Fireworks light up the Dubai sky during the Diwali Festival of Lights. ARCHIVE

Dubai is preparing to transform into a dazzling wonderland for the Diwali Festival of Lights, which will run from October 25 to November 7. This year’s celebrations, organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), promise an exciting lineup of events including stunning fireworks, cultural performances, live concerts, and massive retail promotions. From vibrant outdoor markets to glittering gold offers and tempting Indian delicacies, Dubai will be the place to celebrate this festive season in grand style. The festival was officially announced on Wednesday (October 16) at BurJuman Mall, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India. The festivities aim to immerse the city in a magical Diwali experience with activities ranging from concerts and theatre to thrilling raffles and shopping discounts.

Top Diwali events in Dubai you shouldn’t miss this 2024

1. Spectacular fireworks

Dubai will light up the skies with mesmerizing fireworks to kick off Diwali. Catch the stunning displays at Al Seef on October 25 at 9pm, and at Global Village on October 25-26 and November 1-2. This is a great way to start your Diwali celebrations with a bang!

2. Thrilling events and live entertainment

From comedy shows to cultural festivals, there’s something for everyone: • Romesh Ranganathan brings his sharp wit to Coca-Cola Arena on October 25 for a night of laughter. • Noor – Festival of Lights at Al Seef (October 25-27) will captivate visitors with artistic performances, workshops, and traditional Indian delicacies along a 1.8-kilometer promenade. • The Unforgettables concert at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium pays tribute to Jagjit Singh, running until October 26. • Meera: Echoes of Love on October 26 at Dubai British School showcases dance, theatre, and music to celebrate women’s strength. • Deepavali Utsav 2024 at Etisalat Academy on October 26 will bring together traditional Indian games, folk dances, and a vibrant funfair.

3. Golden offers and mega prizes

The Diwali season brings dazzling discounts, gold offers, and prizes. Participating stores across the city are offering exciting deals, with some allowing shoppers to win gold and vouchers. • Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG) is running its "Shine Bright this Diwali" campaign until November 7. Shoppers can enjoy discounts of up to 50 percent on diamond and pearl jewellery, reduced making charges, and the chance to win Dh150,000 in gift vouchers. • Damas has a special offer where shoppers who spend over Dh3,000 on diamond jewellery will receive free 22k gold coins. • Dubai Shopping Malls Group offers the chance to win Dh100,000 worth of gold from October 21 to November 7. Shoppers spending Dh200 at participating malls will also have a chance to win 24k gold coins.

4. Diwali Markets and family fun

Shoppers can indulge in festive shopping experiences across various Diwali markets in Dubai: • Global Village will host a Diwali market from October 28 to November 3, offering cultural performances, Rangoli art, and Indian delicacies. • Lulu Hypermarket's Diwali Mela (October 24 to November 3) will feature chaat counters, rangoli contests, and Bollywood-style entertainment. • BurJuman Mall's Roshan Diwali promotion gives shoppers the chance to win a Dh75,000 home makeover, with exciting live entertainment, workshops, and giveaways.

5. Indian delicacies

Diwali in Dubai wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the rich flavors of India: • talabat UAE is offering a curated collection of Indian delights from October 15 to November 2, including festive sweets and exclusive Diwali menus. • Chutney’s Restaurant at Movenpick Hotel Bur Dubai will host Diwali feasts with traditional Indian dishes and live entertainment from October 31 to November 3. Guests can even participate in a rangoli design competition! • iZ at Grand Hyatt Dubai will serve a special three-course Diwali set menu from October 31 to November 2, featuring a chaat counter and authentic Indian flavors.

6. Ultimate shopping

As part of the Diwali festivities, several stores across Dubai are offering huge discounts. Here’s a breakdown by category: Jewellery & Gold Offers • Dubai Jewellery Group: Up to 50 percent off on diamond and pearl jewellery. Dh150,000 in gift vouchers up for grabs. • Damas: Free 0.5-gram or 1-gram 22k gold coins for purchases ofDh3,000 or more on diamond jewellery. • Dubai Shopping Malls Group: Chance to win Dh100,000 worth of gold with purchases over Dh200. Home Furnishings • BurJuman Mall: Win a share of Dh75,000 in home makeovers from Home Box. • Lulu Hypermarket: Diwali Mela featuring festive home décor accessories and corporate gift packs. Electronics & appliances • Jumbo: Up to 30 percent off on TVs and home appliances. Spend over Dh500 for a chance to win 10 to 50 grams of gold. • Ecity: Discounts of 25-50 percent on smartphones, laptops, and appliances. Free gold coin with selected purchases. Groceries • Lulu Hypermarket: Festive sweets, pooja accessories, and ethnic wear on offer. • talabat mart: Special Diwali grocery collection with exclusive discounts on Indian delicacies. Fragrances • Odora Perfumes: Discounts of up to 50 percent, plus a chance to unlock the Diwali Sparkles Box with purchases over Dh500. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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