Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is approaching this weekend. The festival is a five-day affair, with the main celebration falling right in the middle. This year, that date falls on November 8, 2026. Whereas the surrounding days allow for other rituals and subsequent gatherings, parties, and community events. Within the city, the festival lights up neighbourhoods, while fine dining restaurants pull out all the stops to celebrate. So if your Diwali plans involve staying put at home, here are all the ways to spruce up the weekend celebrations.
ZIYA | Anantara Downtown Dubai
Bringing a wholesome, traditional flavour to the table, ZIYA celebrates Diwali with the introduction of its limited-edition menu. Called the Swad Mahaal and priced at Dhs 99 per person, expect to find India’s rich culinary heritage across vegetarian dishes. The experience begins with a fragrant spiced drink, followed by Indian street snacks, creamy curries accompanied by rice and freshly baked breads, and traditional sweets like Kaju Katli and Puran Poli that cement the best of what Diwali offers.
Noor Festival of Lights | Al Seef
Returning to the creek for its third edition, Noor Festival of Lights brings arts, pomp, and a great show alongside the already festive nature of Diwali. This year, the programme runs from November 7 to 8, and involves processions, traditional dance, live music, even stand-up comedy, and more.
Jeema | JA Hatta Fort Hotel
For those looking to celebrate in a way you only could in the UAE, how about a Diwali escape to the mountains? At Jeema, JA Hatta Fort Hotel Diwali dining is surrounded by the Hatta mountains. At the restaurant, expect to find a three-course set menu featuring Indian-inspired recipes along with standard Diwali decorations such as rangoli, diya lamps, and flowers. The festive celebration is set to take place on November 8, from 6:30 to 10:30 PM and is priced at Dhs 199 per adult and Dhs 99 for children aged 6 to 12.
Global Village | Wadi Al Safa 4
It’s the season to make the annual trip to Global Village anyways, so why not do it during Diwali? As a hub celebrating diversity, the theme park will be hosting a series of festivities in honour of Diwali. Taking place from November 6–10, you can find drone shows, an exclusive Diwali market, and a Baithak show featuring traditional melodies on the park’s main stage.
Diwali Dressing | Serai Collective
For those looking to dress for the occasion in a contemporary, fusion way, Serai Collective’s Festive edit is the one to look out for. Featuring a range of independent designers and artisans across South Asia, the edit brings tailored co-ords, embroidered separates, statement tops and more with a distinctive cultural edge. For some, that looks like colour, and for others, that looks like cultural motifs as accents. Either way, it makes for an incredibly stylish Diwali blending heritage with contemporary flair.
Avatara | Dubai Hills Estate
Indulging for the season, the MICHELIN-starred vegetarian restaurant brings out two elaborate menus for Diwali. Taking place on November 8 only, lunch is a 12-course menu while dinner is a whopping 17-course experience. At the heart of both is an exploration of vegetable-based dishes with Indian influences sprinkled across each dish. Prices start from Dhs 960 per person.
Diwali Gifting | GODIVA
Diwali gifting often consists of sharing sweets. For hosts, it’s an offering to welcome guests, while for others, it’s a metaphorical way of sharing happiness. And while these sweets are usually relegated to traditional Indian Mithai, who says we cannot switch things up with chocolates and pralines? At GODIVA, the chocolatier celebrates Diwali with a limited edition collection of boxes worth gifting. The standout among the collection is the Diwali Chocolate Chest Box, which features a selection of 70 pralines and truffles and 144 pieces of assorted Napolitains chocolates. Whereas the other four boxes bring an assortment of GODIVA classics, all designed for sharing. Available at GODIVA boutiques across the UAE, the collection will last till November 9.
Diwali Days | Marriott Marquis Dubai Creek
At Marriott Marquis Dubai Creek, Diwali goes beyond the main day. On November 4 and 8 you can find a Diwali buffet which will feature a selection of traditional Indian favourites and international dishes at Creek Kitchen. Whereas from November 2 to 7, Jewel of the Creek will host a Diwali market. The market will bring local businesses and allow visitors to explore traditional clothing, gifts, decor, and more.
Diwali Skin | SOHL SKIN
Whether you’re thinking about your own skin during the festivities or looking to gift a beauty lover, SOHL SKIN makes the process all the more easier with their range of stick masks. A facial mask in a twist stick format, the sticks are designed to complement any skincare ritual without adding extra effort to it. The duo come in a Turmeric version to help with uneven skin tone and a Rose version, which helps to brighten the skin. And for Diwali, you can also get 15% off individual skincare products with the code DIWALI15. Available till November 12, 2026
Coffee & Charms | Kairos Coffee Assembly
Instead of the typical coffee run, make a detour to Kairos Coffee Assembly, which has released a limited-edition menu just in time for Diwali. Featuring a cashew croissant pudding that’s filled with cashew custard and finished with a cashew praline and rose petals, the dessert is the perfect accompaniment to a fresh brew.
Whereas on Saturday, November 7, the space will be hosting a Diwali charm-making workshop. Priced at Dhs 250 per person and taking place at 4 PM, guests will learn how to make charm jewellery with a selection of charms to choose from.
Now that the plans are sorted, here’s how you can dress up for them.
