A popular holiday for many people is Diwali, also known as the” Festival of Lights.” Now, let’s try to extend that thought to the celebration of it in the vast desert of Dubai. The desert is adorned with Diwali lamps, and sparkling fireworks mark the sky. This is why a Diwali celebration in the Dubai desert is especially lovely.

Dubai’s Blend of Old and New

Diwali, as we said earlier, is an old tradition, but Dubai is a modern city, and yet it embraces Diwali. The city blends the traditions of creating excitement with modern and fun-filled activities. 

Despite living in a country that boasts of tall buildings and rather bust streets, Diwali in the desert feels extraordinary.

Our Desert Diwali Party

If you are in search of a Diwali of a different kind, spend your time in our camp in the desert. The evening in the camp is completely stirring with Diwali celebrations. This has got dancing, yummy food and ends with a fire on the ground. A Diwali party that is old yet new at the same time, and all in the pretty state of the desert.

Celebrate Diwali in the Desert

Just a few weeks prior to Diwali, people are kindly invited to come to the desert and forget about the city’s noise. Experience the Indian festival of light on barren plateaus of dunes but with a touch of luxury. It is not merely a function but a story you want to tell over and over again.

Celebrate Diwali at Our Desert Camp

Ever imagined how it would be to enjoy Diwali away from the lights of the big city? Our desert camp is the place for that. Just picture the desert and add Diwali music and people’s laughter only in this picture. That is why the celebration of Diwali we have in the Dubai desert, like anywhere else in the world, is so unique.

Dancing, Food, and Fun

That’s why at our camp, situated in the middle of the desert, Diwali is really funny. The good thing is you can dance to good music and perhaps even pick some of those cool traditional dances if you are interested. 

Feeling hungry? We’ve got a succulent recipe ready in terms of Diwali foods that are similar to home cooked but with a Dubai flare. And, naturally, sweets, as anyone celebrating Diwali, will tell you that sweets are mandatory during the festival.

Bright Lights Everywhere

Even though the desert is dark, our camp is bright with lamps, colorful lights, and a warm bonfire. It’s like a sea of lights shining in the middle of the desert, making our Diwali celebration magical.

Join the Fun

So, for those of you who fancy some different Diwali celebrations, our Dubai desert camp can be optional. That is the combination of traditional and postmodern factors. So do not forget to wear your new Diwali dress and join us. Happy Diwali to cheer up this dark and let this festival be an unforgettable one in your life.

The Many Sides of Diwali in Dubai

Dubai is known for its tall buildings and huge malls, but during Diwali, the city celebrates its traditions. You can feel the Diwali spirit everywhere — not just in homes and temples, but in the busy streets and even in the quiet desert.

Exciting Events

What makes Diwali in Dubai so special? There are fun events all over the city. Families gather for big meals, kids watch amazing fireworks shows, and markets are full of people shopping for Diwali gifts. There are also dance and music shows that celebrate the festival.

A Mix of Old and New

Diwali celebration in Dubai is almost traditional but it still holds new aspects. They burn traditional lamps, but there are also spectacular, colorful illuminations in the sky. 

Old traditional apparel and newer trends will be seen among the people during the Diwali celebration. Such a symbolic combination of traditional and innovative ideas is the real secret of celebrating Diwali in Dubai, both urban and desert.

Everyone is Welcome

The best thing about Diwali in Dubai? Everyone is welcome! No matter where you’re from, you can join in the fun. Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or just visiting, Dubai invites you to celebrate Diwali together!

Amazing Diwali Sights

Diwali is likely to imagine a firework blasting you sky; you will imagine a lot of fire. However, in Dubai, the fireworks are even more amazing!! The big desert is good for bright and colorful fireworks displays. 

The stars, as they twinkle during the night, bring happiness to every individual alive. This is what makes Diwali in the Dubai desert so special.

City Lights and Desert Glow

But it’s not just about fireworks. All over the city, buildings are covered in twinkling lights, making everything look magical. In the markets, lanterns and diyas (oil lamps) glow warmly. Whether you’re in the city or the desert, the lights of Diwali will take your breath away.

Beautiful Decorations

During Diwali, Dubai is filled with decorations. Streets, homes, and even cars are covered with colorful rangoli (patterns made from colored powder) and bright flowers. 

Shops have beautiful displays that tell stories of Diwali traditions. Everywhere you go, there’s something pretty to look at!

