Plan Diwali 2025 UAE with dates, muhurat, top festivals, temple aarti, shopping, sweets, travel, and family itineraries across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

Diwali 2025 UAE: Complete Festival Guide for Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah

From temple aarti in Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi’s iconic mandir to dazzling mall shows, food festivals, and citywide light displays—Diwali 2025 UAE will be big, beautiful, and incredibly organized. If you’re planning across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, this definitive guide covers Diwali 2025 UAE dates and muhurat, temple programs, headline festivals, ticketing and venue rules, sweets and shopping corridors, transport, family itineraries, budgets, safety, and accessibility—so you can celebrate without stress.

You’ll learn where to verify Lakshmi Puja timings, which venues typically host Diwali specials (Global Village, Expo City Dubai, waterfronts, malls), how to navigate Metro and intercity buses, and how to plan a one‑day or full‑week celebration with kids, elders, or visiting friends. Whether you live in Bur Dubai or are flying in to Yas Island, use this one‑stop planner to make your festival memorable—and compliant with UAE rules.

• Table of Contents
  • Key Diwali 2025 dates and muhurat (UAE)
  • What Diwali looks like in the UAE (format & venue rules)
  • Where to celebrate: Dubai highlights
  • Where to celebrate: Abu Dhabi highlights
  • Where to celebrate: Sharjah & Northern Emirates
  • Temple aarti schedules and darshan tips
  • Home Lakshmi Puja in 20–30 minutes (apartment‑friendly)
  • Tickets, RSVPs, and seating (how to book right)
  • Transport: Dubai Metro, intercity buses, taxis, and parking
  • Sweets and shopping corridors (pre‑order guide)
  • Dining: vegetarian thalis, street‑style snacks, and prasad etiquette
  • Fireworks, light shows, and UAE safety rules
  • Sustainability: greener Diwali at home and outdoors
  • Family itineraries (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah)
  • Budget planner: free to premium scenarios (AED)
  • Accessibility, kids, and sensory‑friendly planning
  • For sponsors, stalls, and cultural advertisers
  • Key statistics with sources
  • Featured snippet: Diwali 2025 UAE—dates & quick plan
  • Useful external resources
  • Related internal guides

Key Diwali 2025 dates and muhurat (UAE)

Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar; UAE temples announce local puja windows near the festival.

• Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi): Saturday, 18 October 2025
• Naraka Chaturdashi / Chhoti Diwali: Sunday, 19 October 2025
• Diwali (Lakshmi Puja, main): Monday, 20 October 2025
• Govardhan Puja / Annakut: Tuesday, 21 October 2025
• Bhai Dooj: Wednesday, 22 October 2025

Puja muhurat varies by city and sampradaya. Confirm Pradosh Kaal/Lakshmi Puja with your temple 1–2 weeks prior. Big public festivals typically span the two surrounding weekends.

What Diwali looks like in the UAE (format & venue rules)

• The format
  • Temple aarti and Lakshmi Puja on Diwali evening.
  • Weekend melas and cultural shows in malls, waterfronts, and venue complexes.
  • Annakut displays (Govardhan Puja) at several mandirs the next day.
• Language and access
  • Rituals in Sanskrit/Hindi/Gujarati/Tamil, often with English summaries.
  • Family seating blocks, prasad counters, and clear crowd management are common.
• Venue rules you’ll see often
  • Security checks; no outside food/drink at many venues.
  • Indoor events restrict open flames; LED/flameless diya alternatives are typical.
  • Photography is usually allowed—avoid flash during aarti and watch “no photo” signs.
  • Firecrackers are regulated; public fireworks only at permitted, professionally managed shows.
• Cultural etiquette
  • Modest dress at temples and community halls.
  • Dispose of flowers/plates in designated bins; follow ushers and signages.

Where to celebrate: Dubai highlights

Final 2025 lineups go live 3–6 weeks before Diwali. Use these hubs, then follow your venue/organizer for the last‑mile schedule.

• Dubai Calendar (official events)
  https://www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-calendar

What to expect across the city:

• Historic Bur Dubai & Meena Bazaar
  • Streets glow with décor; shops run Diwali offers; expect long but organized temple queues nearby.
• Jebel Ali worship corridor
  • The Hindu Temple Dubai (2022) is the focal point for structured darshan; nearby Gurudwara adds to the festive atmosphere.
• Expo City Dubai & large venues
  • Seasonal Diwali nights with dance, music, food streets, and immersive light shows (format varies by year).
• Global Village (seasonal)
  • Usually opens in late Oct; expect special Diwali programming, cultural performances, and fireworks on selected nights (subject to schedule).
    https://www.globalvillage.ae
• Waterfronts and city districts
  • Al Seef/Creek, Bluewaters, City Walk, and major malls often host rangoli showcases, diya‑lighting moments, live music, and shopping festivals.

Practical tip: Arrive 30–45 minutes early on peak evenings; use Metro where feasible to skip parking queues.

Where to celebrate: Abu Dhabi highlights

• Visit Abu Dhabi (official events)
  https://visitabudhabi.ae

What to expect:

• BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi
  • UAE’s landmark Hindu temple (opened Feb 2024) hosts structured aarti/darshan and festival programming. Expect well‑managed queues and family‑friendly facilities.
    https://www.mandir.ae
• Yas Island & Al Maryah Island
  • Malls and waterfronts typically run Diwali décor, stage shows, and shopping promotions; occasional fireworks/light shows are venue‑managed and announced close to date.
• City malls & community halls
  • Cultural nights, dance/music showcases, kids’ rangoli, and rangoli/art exhibits.

Practical tip: If you’re temple‑hopping Dubai ↔ Abu Dhabi on the same day, plan intercity bus/taxi buffers (see Transport section).

