Our Light, Our Festival, Our UAE: Celebrating Diwali at the Burj Khalifa
Published 7 months ago
The way we celebrate Diwali at the Burj Khalifa is a perfect picture of Dubai’s welcoming spirit. It is the moment when the world’s tallest building sends a heartfelt greeting to the Indian community.
Bridging Nations: The Enduring Bond Between the UAE and Indian Expatriates
I have seen the UAE evolving through the years with an all-inclusive culture for many years. As a native, I can see the country is growing exponentially in breaking the phenomenal boundaries, making everyone around the world hand in hand with the UAE. The UAE has now become a global community where millions of expatriates are making the country better with the UAE government by improving themselves as well. Among these expatriates, the Indian expatriates are very important. They are not just guests; they are partners who shape Dubai into the latest stage. From the beginning of the UAE's development, Indian expatriates made a remarkable footprint in shaping Dubai into its current shape. They are like family.
When the time for Diwali, the Festival of Lights, arrives, we in the UAE don't just notice it; we embrace it. It is one of the most beautiful and heartwarming times of the year because we see our Indian brothers and sisters feeling truly at home.
For a community that contributes so much to our nation, we must give them a space to celebrate their biggest festival on a grand scale. And nothing is grander than the Burj Khalifa.
Diwali’s Tallest Greeting in the World: Burj Khalifa
The way we celebrate Diwali at the Burj Khalifa is a perfect picture of Dubai’s welcoming spirit. It is the moment when the world’s tallest building sends a heartfelt greeting to the Indian community.
On the main night of Diwali, thousands of people gather in Downtown Dubai. It is a mix of Indian families dressed in their brightest new clothes, Emiratis, and people from every country you can imagine. We all stand together, looking up.
When the show begins, it is pure magic. The giant LED façade of the Burj Khalifa lights up. It doesn't just turn on a few lights; the entire tower is transformed into a spectacular visual tribute to Indian culture.
You see beautiful, intricate patterns dance across the 828-meter-tall building. These designs look just like the traditional Rangoli art that Indian families draw on their floors at home, but on a massive, record-breaking scale. The colours are those of Diwali, vibrant gold, deep orange, and festive red, making the whole skyline glow.
A Message of Love and Unity
The best part, for me, is the message.
After the light show dazzles everyone, the words flash across the tower: "Happy Diwali" or a warm message wishing peace, joy, and prosperity.
Imagine what that means for an Indian person living far away from their original home. To see their festival, their culture, being honored by the tallest tower in the world, in the heart of their adopted country—it is a moment of deep pride and love. It is a powerful statement from the UAE leadership that says, very clearly: "Your culture is respected here. Your celebration is our celebration."
To make the moment even more festive, the Dubai Fountain below the tower performs a dance set to classic and modern Bollywood music. People cheer, children dance, and the whole atmosphere is full of the joy and happiness that Diwali is supposed to bring.
For us, the people of the UAE, supporting this celebration is simply our way of showing that the ties between our countries, and between our people, are stronger and brighter than any light. It is a true testament to Dubai being a home for all.
A Tale of Epics and New Beginnings about Diwali
So why do Indian people celebrate Diwali? It's meant to be a celebration of victory, emerging from the epic Ramayana, where Rama, Lakshman, and Sita returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, and defeating evil. During the festival, People worship various deities, immerse themselves in traditions, and mark new beginnings—be it starting a new venture, a financial year, or simply fresh opportunities.
Indian Temples and Gurudwaras
The city is home to numerous temples and gurudwaras where traditional Dubai Diwali celebrations take place, creating an opportunity to connect spiritually and communally through rituals, prayers, feasts, and communion services. Joining these gatherings is an excellent way to get involved with local Indian communities while experiencing all that this festival entails!
Here's where to go for an authentic Diwali experience.
Graphos Social Kitchen, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Food and family are integral to the Diwali celebrations, so why not combine both and relax at the Diwali Spice Market at Graphos Social Kitchen? There will be seasonal decor, cultural entertainment, and authentic dishes such as tandoori and tikka meats, paneer, and freshly baked naan. Craving street food? You can customize your chaat at Hilton this year and eat it along with traditional masala chai (spiced tea), which is exactly as good as it sounds. Kids coming along? That's perfect, because a Kids' Corner has been put together with special activities for the youngins. The evening will just get better when you see fireworks light up the sky from Yas Bay.
Dh150 (soft beverages); Dh215 (house beverages). Oct 31-Nov 1, 7 pm-10 pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Diwali in JLT
All kitted out in traditional wear and ready to dance the night away? Head straight to Jumeirah Lake Towers Park, which is happily nestled between clusters P and Q, for an epic time. A DJ will be on the ground spinning fun beats, and there'll be plenty of music and dance performances to tap your feet and clap your hands along to. For the kiddos, there are craft stations (and their work can win them a prize). Relax and enjoy the vibe as you snack on tangy pani-puri (wheat balls stuffed with potato and dunked in sweet and sour water).
Free (registration required). Nov 1, 5 pm-8 pm. JLT Park.
Creek Kitchen at Marriott Marquis Dubai
We are all about value-for-money moments. And so it is with this offering. The buffet experience takes you down a road that takes you through an Indian journey - with kebabs and street food, and main courses like biryani - and then an international route, complete with dishes like Ratatouille pasta bake and hummus. Never forget the sweet ending to your meal (not that you'll want to with this menu); on the table are badami kheer, gulab jamun, rasgulla, Umm Ali, ice cream, and sorbet. Heading to see friends post your delicious meal? Grab one of the Diwali hampers from The Great Room - they come with mixed dried fruits, mawa loaf cake, an assorted praline box, and Diwali-themed cookies (Dh290).
