The Festival of Lights is indeed one of the most colorful events, which takes place in Abu Dhabi annually. Not just the Hindu community and people in the UAE but everyone globally, even tourists, can participate.
The festival is all about dancing, colors, good food, nice smells and the happy thoughts of Indian culture and therefore such a lovely festival for everyone to behold.
When is Diwali in 2024?
Hindus celebrate Diwali as per the Hindu calendar, so the celebrations happen at different times every year. It normally occurs in mid-October and mid-November. It is normally in mid-October up to mid-November.
The festival lasts five days, and the main festival, Diwali, is on the new moon night, the darkest night. So, in 2024, Diwali will be on November 1st. However, people will be celebrating for the days leading to the actual day and the days after that.
As much as Diwali is a principal Hindu festival, people of Jain, Sikh and some Buddhists also observe the festival. While in some countries, it is a legal holiday, in the UAE, it is not. But still, many people have not left the tradition of celebrating in the community. Here is what to all await or look forward to in 2024.
Diwali Events in Abu Dhabi 2024
Due to the events in Gaza, many people’s celebrations in the UAE were canceled in 2023. Some of the following are Diwali events in previous years, but as we approach October 2024 we shall have a list of Diwali events in Abu Dhabi.
Arijit Singh Live in Concert
World-famous singer Arijit Singh will impress everyone with his amazing voice and performance.
- When: November 18th
- Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Bay Waterfront
- Cost: Starting from AED 500 – tickets are available on Rihla Tours.
Chef’s Table at Rangoli
Celebrate Diwali with a yummy 3-course meal. You can choose from dishes like Butter Velvet Chicken or Enchanted Baingan (eggplant) with Dal Makhani and enjoy some delicious desserts.
- When: November 10th to 15th, 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM every day
- Where: Rangoli, Rotana Yas Island
- Cost: Starting from AED 229 per person
Dazzling Diwali Utsav
Trucker UAE is putting on a fun night of music and dance featuring performances by Prakriti & Sukriti Kakar at Marina Mall.
- When: November 10th, starting at 6:00 PM
- Where: Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
- Cost: To be announced
Diwali at Zeera
Enjoy tasty modern Indian food at Zeera! Plus, you might win tickets to see Arijit Singh Live in Concert!
- When: November 10th and 11th, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Where: Zeera by Buddha Bar, The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront
- Cost: AED 249 – you can book your spot at Rihla Tours
Yas Bay Waterfront
- Everyone’s favorite time of the year is here, and this Diwali, Yas Bay Waterfront is where it’s located in Abu Dhabi. It is the new intended area for play and recreation.
- Every hour, street performances such as bhangra dance and dhol players are available. There will also be places like a henna station by Central where you can Color your hands with pretty designs at no charge!
- When: To be confirmed
- Where: Yas Bay Waterfront is located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
- Cost: Free
3D Diwali Light Show & BBQ
This event is great for families! You can watch a special Diwali light show on the Hilton Abu Dhabi building, see Bhangra dancers by the pool, and enjoy yummy Indian food.
- When: October 29 & 30, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Where: Capila Pool Bar & Grill, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Bay Waterfront, Abu Dhabi
- Cost: AED 150 for soft drinks / AED 250 for drinks with alcohol
If you’re heading to Dubai, you can also find all the Diwali celebrations there!
More Abu Dhabi Events in November
Abu Dhabi has a lot of fun events happening this fall as the weather gets cooler. You can enjoy things like Oktoberfest, Halloween celebrations, Disney on Ice, and UFC fights at Etihad Arena, which means there’s plenty of entertainment on Yas Island!
Check out our guides for Abu Dhabi in October and November for more ideas on having a great time in the UAE this autumn as the weather gets nicer and events are back on!
Important Tips to Consider Before You Travel to Abu Dhabi
Check out our planning information page! It has everything you need to know about how to get around Abu Dhabi, what to pack, and helpful tips for first-time visitors about the rules and customs in the UAE.
Start planning your trip by looking at the 60+ best places to visit in Abu Dhabi. Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance! You can also find great places to stay in Abu Dhabi or get a good deal on hotels here.
Bottom Line
The Indian celebration of Diwali in Abu Dhabi of light exists to unite everyone and embrace India’s celebration. For example, there are many delightful things, such as light shows’ amazing food and several events worth attending.
Diwali is not an official public holiday in the UAE; however, people celebrate it joyfully. When planning your trip, prepare for 2024 to attend some incredible events regularly updated on our website.
Thank you for creating a great time during this celebration of the Festival of Lights, experiencing the culture & making great memories!
FAQs
Q1: Are there any holidays in the UAE during Diwali?
Ans: Diwali is not an official holiday in the UAE, but many people celebrate it happily.
During Diwali, fireworks are at places like Abu Dhabi Corniche and Yas Bay. Shopping malls also have big sales and display colorful Rangoli designs to celebrate!
Q2: Do we need to do anything special on Diwali?
Ans: Yes, there are several special ways to celebrate Diwali! First, families like to spend time together and enjoy the holiday with their loved ones. They also prepare a big feast with lots of delicious food to share. People decorate their homes with bright lights and colorful decorations to make things feel festive. Lastly, many people like to give back to the community by helping others, whether it’s by donating or volunteering. These are some of the fun and meaningful ways to celebrate Diwali!
