Dubai: Dubai’s Diwali festivities lit up the city from 25 October to 7 November 2024, inviting residents and visitors to celebrate in a radiant display of unity and joy. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the Festival of Lights brought together Dubai’s multicultural community, transforming the city into a lively hub of celebrations. From exclusive retail offers and exciting raffles to vibrant festive markets and gourmet dining experiences, Diwali in Dubai was a feast for the senses. Shoppers enjoyed incredible deals, while lucky winners walked away with grand prizes, including gold, across various malls and retailers. Gastronomy also played a key role, with top dining venues and talabat UAE offering curated festive meals, enhancing the atmosphere and making the celebration an unforgettable experience for all.

Mohamed Feras, Associate Vice President at DFRE, said: “Dubai continues to stand as a beacon of multicultural unity, and this year’s Diwali celebrations perfectly captured the essence of what makes our city so special. From vibrant retail experiences and diverse gastronomy to rewarding celebrations and dynamic events, Dubai has truly proven itself as a global hub where every culture can come together and shine. This success is driven by the strong partnerships we’ve cultivated across retail, tourism, and hospitality, all working together seamlessly to create unforgettable experiences for our visitors.”
Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Managing Director of the UAE Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim Properties added: “This year’s Diwali celebration at our malls was a tremendous success, with footfall rising by 2 per cent compared to last year – more than 600,000 visitors joined us for the festivities. Diwali remains a key festival, given the size of the Indian demographic here, and by creating an engaging cultural experience that resonates deeply with our community, it also drives economic growth in Dubai. One of the highlights was the excitement around our biggest-ever Diwali prize giveaway, with approximately 70,000 participants entering the draw to win a half a kilo of gold. The level of engagement was fantastic, and our visitors also enjoyed our on-ground games, with over 1,500 people taking part to win instant prizes. We also created a special moment for cinema-goers at VOX, where – in partnership with influencer and creator Khalid Al Ameri – we surprised them with gold coins during the screening of an Indian movie. This activation truly embodied the spirit of Diwali, bringing together tradition and celebration in a way that’s uniquely Majid Al Futtaim.”

Laila Suhail, Chairperson – Marketing Committee, Dubai Jewellery Group commented: "The DJG Diwali campaign offered a big boost to our jewellery retailers. The festive offers have significantly boosted footfall for retailers and helped them increase customer acquisition while also reinforcing Dubai as a premier gold and jewellery destination."

Baiju Kurieash, Managing Director at BUZ Management and Marketing LLC said: "This Diwali has been a tremendous success, delighting our customers with fantastic offers and rewarding many lucky winners. At Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG), our focus is to deliver exceptional value to customers and, in return, enhance the Dubai retail landscape. Campaigns like this not only elevate the shopping experience but also reinforce Dubai as a global retail hub—much in line with our overachieving aspirations.”
With a range of events, exclusive offers, and dazzling fireworks, this year’s Diwali was a memorable showcase of cultural pride, warmth, and togetherness.

Vibrant Fireworks Dazzled Diwali Crowds
Dubai’s Diwali celebrations closed with stunning fireworks displays that lit up the night skies at top family destinations. Al Seef’s display on 25 October kicked off the season with a magical waterfront spectacle, while Global Village hosted fireworks on 25-26 October and 1-2 November, filling the skies with colour and creating an unforgettable atmosphere for families and friends.

Grand Prizes and Gold Offers Delighted Shoppers
This Diwali, Dubai’s shopping malls made celebrations brighter with grand prizes and exciting offers, awarding a total of nearly AED 500,000 in winnings across the city. Shoppers had the chance to take home a variety of prizes, from AED 150,000 in gift vouchers through Dubai Jewellery Group and AED 75,000 in home makeovers at BurJuman Mall to AED 100,000 in 24-carat gold coins through DSMG’s city-wide raffle. Carrefour added to the festive cheer with a thrilling AED 15,000 holiday package and a grand 50-gram gold bar, while Jumbo awarded over 90 grams of gold to lucky winners. This Diwali season brought incredible rewards to hundreds of shoppers, making it a truly memorable celebration.

Retail Promotions and Activations Sparked Joy 
Malls and retailers across Dubai celebrated with exclusive promotions and engaging entertainment. BurJuman Mall’s “Roshan Diwali” featured engaging theatre performances along with “Diwali on Wheels” festivities that brought celebrations to neighbourhoods. Lulu Hypermarket’s Diwali Mela featured Tamil film stars and lively events, and City Centre Deira celebrated with special decor and cultural shows, adding to the festive atmosphere.  Carrefour, Amazon.ae, 6thstreet.com, Ecity, Centrepoint and The Face Shop Offered deals that made this season extra rewarding for shoppers. At Oasis Mall, the Diwali Mela featured engaging activities like a Diya Painting Contest, Lantern Making, a Fancy-Dress Contest, and an Ethnic Wear Fashion Show, bringing festive fun for all ages.

Festive Markets and Events Spread Diwali Cheer
Dubai’s Diwali season featured an impressive lineup of markets and events, bringing festive joy across the city. Highlights included Global Village’s Festival of Lights Market, showcasing Rangoli art, live performances, fireworks, and authentic Indian cuisine. Families enjoyed the bustling Deepavali Utsav 2024 at Etisalat Academy, where traditional Indian games, folk dances, a lively funfair, and Indian delicacies created a true celebration of Diwali’s traditions. Meanwhile, Glendale International School hosted the lively Deep Utsav 2024, featuring games, entertainment, and cultural performances. shoppers explored unique Diwali products at the Diwali Fiesta Exhibition and Diwali Edit – Fashion & Luxury Exhibition on 26 October. Another standout event, Noor - Festival of Lights, held at Al Seef, offered stunning lights, puppet processions, theatre shows, and traditional Indian delicacies, set against the backdrop of fireworks and captivating décor.

Adding to the festive experience, comedy, music, and theatrical performances brought a variety of entertainment. Romesh Ranganathan’s one-night comedy show at Coca-Cola Arena delivered laughter, while The Unforgettables, a tribute to Jagjit Singh, celebrated his music at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium. Music and dance lovers were captivated by the performance, Meera: Echoes of Love and theatre buffs enjoyed the suspenseful play "Ashvin Gidwani Barff”, adding an artistic dimension to the Diwali festivities.
This Diwali, Dubai has once again demonstrated its unique ability to bring people together in celebration, offering a season filled with joy, tradition, and unforgettable experiences for all.