Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November this year, and the city starts celebrating well before. The short version of Diwali in Dubai 2026: the Festival of Lights runs citywide from 2 to 12 November, Souk Al Seef hosts the free Noor festival on 7 and 8 November, and Global Village puts on a 600-drone show on the night itself.
Quick answer: Diwali is Sunday 8 November 2026. For one evening out, go to Noor: Festival of Lights at Souk Al Seef (7 to 8 November, 6pm to 11pm, free). For a big family night, go to Global Village on Sunday 8 November for the 8pm drone show.
| What | When | Where | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Festival of Lights | 2 to 12 Nov | Citywide | Most of it free |
| Dhanteras | Fri 6 Nov | Gold Souk, Meena Bazaar | Shopping |
| Noor: Festival of Lights | 7 to 8 Nov, 6pm to 11pm | Souk Al Seef | Free |
| Diwali at Global Village | 6 to 10 Nov | Global Village | Included with entry (from AED 25) |
| Drone show | Sun 8 Nov, 8pm | Global Village | Included with entry |
Diwali in Dubai 2026: the dates that matter
The Dubai Festival of Lights is the umbrella for the whole season. It’s run by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment and lasts from 2 to 12 November. Expect cultural events around the city and gold rewards and car draws at participating malls. If you’re buying anyway, keep your receipts.
The two dates to put in the diary are Friday 6 November (Dhanteras) and Sunday 8 November (Diwali). Both evenings get busy everywhere Indian families shop and gather, so plan around traffic.
Noor: Festival of Lights at Souk Al Seef (7 to 8 November)
If you only do one thing, do this. Noor takes over Souk Al Seef on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek with a Diwali procession, live music and dance, from 6pm to 11pm. It’s free, and the old wind-tower lanes and the water make it the most atmospheric setting in the city for Diwali.
A few tips from us. Saturday 7 November is the easier night; Sunday will be busier because it’s Diwali itself. Wear comfortable shoes, because the souk is all walking. And if you’re coming from Deira, cross by abra; RTA runs marine transport to Al Seef, and arriving by water beats circling for parking.
Diwali at Global Village and the 600-drone show
Global Village celebrates from 6 to 10 November with a Diwali Mela alongside the India Pavilion, a chaat bazaar and a kids’ corner, all included in the entry ticket. The big moment is a 600-drone show on Sunday 8 November at 8pm. On Friday 6 November there’s a Baithak music evening on the Main Stage from 8pm to 9pm.
Entry is AED 25 Monday to Thursday (not on public holidays) and AED 30 on any day, so Sunday’s drone show is the AED 30 ticket. Get there by 6pm if you want to eat first and find a spot. It’s a full family night; you’ll find our wider take on Global Village in our winter favourites guide.
Are there Diwali fireworks in Dubai this year?
We haven’t found a confirmed venue and time for Diwali fireworks in Dubai for 2026. Global Village is doing a 600-drone show instead. Be careful with schedules circulating online: many are from 2025. If any are announced, they’ll appear on the Visit Dubai Diwali page.
Dhanteras gold shopping: Deira Gold Souk
Dhanteras is on Friday 6 November, and buying gold on the day is a tradition for many families. The Gold Souk in Deira is the classic place to do it. Prices are set by the daily gold rate, so check the morning rate before you go and compare making charges between shops rather than the gold price itself.
Go in the late morning or early afternoon if you can. Evenings on Dhanteras are when the souk is busiest. If some of that gold is heading home to India, read our guide on how much gold you can take from Dubai to India before you fly.
Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai
Meena Bazaar is Dubai’s go-to for Diwali shopping: textiles, ready-made outfits, gold and street food packed into Bur Dubai’s lanes. This is where you’ll find last-minute kurtas, diyas, rangoli colours and sweets. Walk it rather than drive; parking nearby fills early in the festive week.
Bur Dubai’s lanes run down to the Creek, so you can combine shopping with an evening at Al Seef on 7 or 8 November.
Puja at the Hindu Temple, Jebel Ali
The Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali’s Worship Village is where many families go for Lakshmi Puja. Expect queues in the early evening on Diwali. This year the Lakshmi Puja muhurat on Sunday 8 November is 5:58pm to 7:56pm. Confirm visiting hours directly with the temple before you set off. For dress code, parking and what to expect, see our visitor guide to the temples in Bur Dubai and Jebel Ali.
Our pick for Diwali weekend
Friday: gold shopping in Deira before the evening rush. Saturday: Meena Bazaar in the afternoon, then walk down to Noor at Al Seef. Sunday: puja in the early evening, then the drone show at Global Village if the kids still have energy.
If you’re celebrating your first Diwali in Dubai and still settling in, we’d be glad to help you find the right home. Have a look at homes for rent across Dubai.
Diwali is on Sunday 8 November 2026. Dubai’s Festival of Lights runs from 2 to 12 November.
Noor: Festival of Lights at Souk Al Seef is free on 7 and 8 November, from 6pm to 11pm, with a procession, live music and dance.
We haven’t found a confirmed venue and time for Diwali fireworks in Dubai for 2026. Global Village is holding a 600-drone show on 8 November at 8pm.
Friday 6 November 2026. The Gold Souk in Deira is the traditional place to buy gold in Dubai.
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