Yummy Diwali Treats

Diwali is not just about pretty lights; it’s also a big celebration for our taste buds! In Dubai, the food for Diwali is really special. 

You can enjoy everything from traditional Indian sweets to exciting dishes that mix flavors from different cultures. The Diwali celebration in the Dubai desert is like a tasty adventure!

Traditional Dishes

One of the best parts of Diwali is the classic foods that families have enjoyed for a long time. Think about soft, sweet gulab jamuns soaked in syrup or creamy kheer, a rice pudding. 

There are also yummy snacks like samosas and pakoras, which are great for sharing with friends and family. These foods are super important during Diwali, and people make them with a lot of love.

Dubai’s Special Flavors

But since this is Dubai, the city likes to add its special twist to everything. Along with the traditional foods, you can find cool new dishes that mix Indian flavors with local ingredients. 

Imagine saffron baklava or sweet burfi made with dates and nuts. These yummy creations show how Dubai loves to try new things with food!

Celebrating Five Days of Diwali in Dubai

Day 1: Dhanteras – A Day of Good Luck

Diwali celebrations in Dubai begin with Dhanteras Day. On this day, people like to purchase objects made of brass, silver or gold, hoping that it will bring them luck. 

The markets in Dubai have become extremely crowded, with buyers craving decorations, often-bought items, and delicious sweets. It’s also a time to buy gifts for family and friends, like tasty treats or shiny jewelry. Here are some fun places to shop:

• The Dubai Mall
• Wafi Mall
• Deira City Centre
• Mall of the Emirates
• Bur Dubai Souk

Day 2: Choti Diwali – Getting Ready

The day before the big celebration is called Choti Diwali. It’s all about getting ready! Homes smell delicious because everyone is making sweets, and people visit family and friends. When night comes, buildings and homes light up with lamps and candles, making everything look beautiful.

Day 3: Diwali – The Festival of Lights

The best day of the five is Diwali! Everyone wears their best traditional clothes. Families gather to pray to Laxmi and Ganesh, the gods of wealth and protection. 

The evening is filled with laughter, card games, and dancing. Even if we can’t have our fireworks, the sky in Dubai lights up with amazing displays from the city.

Day 4: Govardhan Pooja – A Big Feast

After Diwali, people celebrate with food. They cook a lot of tasty vegetarian dishes to share with everyone. Many people come together for big meals called ‘Langars,’ where everyone enjoys home-cooked food. Lots of Indian restaurants also have special menus to make the celebration even better.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj – Celebrating Siblings

The last day of Diwali is called Bhai Dooj, a special day for brothers and sisters. Sisters give sweets to their brothers, and brothers give gifts in return, promising to always be there for their sisters.

The Diwali Shopping Adventure & Getting Ready

Dubai has fun with shops as Diwali approaches! Many of our readers would be familiar with the large malls – and the vibrant local markets – and everything abounds with festive cheer. 

Whether you need a special outfit for Diwali, gifts for your family and friends, or pretty decorations for your home, Dubai has it all. Celebrating Diwali in the Dubai desert is not just about the lights and food; it’s also about the fun of finding cool things to buy.

Mixing Old and New

In the stores, you can find lots of modern styles, but there are also many traditional items. You can pick out beautiful ethnic clothes and trendy outfits. 

If you love jewelry, the gold markets sparkle with special Diwali pieces! Plus, there are pop-up markets with handmade decorations, Diwali lanterns, and much more.

Planning Your Diwali Shopping

With so many things to see and buy, it’s smart to plan your shopping trip. Start early so you don’t have to rush at the last minute. 

Make a list of what you need. If you are visiting Dubai, check when the shops are open. Many stores stay open longer during Diwali, giving you more time to shop.

Staying Safe

While you enjoy shopping and the fun of the festival, remember to stay safe. Dubai is a safe place, but it’s always good to be careful. Stick to bright areas, pay attention to what’s happening around you, and keep your belongings close. Also, remember to follow health rules, wear masks, and keep some distance from other people.

