If you’re in Dubai this October, get ready to catch one of the city’s biggest Diwali celebrations yet. Fireworks will be lighting up the skies at key spots, alongside a range of cultural events. It’s a perfect chance to experience how Dubai blends tradition and celebration for the Festival of Lights.Running from October 17 to 25, Dubai’s expanded Diwali fireworks celebrations will light up iconic locations like Al Seef and Global Village. With multiple dazzling displays scheduled throughout this period, here’s everything you need to know, where to watch, when to catch the shows, and what makes each fireworks event special.
Where and when to watch the fireworks
Diwali in Dubai wouldn’t be complete without a burst of colour lighting up the night sky. This year’s fireworks schedule includes five major shows across two venues.
Dubai Diwali fireworks schedule
- October 17 – Al Seef, 9:00 PM
- October 18 – Global Village, 9:00 PM
- October 19 – Global Village, 9:00 PM
- October 24 – Global Village, 9:00 PM
- October 25 – Global Village, 9:00 PM
The festivities kick off on October 17 with a stunning opening display at Al Seef. Located along the banks of Dubai Creek, this historic waterfront destination offers a unique Diwali experience, pairing views of traditional wooden dhows and restored souks with modern cafés and boutiques. Organisers recommend arriving early — the show is free to attend, but expect large crowds drawn to the charming, old-world setting. The celebration continues at Global Village, which hosts four additional shows over two weekends. Each display begins at 9:00 PM, adding sparkle to the venue’s festive ambience as families and tourists pour in for the Diwali weekend.
Noor: Festival of Lights at Al Seef
From October 17 to 19, Al Seef also hosts the ‘Noor: Festival of Lights’, a cultural showcase organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in collaboration with the Indian Consulate in Dubai and Teamwork Arts. Far more than just a fireworks event, Noor transforms Al Seef into a cultural crossroads, celebrating India’s rich artistic heritage through:
- Grand processions
- Soulful live music
- Stand-up comedy
- Traditional dance performances
- Interactive workshops
- Thought-provoking talks
- Visual spectacles
- Poetry readings
The festival begins at 6:00 PM on October 17, inviting families, residents, and tourists to dive into a multisensory journey of India’s performing arts. The full performance lineup will be revealed closer to the opening day, so keep an eye on official channels for updates. Festival organisers describe Noor as a reminder of Diwali’s essence — light triumphing over darkness, and communities coming together. The message is echoed in every lantern lit and every shared performance throughout the event.
Diwali at Global Village: Food, fun, fireworks and plenty of gold
From October 17 to 20, Global Village joins the celebration with a special Diwali Mela at the heart of its multicultural bazaar. Expect a burst of colour, sound, and activity, including:
- Live stage performances
- Traditional Rangoli art painting
- Diwali-themed workshops
- Family-friendly entertainment
- Indian street food stalls and full-service restaurants
Don’t miss the Indian Pavilion, where you can shop for everything from handicrafts and home décor to gold jewellery and souvenirs — perfect for marking the festive season or finding that one-of-a-kind Diwali gift. Not dressed for the occasion? Pop into one of the many clothing stores offering traditional Indian outfits. Entry tickets to Global Village are available via the Global Village mobile app, the official website, or at on-site ticketing booths.
Understanding Diwali: Dates, traditions, and cultural significance
While Dubai celebrates Diwali with public festivities and fireworks, the festival itself is rooted in centuries of tradition — and it’s celebrated a little differently across households and communities. In 2025, Diwali falls on October 20, with festivities beginning on October 18 with Dhanteras and continuing for five days:
- October 18 – Dhanteras: A day considered auspicious for buying gold, gadgets, cars, or even new homes. Homes are cleaned and prepared for the festival ahead.
- October 19 – Chhoti Diwali: The ‘small Diwali’ is about preparing sweets, exchanging gifts, and setting the tone for the main day.
- October 20 – Diwali (Main Day): The central celebration involves lighting diyas (earthen lamps), wearing new clothes, offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, and in some traditions, commemorating the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya.
- October 21 – Govardhan Puja: A ritualistic day linked with the end of the harvest season in parts of India.
- October 22 – Bhai Dooj: A day celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, marked by traditional rituals and gift exchanges.
In both India and the UAE, Diwali is a time for family gatherings, major purchases, and community bonding. Jewellery sales surge, especially gold, with Indian and UAE-based retailers offering deals and discounts. In Dubai this year, shoppers stand a chance to win gold coins when they shop at participating malls from October 14 to 28, part of DFRE’s special Diwali campaign.