Sparkling citywide celebrations for the Festival of Lights 2025 are set to make Dubai the ultimate destination for a dazzling Diwali, starting today, 17 to 26 October 2025. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the city has come alive with a specially curated calendar of festivities – bringing together residents and visitors from over 200 nationalities to share in the joy, light, and togetherness of the season. With Indian curriculum schools across the UAE announcing extended breaks for the festival, thousands of students and families are set to make the most of Dubai’s citywide Diwali celebrations.
This year’s programme is brighter than ever, featuring breathtaking fireworks, live concerts and comedy shows, cultural performances, bustling outdoor markets, glittering gold & jewellery offers, unmissable retail promotions of up to 75% off, and mega prizes across the city’s favourite destinations.
Here are top 5 experiences to celebrate the spirit of the season like never before.
- FIREWORKS & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Dubai’s skies are lighting up for a spectacular display of unmissable Festival of Lights fireworks. Souk Al Seef hosts the opening night on 17 October at 9pm, while Global Village offers two weekends of thrilling displays on 17-18 and 24-25 October at 9pm.
Dubai’s entertainment calendar is brimming with world-class performances for all ages. Noor – Festival of Lights returns to Souk Al Seef from 17-19 October with free-to-attend immersive cultural experiences, live music, stand-up comedy, workshops, and more. On 18 October, award-winning legend Ilaiyaraja steps onto the Dubai Opera stage, while Andrea Jeremiah Live Ft. The Jeremiah Projectelectrifies audiences at Etisalat Academy on the same evening.
Comedy fans can catch Russell Petersat Coca-Cola Arena on 25 October, while Sugar Sammy brings his unique humour to Zabeel Theatre on 18 and 19 October, and Praveen Kumar headlines a Tamil-language special at Live@Play by Hive Al Quoz on 25 October.
Rounding off the celebrations, Dubai Festival Plaza hosts a captivating theatrical storytelling series titled Lights & Legends – The Stories of Diwali on 24 and 25 October – featuring song, poetry, folk music, and dance.
- MASSIVE SAVINGS
The magic of Diwali shopping takes centre stage across the city with exclusive retail promotions of up to 75% off. Unbeatable bargains can be unlocked at leading brands including Amazon, Arrow, Bath & Body Works, Biba, Carrefour, Centrepoint, Choithrams, Damas, Day to Day, Dune London, Forest Essentials, Galeries Lafayette, Jumbo, LuLu, Michael Kors, Nine West, ODORA, Rituals, Steve Madden, R&B, Swarovski, Tanagra, Tory Burch, Tryano, and more.
- BUSTLING MARKETS & MALL ACTIVATIONS
Shoppers and explorers alike can enjoy immersive experiences across Dubai’s top destinations. Explore the Diwali Mela during Global Village’s milestone 30th season, complete with vibrant Rangoli art painting, fireworks, live performances on the main stage, mouthwatering Indian delicacies, and endless family fun. Head to the Waterfront Market in Deira to witness the largest Rangoli installation made of 60kgs of spices until 26 October.
Sparkling Diwali at BurJuman Mallis already buzzing with family game nights, a traditional, Bollywood-inspired Baithak musical gathering, ongoing workshops and kids activities, as well as the chance to drive home a brand new SOUEAST SO6 car until 22 October. Families heading to City Centre Deiraand City Centre Al Shindagha can witness traditional Indian dance troupes, live musicians, and interactive performers from 17 to 19 October, while shoppers can earn 10X SHARE bonus points on purchases until 21 October. City Centre Deira also hosts a first-of-its-kind Escalator Fashion Show on 25 October, while WAFI City completes the line-up with live performances, free children’s activities, puppet shows, stage games, and creative workshops from 17 to 19 October.
- GOLDEN DEALS AND SPARKLING REWARDS
Honouring the cherished tradition of buying and gifting gold during the Festival of Lights, Dubai’s jewellery stores offer an array of glittering deals and promotions. Dubai Jewellery Group’s Shine with Prosperity in the City of Gold runs until 26 October, giving 30 lucky shoppers the chance to win a share of jewellery vouchers worth AED 150,000, as well as free gold coins, exclusive gifts, up to 70% off on select diamond and pearl jewellery, and zero deduction on old gold exchange. A shopping spree at the Dubai Gold Souk Extension in Deira brings the chance to Shop, Scan, and Win Gold from 10 to 26 October. Across the city, 20 lucky winners stand the chance to Shop, Scan and Strike Gold! with AED 100,000 worth of vouchers until 26 October. A 1-gram, 22-karat gold coinis up for grabs at Damas, in addition to vouchers worth up to AED100,000 for 20 lucky shoppers, and reduced making charges on select jewellery and designs.
Centrepoint’s Scratch & Win campaign brings instant gold prizesfor shoppers until 28 October. The Shop Textiles, Spark Rewardspromotion at textile stores across Meena Bazaar, Karama, and Deira crowns 10 lucky winners with a share of AED 50,000 in cash until 26 October. Lastly, Emirates Skywards turns up the excitement with its 25th Anniversary celebration with 25% bonus Miles and a chance to win a share of 25 million Miles.
- CULINARY CELEBRATIONS
Dubai’s culinary scene is embracing the season with authentic menus that capture the spirit of the season. Visitors can indulge in curated dining experiences at Amala, Asha’s, Atrangi, Dhaba Lane, Jamavar, Kaleidoscope, Kris With a View, Lavang, Punjab Grill, and Varq, ensuring every bite is a celebration of culture, community, and culinary creativity.
Residents and visitors are invited to explore every corner of Dubai, create memories with loved ones, and enjoy a truly unforgettable celebration this Festival of Lights 2025.
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.
For more information, visit the Festival of Lights website and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram and TikTok.
