over Dubai Festival Plaza on 25 and 26 October, capturing the myths and cultural essence of Diwali with Lights & Legends - The Stories of Diwali. Audiences will be transported into a world of tradition and celebration through music, narration, live folk songs, poetry recitals, bhangra dance performances, classical Indian instruments, and hands-on workshops for kids. 

DIWALI MARKETS
Vibrant Diwali markets will pop up across the city, creating unmissable opportunities for shopping, entertainment, and family fun. 

Global Village will mark its milestone 30th season with magical celebrations for the Festival of Lights from 17 to 20 October, featuring stunning Rangoli art painting, lively stage performances, spectacular fireworks, and a colourful Diwali Mela at the India Pavilion. Visitors will be able to shop for unique gifts, explore authentic home décor, and indulge in mouthwatering Indian delicacies, from traditional street food at Indian Chaat Bazaar to fine dining experiences at Global Village’s restaurants. Entry tickets are available via the Global Village mobile app, website, or at on-site ticketing booths. 

At Waterfront Market in Deira, the Atrium will be transformed with a breathtaking Rangoli installation from 13 to 20 October, crafted entirely from colourful spices like turmeric, chili, coriander, cloves, and a rich palette of other vibrant ingredients sourced directly from traders. While there, guests can also explore the Market’s incredible variety of fresh fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dry goods, and spices – making it the ultimate destination for both festive shopping and everyday essentials.

From 17 to 19 October, WAFI City will transform its Main Atrium into a vibrant showcase of culture, creativity, and community. Visitors can look forward to captivating live performances showcasing the vibrancy of South Asian heritage, while families can join in a host of free children’s activities, puppet shows, stage games, and creative workshops. Adding to the festive flavour, Asha’s will offer a specially curated tasting menu featuring traditional mithai and gourmet Indian dishes prepared exclusively for the occasion.

SHOPPING SPREES, GLITTERING GOLD, AND MEGA-PRIZES
The magic of Diwali shopping will take centre stage across the city with dazzling discounts, spectacular savings, and grand prizes. Shoppers will not want to miss exclusive retail promotions of up to 75% off at leading brands across every category – from glittering gold and fine jewellery to fashion, accessories, specialty stores, perfumes and cosmetics, home furnishing, as well as department stores, hypermarkets, and supermarkets.

Sparkling Diwali at BurJuman Mall is already welcoming shoppers to experience festive décor, entertainment, shopping rewards, and cultural experiences. Running until 22 October, shoppers who spend AED 250 or more stand the chance to win a SOUEAST S06 car, while live musical gatherings, cultural dance performances, hands-on kids’ workshops, and a bustling Diwali bazaar ensure every visit is an unforgettable celebration.

In keeping with the tradition of buying and gifting gold during this auspicious season, leading jewellery stores across Dubai are offering fantastic discounts on their latest collections. Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG) is igniting the festive spirit with their Shine with Prosperity in the City of Gold campaign until 26 October, with a chance for 30 lucky shoppers to win AED 150,000 worth of jewellery vouchers upon spends of AED 1,000. Participating outlets are also offering exclusive discounts of up to 70% on select diamond and pearl jewellery, alongside complimentary gifts and free gold coins for purchases of diamond or pearl jewellery worth AED 4,000 or more, and zero-deduction on old gold exchange. The Shop, Scan, and Win Gold promotion at the Dubai Gold District in Deira will give shoppers the chance to win gold with every AED 500 spent from 10 to 26 October; while Shop, Scan, and Strike Gold at Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) will give away AED 100,000 worth of gold vouchers to 20 lucky winners (each winning AED 5,000 each) on spends of AED 200 and more from 13 to 26 October. 

Textile shoppers will have the chance to become one of 10 lucky winners to take home their share of AED 50,000 in cash (each winning AED 5,000 each) when they spend AED 200 or more at participating outlets from 13 to 26 October as part of the Shop Textiles, Spark Rewards campaign.

Centrepoint’s Scratch & Win promotion from 15 to 28 October will reward 66 lucky shoppers with a chance to win 3-gram gold coins when they shop for AED 300 or more at Centrepoint outlets located in Oasis Centre, BurJuman, City Centre Deira, or Ibn Battuta Mall.

Emirates Skywards is turning up the excitement with its 25th Anniversary celebration featuring unbeatable rewards and surprises. Members can unlock 25% bonus Miles when shopping at participating outlets – including Skywards Everyday partners and enter a mega draw to win a share of 25 million Miles.

Shoppers will also be able to unlock several more exclusive offers at leading brands across the city, including Arrow, Bath & Body Works, Biba, Damas, Dune London, Forest Essentials, Michael Kors, Nine West, ODORA, Rituals, Steve Madden, R&B, Swarovski, Tory Burch, and Tryano - making this shopping season even more rewarding.

FANTASTIC FEAST OF INDIAN DELICACIES
Foodies will be in for a treat as Dubai’s culinary scene embraces the season with authentic menus and celebratory dishes. Restaurants including Amala, Atrangi, Dhaba Lane, Jamavar, Kaleidoscope, Kris With a View, Lavang, Punjab Grill, and Varq will serve up festive flavours, offering everything from traditional delicacies to modern interpretations of classic Indian recipes. Whether enjoying an intimate family meal or gathering with friends, foodies will savour a true taste of Diwali across the city.

With so much to see, do, and experience across the city, the Festival of Light celebrations in Dubai are not to be missed. 

Festival of Lights 2025 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Souk Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nad Al Sheba Mall, Palm Jumeirah Mall, and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, and Mall of the Emirates), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), and talabat.