Diwali 2026 in the UAE: Fireworks, Festivals, Temples and Where to Celebrate

Diwali 2026 in the UAE falls on Sunday, November 8, with Dubai's Festival of Lights running from November 2 to 12 and temple celebrations in Abu Dhabi.

Planning where to mark the Festival of Lights? In this guide, we walk you through Diwali 2026 in the UAE: the riverside festival at Souk Al Seef, temple prayers in Abu Dhabi, community events in Dubai's neighbourhoods, and the markets where people shop for gold, sweets and diyas.

Celebrations begin the week before Diwali itself, so the dates, venues and booking rules below are worth checking early. We credit the original report at the end, and where details are still to be announced, we say so.

Diwali 2026 in the UAE at a Glance

• Diwali: Sunday, November 8
• Dubai Festival of Lights: November 2 to 12, citywide
• Noor: Festival of Lights: November 7 and 8, Souk Al Seef
• BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi: November 6 to 10, registration required
• Lakshmi Puja at the Hindu Temple, Jebel Ali: Sunday, November 8
• Dhanteras and the Gold Souk rush: Friday, November 6
• Global Village India Pavilion: dates to be announced

Where to Celebrate Diwali 2026 in the UAE: Seven Places

Here are the main places to celebrate, with dates, venues and prices as reported.

1. Dubai's Festival of Lights: November 2 to 12

Dubai's official Diwali programme runs citywide from November 2 to 12 as part of the emirate's retail calendar. It is organised with Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, and it is the citywide programme for Diwali 2026 in the UAE. The programme includes:

• Fireworks at selected destinations
• Diya painting and rangoli workshops
• Music and dance performances
• Festive offers across malls and gold retailers

Visit Dubai also lists prizes including gold coins, gold bars and vouchers. Most activities are free. Fireworks venues and timings are expected to be announced closer to the date, so follow Visit Dubai on Instagram for updates.

• When: November 2 to 12
• Where: citywide, Dubai
• Price: most events free

2. Noor: Festival of Lights at Souk Al Seef, November 7 and 8

Noor returns for its third edition at Souk Al Seef, beside Dubai Creek. It is produced by Teamwork Arts with Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. It is one of the headline events of Diwali 2026 in the UAE. The programme includes:

• Live music, dance and storytelling
• Cultural processions
• Stand-up comedy
• Rangoli workshops
• Traditional drumming
• A choreographed fireworks display

Previous editions have been free to attend.

• When: November 7 and 8
• Where: Souk Al Seef, Dubai

3. Global Village India Pavilion: Dates to Be Announced

The India Pavilion at Global Village usually marks Diwali with a festive mela, rangoli and weekend fireworks. Last year, vendors sold gold-plated jewellery, bangles, saris and Kashmiri textiles, and UAE-based artists created a large rangoli on site. Season 31 opened on October 14, and this year's Diwali dates have yet to be announced. Watch Global Village's Instagram for the schedule.

• When: to be announced
• Where: Global Village, Dubai

4. Community Celebrations Across 17 Dubai Neighbourhoods

Dubai Holding Communities is hosting Diwali events across 17 neighbourhoods, including:

• Al Furjan
• Jumeirah Village Circle
• Jumeirah Village Triangle
• Discovery Gardens
• Villanova
• Remraam
• Dubai Wharf
• Bay Square
• Jumeirah Islands

Dates and timings vary by community. Details are available from Dubai Holding Community Management on 800 DubaiCM.

• When: varies by community
• Where: Dubai Holding communities
• Price: free

5. BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi: November 6 to 10

The Mandir holds its Diwali celebrations from November 6 to 10, a major draw during Diwali 2026 in the UAE. The programme includes:

• Pujas
• Maha Annakut Darshan, a display of food offerings traditionally prepared for the Hindu New Year
• Cultural performances and festive activities

The Mandir is normally closed on Mondays but will open on Monday, November 9 for the festival. For those who cannot attend in person, the Dhanteras Pujan will be webcast on Friday, November 6 at 8.30pm UAE time.

The Mandir drew around 60,000 visitors over Diwali last year. All visitors must register in advance through mandir.ae or the Mandir Abu Dhabi app, because there is no walk-in entry. Modest clothing is required, with shoulders and knees covered.

• When: November 6 to 10
• Where: Abu Mureikhah, Abu Dhabi
• Price: free, with registration

6. Hindu Temple, Jebel Ali: Lakshmi Puja on November 8

Dubai's Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali's Worship Village draws large numbers of worshippers on Lakshmi Puja night. In Dubai, the muhurat (auspicious time) for Lakshmi Puja on November 8 falls between 5.58pm and 7.56pm, so expect queues in the early evening.

• When: Sunday, November 8
• Where: Worship Village, Jebel Ali, Dubai
• Price: free

7. Shopping in Meena Bazaar and the Gold Souk

Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai gets busy in the days before the festival, with shoppers buying diyas, rangoli colours, sweets and festive clothes. Across the creek, the Gold Souk in Deira sees its busiest evening on Dhanteras, Friday, November 6, when many families buy gold. On October 22, 24K gold was priced at Dh493.75 a gram, below last Diwali's Dh512.25.

• When: Dhanteras, Friday, November 6
• Where: Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai, and the Gold Souk, Deira
• Price: varies

Diwali 2026 in the UAE Calendar: Day by Day

• Friday, November 6: Dhanteras, the Gold Souk's busiest evening, the start of the Mandir celebrations in Abu Dhabi and the Dhanteras Pujan webcast at 8.30pm
• Saturday, November 7: Noor at Souk Al Seef, day one
• Sunday, November 8: Diwali, Lakshmi Puja at the Jebel Ali temple (muhurat 5.58pm to 7.56pm) and Noor, day two
• Monday, November 9: the Mandir opens on its usual closing day
• Tuesday, November 10: final day of the Mandir celebrations
• Thursday, November 12: Dubai's Festival of Lights programme ends

Tips for Celebrating Diwali 2026 in the UAE

• Register for the BAPS Hindu Mandir in advance, because there is no walk-in entry
• Dress modestly at temples, with shoulders and knees covered
• Arrive early at the Jebel Ali temple on November 8, because queues are expected in the early evening
• Check the fireworks venues and timings once Dubai announces them
• Call 800 DubaiCM to confirm dates for your community's event
• Allow extra travel time, and see our Dubai Metro, Nol card and Salik guide
• Planning other outings this month? Read our guide to Dubai events in November 2026 and our report on UAE weather in October

Diwali 2026 in the UAE FAQs

When is Diwali 2026 in the UAE?

Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, and celebrations across the UAE begin the week before.

Where can I see fireworks for Diwali 2026 in the UAE?

Dubai's Festival of Lights includes fireworks at selected destinations, and Noor at Souk Al Seef includes a choreographed fireworks display on November 7 and 8. Venues and timings for the citywide fireworks are expected to be announced closer to the date.

Are Diwali 2026 events in the UAE free?

Most activities in Dubai's Festival of Lights are free, and the community events are free. The BAPS Hindu Mandir is free with advance registration. Noor's previous editions have been free to attend, but check this year's details.

Do I need to register for the Abu Dhabi Mandir?

Yes. All visitors must register in advance through mandir.ae or the Mandir Abu Dhabi app, as there is no walk-in entry.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Diwali 2026 in the UAE

From Dubai's 11-day Festival of Lights to Noor at Souk Al Seef and the Mandir celebrations in Abu Dhabi, Diwali 2026 in the UAE offers fireworks, prayers, food and shopping across the emirates. Register early where it is required, check the dates still to be announced and plan around the busy evenings of November 6 and 8.