Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 16 October 2019: Tourists and residents can look forward to a glittering Diwali, as Dubai gets ready for citywide celebrations on the occasion of the Indian “Festival of Lights”. From star-studded concerts, spectacular shows, sparkling gold and jewellery promotions to ways to winning big prizes, there are plenty of reasons for everyone to get involved in the festivities.

Unveiling the Diwali Calendar of Events on 16 October at a press conference hosted by the Consulate General of India in Dubai in collaboration with Dubai Festival City, the Consul General of India, Sh Vipul said: “I am very happy that with the support of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, Diwali will be celebrated in a number of locations across Dubai this year. Cultural programmes, fireworks shows, lighting arrangements and food festivals will bring the city alive to the festive fervor of Diwali. Diwali is the biggest festival of India and the Indian community is always thankful to the leadership of UAE for being able to celebrate it in a grand manner in Dubai and other cities. This is in the best tradition of historical and friendly relations between our two countries.”

Diwali is one of the highlights of the annual Retail Calendar of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), that plays a crucial role in accelerating Dubai’s retail economy through a robust schedule of sales and promotional shopping campaigns during key retail-based festivals, season launches, holiday periods, sales and other Dubai events.

Commenting on the retail promotions that will be run during Diwali, Mohammed Feras Arayqat, Director, Retail Registrations, Retail and Strategic Alliances,  DFRE, said:  “As a part of Dubai’s year-round Retail Calendar, Diwali truly symbolises the city’s cosmopolitan and multicultural environment. The various promotions linked to the festivities have been designed with the aim of rewarding residents and visitors and will further enhance Dubai’s reputation as a leading tourism destination offering unique shopping experiences.”

Steven Cleaver, Director, Shopping Centres Dubai, Al-Futtaim Malls, said: “We are thrilled to be the first major event for Diwali in Dubai and the celebrations on the 24 October will be the biggest Diwali celebrations in the history of the mall. We will be launching our newest IMAGINE show, “Hathi’s Garden”, which has been specially created to get customers into the festive spirit with its vibrant Bollywood themed show, huge scale projections, lasers and fireworks. We are also proud to host the first ever Elephant Parade exhibition in the Middle East. Customers can explore the 50 life-sized elephant sculptures from famous artists and celebrities from the 24th of October and will be the first time for customers to see it in Dubai.”

MALLS

Dubai Festival City Mall will host the first and largest Diwali celebrations in the Dubai with the launch its fourth record-breaking IMAGINE show, ‘Hathi’s Garden’ on Thursday, 24 October. This will include a huge fireworks display and Bollywood dance shows at 8pm free for the public. The first 5,000 guests on Festival Bay will receive free LED Wristbands.  Virgin Radio, City FM and Al Arabiya will be broadcasting live from Dubai Festival City Mall with major prizes on the night starting from 4pm. For the first time in the Middle East, customers can experience the world famous Elephant Parade exhibition with 50 life-size baby elephant sculptures created to raise awareness for elephant conversation globally.

From 18 October until 27 October, visitors to The Pointe can enjoy a Surprise Box Dance show with dancers and a flash mob performance, fireworks display on 26 October, Indian-inspired dishes across restaurants, 25 per cent off at select stores, as well as 20 per cent off Careem rides to the destination. Al Seef will be hosting a one-of-a-kind Diwali fair, “Diwali Mela”, offering an array of activities to delight visitors from 24 to 28 October. The fair will include a festive market, stage performances and kids’ workshops, as well as a magnificent fireworks display on 27 October. Ibn Battuta Mall will welcome shoppers to enjoy live entertainment, exclusive retailer offers, a bespoke photo set-up and giveaways across the mall. At City Centre Deira, visitors can be a part of the festivities and get guaranteed cash back upon shopping, as well as have the chance to win AED 25,000 every week when making purchases of AED 250, until 31 October.

Families from Dubai and around the world can also come together to celebrate the festival of lights at Global Village, which kicks off an illustrious 24th season starting 29 October. This Diwali, the Indian Pavilion will offer more than 240 stalls including India’s best handicrafts and artefacts, cuisine spanning the southern and northern territories of India at a wide range of restaurants and spectacular Indian cultural shows taking place on the pavilion’s stage.

