Dubai is known for its multicultural spirit and vibrant festivities. Especially for the Indian community, it’s truly a home away from home as there are so many elements that bring the flavour and essence of India in Dubai. The celebrations of Diwali definitely top the list with the government going all out to ensure the city lights up with fun and festivities during this period!

This year, the Festival of Lights, a celebration organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), a part of Dubai Economy and Tourism, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, promises a spectacular celebration with a plethora of events for residents and tourists alike.

Here’s What You Can Look Forward To:

1. Spectacular Fireworks Displays

Diwali wouldn’t be complete without fireworks, and this year, Dubai is set to outdo itself. The sky will light up at:

•  Al Seef on October 25 at 9:00 PM

•  Global Village on October 25-26 and November 1-2

These mesmerising displays will mark the beginning of the festivities and offer families and friends the perfect excuse to come together under the night sky.

2. Noor – Festival of Lights at Al Seef

This one is not to be missed. Noor – Festival of Lights, taking place at Al Seef from October 25-27 is a cultural extravaganza, produced by TeamWork Arts and it will feature:

•  Artistic expressions and stunning light displays

•  Theatre shows, poetry recitations, and puppet processions

•  Live musical performances and stand-up comedy acts

•  Indian delicacies and vibrant outdoor markets

Visitors can wander through Al Seef’s traditional souk and 1.8-kilometre promenade, beautifully decorated for the season.

3. Romesh Ranganathan’s Stand-Up Show

Comedy fans are in for a treat with the return of UK comedian Romesh Ranganathan to Dubai. Known for his witty observational humour, Romesh will perform a brand-new show at the Coca-Cola Arena on October 25, offering a night of laughter and entertainment.

4. The Unforgettables – A Tribute to Jagjit Singh

Music lovers can indulge in a soulful experience with The Unforgettables, a tribute to the late Indian music legend Jagjit Singh. Hosted at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium on October 26, the concert features Tauseef Akhtar, a disciple of Singh, who will perform some of the maestro’s greatest hits.

5. Deepavali Utsav 2024

Scheduled for October 26 at the Etisalat Academy, this event offers an evening filled with traditional Indian games, folk dances from across India, and a lively funfair. Visitors can also savour a wide array of Indian delicacies from various food stalls, creating a rich festive atmosphere for families.

6. Meera: Echoes of Love

Combining dance, theatre, and music, this captivating performance on October 26 at Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park, will celebrate the strength of women and the timeless theme of love and devotion. Featuring 70 local artists, Meera: Echoes of Love promises to be an emotional and visually stunning event.

7. Shopping Extravaganza and Gold Offers

Diwali is synonymous with shopping, and Dubai’s retail scene is pulling out all the stops. From glittering gold offers to incredible retail promotions, shoppers are in for a treat with:

•  Up to 50% off on jewellery and free gold coins with purchases at select stores like Damas

•  The chance to win AED 150,000 in gift vouchers with Dubai Jewellery Group

•  Lulu Hypermarket offering discounts on Diwali essentials, ethnic wear, and home décor items, along with a special Diwali Mela featuring Tamil film stars and festive events from October 24 to November 2

Major malls, including City Centre Deira and BurJuman Mall, will also be running special promotions where shoppers can win prizes such as half a kilo of gold and glittering home makeovers.

8. Diwali Markets at Global Village

From October 28 to November 3, Global Village will host a vibrant Diwali market at the Indian Pavilion, featuring traditional Rangoli art, live performances, and plenty of shopping opportunities. The market will also spotlight India’s finest street food, making it a foodie’s paradise.

9. Foodie Delights

Diwali in Dubai wouldn’t be complete without indulging in authentic Indian flavours. Restaurants across the city will be serving up exclusive Diwali menus, including:

• Punjab Grill, a Michelin Guide Select restaurant, offering a festive menu from October 25 to November 7

• Chutney’s at Movenpick Hotel, Bur Dubai, hosting a Diwali set menu from October 31 to November 3, complete with a rangoli competition and live entertainment

• iZ at Grand Hyatt Dubai, serving a three-course Diwali set menu from October 31 to November 2

A Festival for Everyone

With its diverse programming, Dubai’s Diwali 2024 aims to cater to all ages and interests, making it a festival for everyone. Whether it’s the thrill of fireworks, the joy of discovering hidden gems at a Diwali market, or the sheer pleasure of indulging in traditional delicacies, Diwali in Dubai promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Prepare for an epic splash! Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi is in the processing of upgrading their water park thrills with the addition of the UAE’s highest waterslide and 18 brand-new rides. Adventure seekers and families alike can look forward to an enhanced experience as the park undergoes a massive 16,900-square-meter expansion. The new section, expected to open in 2025, will feature 18 exhilarating attractions, bringing the total number of rides and experiences at Yas Waterworld to over 70.

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More than 55% of the construction is already complete, and one of the most anticipated highlights is the all-new waterslide complex. Designed to accommodate 20 riders simultaneously, the complex boasts:

-The UAE’s highest slide-

-A pioneering water-based amusement ride

-A heart-pounding 15-meter drop

In addition to these high-adrenaline rides, Yas Waterworld will introduce “The Legend of the Lost Village,” an exciting continuation of its famed “Legend of the Lost Pearl,” a story steeped in the UAE’s rich pearl-diving heritage. The expansion will also feature 8 new pools and a variety of food and beverage outlets, perfect for a day of aquatic adventure and relaxation. For younger thrill-seekers, the new additions include mini versions of fan-favorite rides like Dawwama Junior and Sebag, allowing kids to join in on the fun with safe, scaled-down versions of iconic attractions.

Get the bike out of the garage, dig out your cycling kit and get ready to cycle through Dubai’s most stunning vistas; registrations are now open for the iconic Dubai Ride, presented by DP World – an unforgettable adventure past the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Taking place on Sunday 10 November 2024, the region’s largest community cycling event returns for its fifth edition, offering everyone – no matter your age or cycling ability – the chance to experience Dubai like never before. Much more than just a cycling event, Dubai Ride is a celebration of community, fitness, and the vibrant energy that makes Dubai one of the world’s best cities to visit, live and work in.

One of the most popular events on the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) calendar, Dubai Ride offers you an epic way to smash your 30×30 goals, after a remarkable 35,000 cyclists cycled a collective 546,000 kms during last year’s edition.

This year’s event features routes for all, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out. Choose the scenic 12km ride along Sheikh Zayed Road or opt for the family-friendly 4km through Downtown Dubai. Each path offers a unique perspective of the city’s architectural marvels, from the soaring Burj Khalifa to the striking Museum of the Future and iconic Dubai Opera.

Seeking a thrill? Try the brand-new Dubai Ride Speed Laps, designed to deliver an unparalleled cycle for experienced riders over 21 years old. Taking place from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM on the 12km route, the speed laps will offer a unique chance to experience the excitement of high-speed cycling on Sheikh Zayed Road.

To join, you’ll need to maintain a minimum speed of 30km/h, ride a bike capable of sustaining this pace and follow the instructions of the Dubai Ride Marshals. Once complete, you can join family and friends for the main event. Registration for both Dubai Ride and Dubai Speed Laps is separate. You can sign up now for Dubai Ride, while registration for Dubai Speed Laps will begin on Monday 14 October, so mark your diaries to ensure you don’t miss this opportunity to push your limits and speed around the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road route.

As a participant, you’ll receive individual bibs for both Dubai Ride and Dubai Speed Laps. You can pick these up at the Dubai Municipality Zabeel Park 30 x 30 Fitness Village, your hub for all things running and cycling. More information on collection dates and timings will be announced soon.