Top Places to Celebrate Diwali in Dubai

• Fireworks at Dubai Creek: Dubai Creek is the best place to see Diwali fireworks! It’s super special because it’s the only place in the city where you can watch fireworks during the festival. Lots of families and friends come here to see the colorful lights in the sky.
• A Week at Bollywood Parks: Bollywood Parks is a fun place to celebrate Diwali for a whole week! You can watch live shows with popular Bollywood stars and listen to famous singers. If you love movies, you can catch classic Bollywood films in the theater. There’s also a street food festival where you can taste yummy Indian foods!
• Al Seef’s Diwali Extravaganza: If you want to feel like you’re in India for Diwali, Al Seef is the place to go! They have a special ceremony where people light diyas, which are little lamps that represent light winning over darkness. You can visit the Diwali market, or ‘Mela,’ with lots of stalls selling handmade diyas, pretty jewelry, traditional clothes, and decorations. You can even get henna designs on your hands and make colorful rangoli art while listening to fun Bollywood music!
• Art Displays at the Dubai Mall’s Waterfront Promenade: Watch the Waterfront Promenade at the Dubai Mall look super cool during Diwali! I do get to see some great stuff floating on water. Boats glide along, and they look like they are painted with beautiful designs. It’s a great mix of old and new art.
• Desert Safari Dubai: Diwali isn’t just in the city; it’s also celebrated in the desert! As the sun goes down, people gather in the desert for fun activities, traditional dances, and a magical night under the stars. It’s a special way to celebrate Diwali!

Where to Celebrate Diwali in the Dubai Desert

There are many great places to celebrate Diwali in the Dubai desert, including:

• The Desert Safari Dubai Camp
• Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
• Arabian Nights Village
• Platinum Heritage
• Platinum Tours
• Desert Safari Dubai

These resorts and tour companies have special Diwali packages that include fun activities like evening desert safaris, camping, tasty Indian meals, and cultural shows.

When to Celebrate Diwali in the Dubai Desert

This year, Diwali is on November 1, 2024. The festival will last for five days, starting with Dhanteras on October 29 and ending with Bhai Dooj on November 3. The biggest celebrations in Dubai will be on November 1!

What to Wear to a Diwali Celebration in the Desert

Diwali is a special time, so it’s nice to wear traditional Indian clothes. For boys, this could be a kurta and pajama or a dhoti. For girls, a sari, lehenga, or salwar kameez is perfect.

If you don’t have traditional clothes, that’s okay! You can wear comfortable and festive clothes. Just try not to wear anything too casual or revealing.

What to Bring to a Diwali Celebration in the Desert

Here are some things you might want to bring:

• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Shawl
• Camera
• Cash (for tips and souvenirs)

Activities and Events at a Diwali Celebration in the Desert

At Diwali celebrations in the desert, there are many fun activities, such as:

• Desert safaris
• Camping
• Traditional Indian meals
• Cultural performances
• Fireworks show

We even have special activities for kids, like face painting, henna tattoos, and making colorful rangoli designs.

Food and Drinks at a Diwali Celebration in the Desert

Diwali is a time for yummy food, and you can enjoy a lot of tasty Indian dishes at a Diwali celebration in the desert. Some of the most popular Diwali foods are:

• Samosas (crispy pastries filled with potatoes or meat).
• Pakoras (vegetables dipped in batter and fried).
• Biryani (spicy rice mixed with meat or vegetables).
• Gulab Jamun (sweet, round desserts soaked in syrup).
• Jalebi (spiraled sweets that are crispy and sweet).

At “Rihla Tours,” we also have drinks like water, juice, soda, tea, and some drinks for adults, too!

Bottom Line

When lights are sparkling, and everyone is enjoying their night, you can realize that Diwali in Dubai is truly unique. The vibrancy and the manner in which Diwali has been celebrated are unique because the city holds a modern touch while still embracing tradition.

The darkness never opposes Diwali, whether one is bargaining in formal markets with busy work or just quietly exploring the horizons of the desert of Dubai, everything in the festival is something great to remember.

FAQs

Q1: What is Diwali, and why do people celebrate it?

Ans: Diwali is called the “Festival of Lights.” People celebrate it to show that light wins over darkness and good wins over bad.

Q2: How is Diwali in Dubai different from Diwali in India?

Ans: Diwali in Dubai is different because it combines traditional celebrations with exciting modern ones. In Dubai, there are big fireworks and special events in the desert that you don’t always see in India.

Q3: Where can I shop for Diwali items in Dubai?

Ans: You can find Diwali items at places like Dubai Mall, Meena Bazaar, and Gold Souk. These places have lots of clothes, decorations, and fun stuff for Diwali!

Q4: Are there special Diwali events in Dubai?

Ans: Yes, there are lots of fun events for Diwali in Dubai! You can see cultural shows and dance performances and even go on special desert safaris.