CONCERTS GALORE

For the first time ever, three of the biggest Bollywood artists; Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan will perform live as part of the “Legends Forever” concert in Dubai. The icons will delight fans with a raft of their famous songs at Sheikh Rashid Hall in Dubai World Trade Centre at 7:30pm on October 18. Parekh and Singh, a popular pop-up duo hailing from Kolkata, India will also perform at The Fridge in Al Serkal Avenue from 8:00pm onwards on 21 October as part of the Fridge Concert Series.  Award-winning Rock band ‘Dhruv’ will welcome visitors at Dubai Airport on 26th October with a three-hour performance starting from 8pm.

SHOW-STOPPING

This Diwali, families and loved ones will have the chance to elevate the celebrations with Dubai’s one and only aquatic-themed show, La Perle by Dragone with a special upgrade on tickets booked for between October 17 and November 2. The exclusive package will allow spectators to discover a one-of-a-kind artistic live show and enjoy an unforgettable experience with Gold – the best seats in the auditorium. With shows taking place five days a week, La Perle is a must-see experience, as 65 artists perform breath-taking feats as they dive, dance, fly and defy gravity on motorbikes in the award-winning performance. The Indian Classical Forum will be presenting “From India with Love” this Diwali; a showcase of the greatest music maestros and artists of India. Spreading the magic of the Indian Classical art form, the performances will run from 31 October to 2 November at the New World Private School. A special Diwali celebration will also take place at Dubai Duty Free on 22 October. In the company of the Indian Consul General, performers will welcome guests and passengers, there will be a cake cutting ceremony and a Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise Draw – the longest running duty free promotion in the world – will take place, amongst other activities.  On 18 October at Zabeel Park Amphitheatre, there will be 15 to 20 stalls showcasing food, cosmetics, accessories, clothes and more alongside competitions such as ‘Best Dressed Man/Woman/Family’. In addition to this, there will be cultural perfomances including live singing, dancing and fashion shows for kids. The event will take place from 3pm until midnight and tickets start from AED 10.

RAFFLES & RETAIL PROMOTIONS

A host of retail offers will also be available across Dubai this Diwali. Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group will offer a range of special promotions at over 35 participating  gold stores between 18 October and 2 November. Interiors, the UAE’s leading furniture store is offering home lovers 30 to 50 per cent off exquisite furniture, while jeweller Jawhara will be offering gifts on purchases of AED 2,000 and above, as well as 50 per cent off on diamond and pearl jewellery.  At American lifestyle brand, Hollister, customers can save AED 50 with a purchase of AED 400 or more, in addition to other special offers. Shoppers can take advantage of 25 to 75 per cent off items at K Corner, a Buy 2 Get 2 offer on selected fragrances at Mikyajy, as well as multiple promotions at Nayomi and Neal’s Yard Remedies stores. At City Centre Deira and The Dubai Mall, Sergeant Major is offering up to 60 per cent off, while shoppers can expect 30 to 50 per cent off on selected items at Occhiali Vision and 25 to 75 per cent off at Octave. Additionally, Seraphine  will extend 30 to 70 per cent off on selected stores, Early Learning Centre will offer a part sale of between 30 to 75 per cent off, while all Atelier stores will extend a 30 to 50 per cent discount for shoppers.

Dubai Duty Free will ensure a sparkling Diwali, with 20 per cent off on a wide range of products including confectionery, perfumes, cosmetics, sunglasses, watches, jewellery and fashion, for all passengers travelling on 17 and 18 October. Between 17 and 31 October, a special Diwali Gold Offer will entitle passengers to buy selected gold products for AED 8,000 and receive a AED 5 discount per gram.

Dubai Shopping Malls Group’s “Shop & Win” is a city-wide promotion giving people the chance to win big prizes this Diwali! For every AED 200 spent between 18 October and 2 November at participating DSMG malls, customers will be entitled to receive one raffle coupon to enter the draw to win prizes totalling a half kilogram of gold. With 28 winners expected, the raffle will be drawn on the last day of the promotion, 2 November 2019.

Full further details of Diwali events across Dubai, go to https://www.visitdubai.com/en/