Dh185 per adult. Oct 29-30. Jewel of the Creek.
Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai
When you enter Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai, don't be surprised by the sweets on display. The Indian lobby will see guests greeted with a dessert in a colourful setting that includes rangoli art (usually flower or mandalas drawn on the floor). Next, dig into a meal with traditional and contemporary Indian dishes - such as vegetable pakora, Panjabi samosa, aloo simala mirch, paneer do pyaza, mutton laal maas, and fish goan curry - and be surrounded by pretty lights and Diwali-heady decor.
Dh111 (per person); Dh265 (for three people). Oct 31, 7 pm-11 pm. Bur Dubai.
Dhaba Lane
Five-course meal on a happy occasion? Yes please. Dhaba Lane is serving up a Diwali special set menu that includes soup, chaat, starters, a main course, and, of course, dessert. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, and have a few dishes in common, including Sindhi tikki, khatti dal, butter naan, and the indulgent daulat ki chaat.
Dh69 (per person). Oct 31- Nov 10, all day. Karama, Garhoud, JLT and Al Nahda
Kinara by Vikas Khanna, JA The Resort, JA Lake View
This is one for the whole family. For the henna-lovers who like intricate patterns drawn across their skin. For those who like taking goofy photos to remember memorable moments. And for those who want to dig into Diwali treats, but don't really know what that means. Watch chefs as they whip up treats thanks to the open-plan kitchen here, or sit on the terrace and enjoy the nip in the breeze. There'll be traditional live entertainment, a photo booth, and a henna artist to keep you engaged and having fun.
Dh280 (per person for a three-course set menu). Oct 30-Nov 1, 6.30 pm-10.30 pm. JA The Resort
The Restaurant, Address Dubai Mall
If you haven't brunched in Dubai, you have really missed out. Fortunately, you can get in on the action with the Diwali-themed brunch at Address Dubai Mall. The buffet-style offering will feature dishes from across India. On the menu are tandoori chicken tikka salad, papdi chat salad, and dhai wada. But that's not all – there's also a live seafood station, a sushi station, a ceviche station, a live carving station, and a live Sikandari raan station. If grilled meat is more your thing, you'll be spoilt for choice at the live BBQ grill station.
Dh285 (soft beverages); Dh385 (bubbly and house beverages). Nov 2, 7 pm-11.30 pm. Downtown Dubai.
Special festivals and shows
Noor: The Festival of Lights
Dubai is hosting the three-day Noor festival at Al Seef, where visitors can enjoy performances and informative workshops about India's traditions. On day one, you'll see a parade that includes giant puppets, a drum performance by nagada maestro Nathoo Lal Solanki, a play by writer-director-actor Gopal Datt's Aur Karo Theatre, and Awadhi folk music by Malini Awasthi. Day two is all about music, and the stage is set for qawwalis by Rehmat-e-Nusrat and a session of Urdu storytelling with Dastan-e-Chouboli that gives way to Rajasthani folk and sufi performances. On the final day of the festival, giggle and guffaw as comedian Aaditya Kulshreshth stands in the spotlight. He will be followed by South Indian folk-rock fusion band Swarathma.
Free. Oct 25-27. Al Seef
Deepavali Utsav 2024
For a date with a fete, head over to Etisalat Academy, Dubai, on October 26. There'll be a funfair on, with games, rides, performances, and activities for everyone. Among the highlights are a rangoli competition, a folk dance competition, and performances by the stars of Indian Idol.
Tickets start at Dh50. Oct 26, 4 pm onwards. Etisalat Academy, Dubai.
Global Village
If you are looking for some good old-fashioned family fun without a rip in the wallet, Diwali at Global Village is the perfect spot to visit. During its Diwali celebration, you can expect Rangoli art, performances, and, of course, fireworks. Not to mention all the other good stuff that the annual pop-up offers, such as rides and pavilions from more than 80 countries.
Dh30. Oct 28-Nov 3, 4 pm-midnight.
Where else do people celebrate Diwali other than this?
Other than these, people in Sharjah and the Northern part of Dubai can see very colorful traditional dresses gathered in small parks to celebrate Diwali in a very colorful way.
According to Khaleej Times.
FAQs
What is the real date of Diwali in 2025?
Diwali 2025, the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated on October 20th in 2025.
2. Where can you get Diwali special sweets in Dubai?
Regal Plus, Sri Krishna Sweets, FNP, Bikanervalam My Govindas.
3. Do they celebrate Diwali in Dubai?
Diwali is a celebration paradise for heavenites in Dubai, as the city has fireworks, light shows, and shopping offers at popular spots. Burj Khalifa Light Show – A breathtaking LED display with a Diwali theme. Global Village – Cultural performances, food stalls, and classical dance.
4. Where can I see Diwali fireworks in Dubai?
On the main day of Diwali, you will see spectacular fireworks in different parts of the city. Some of the places where you will get to see these fireworks include Burj Khalifa, Global Village Dubai, The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Festival City Mall. These fireworks usually happen after 8 in the evening.
5. What food is eaten on Diwali?
- Pistachio barfi
- Gulab jamun
- Cardamom biscuits
- Punjabi semolina halwa
- Rice pudding
- Spiced gram flour ladoo
- Carrot halwa
- Aloo tikki.
Reference:
- Chithra Sooraj ( a Digital Marketing Executive who loves to write.)