Where to celebrate: Sharjah & Northern Emirates

Sharjah focuses on family‑centric indoor programs, with quick access to Dubai.

• Sharjah events (tourism portal)
  https://www.visitsharjah.com

What to expect:

• Cultural centers and malls host Diwali décor, stage shows, and shopping offers.
• Families often do temple aarti in Dubai (Bur Dubai/Jebel Ali) and then attend Sharjah‑area evening programs on the weekend.

Nearby: Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah malls may host smaller cultural sets; check city listings a week prior.

Temple aarti schedules and darshan tips

Temples publish Diwali‑week timings 1–2 weeks ahead; verify on official pages.

• Hindu Temple Dubai (Jebel Ali)
  https://hindutempledubai.com
  Expect: Lakshmi Puja/Laxmi aarti windows, prasad distribution, crowd‑flow routes, and parking instructions.
• Bur Dubai temples (historic Shiva & Krishna shrines)
  Map search for “Shiva & Krishna temples Bur Dubai” on Google Maps.
  Expect: Traditional aarti; long queues at prime time—arrive early, dress modestly.
• BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi
  https://www.mandir.ae
  Expect: Well‑structured darshan, cultural programs, and clear entry/parking guidance.

Darshan best practices:

• Peak evenings draw large crowds; choose early slots for elders/young kids.
• Carry a small prasad box and water; follow volunteers and keep phones on silent at sanctums.
• Photography may be restricted in certain temple areas—ask first.

Home Lakshmi Puja in 20–30 minutes (apartment‑friendly)

What you need

• Clean altar/table; images/idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha
• Diya (ghee/oil) or LED candle; incense optional; bell optional
• Haldi, kumkum, rice (akshata), flowers/leaves
• Sweets/fruit for naivedyam; a water cup
• Coins/account book (optional)

Steps

1. Shuddhi & sankalpa (2 min)
   Tidy the space, light a diya (or LED), and state your intent (prosperity, harmony, wisdom).
2. Ganesh invocation (3 min)
   Offer flowers/akshata; chant “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” 11 times.
3. Lakshmi Puja (8–10 min)
   Offer haldi‑kumkum, rice, flowers; chant “Shreem” or a Lakshmi hymn; gentle bell.
4. Aarti (3–5 min)
   Perform aarti to Lakshmi–Ganesha; keep flames far from drapes; ventilate incense.
5. Naivedyam & prasad (2–3 min)
   Offer sweets/fruit; share with family; video call elders for blessings.

Safety

• Use metal/ceramic trays under diyas; never leave open flames unattended.
• Apartments and shared buildings often prefer flameless candles—choose them in kid/pet zones.

Tickets, RSVPs, and seating (how to book right)

Some temple programs are walk‑in; many large festivals are ticketed or require a free RSVP.

1. Prioritize dates
   • Main Diwali evening (Oct 20) + one weekend festival.
2. Search and filter
   • Dubai Calendar and Visit Abu Dhabi for official listings; check Global Village/Expo City pages; watch mall social feeds.
3. Read inclusions
   • Entry‑only vs. seated ticket; access to prasad counters; parking; reserved family areas.
4. House rules
   • Bag checks; no outside food; clear‑bag policy for some venues; last‑entry time; stroller zones.
5. Save everything
   • Screenshot QR codes; note the exact gate and hall number; save a venue map.
6. Accessibility
   • Email organizers 24–48 hours ahead for wheelchair aisles, aisle seats for elders, and quiet‑room access.
7. Confirm on the day
   • Sound checks/security can shift gate opening by 10–15 minutes.

Pro tip: With kids/elders, pick aisle seats and build a 15–20 minute buffer for restrooms and snacks.

Transport: Dubai Metro, intercity buses, taxis, and parking

UAE transport is reliable and well‑signposted—plan your last‑mile early.

• Dubai Metro / RTA (trip planner, Nol card, parking updates)
  https://www.rta.ae
• Intercity (Dubai ↔ Abu Dhabi)
  • E100 (Al Ghubaiba ↔ Abu Dhabi Bus Station)
  • E101 (Ibn Battuta ↔ Abu Dhabi Bus Station)
    Timetables and fares: check RTA and Abu Dhabi’s ITC updates on the day.
• Abu Dhabi local buses / Hafilat card
  Integrated Transport Centre: https://itc.gov.ae (service updates and Hafilat info)
• Taxis & ride‑hailing
  Available across emirates; expect surge after major shows. Save a secondary pickup spot (not the main exit).
• Driving & parking
  Malls and venues offer structured parking; arrive 30–45 minutes early on peak nights. Observe Salik tolls and speed limits.
• Weather
  Late October is warm evenings with cooler nights—carry water and a light layer.

Sweets and shopping corridors (pre‑order guide)

The mithai rush peaks Diwali week. Pre‑order boxes and schedule pickup on Diwali afternoon or after aarti.

• Bur Dubai / Meena Bazaar
  Dense clusters of sweets, snacks, jewelry, and décor. Great for last‑minute diyas and torans.
• Jebel Ali & JLT/Marina corridors
  Indian groceries and mithai shops close to temple routes; convenient post‑darshan pickup.
• Abu Dhabi: Hamdan Street, Electra Street, and city malls
  Established mithai counters and dining options; many accept card/digital wallets.

Popular categories (ask for allergen labels)

• Classics: kaju katli, jalebi, rasgulla, motichoor laddoo, soan papdi
• Savories: chivda/mixture, mathri, khakhra, farsan boxes
• Gifts: assorted mithai/dry fruits with minimal plastic and clear labels

Pro tips

• Confirm nut/dairy/gluten information if you’re hosting.
• Party trays need 2–3 days’ notice in peak week; slots fill fast.
• Carry a cooler bag if you have multiple pickups across the city.

Dining: vegetarian thalis, street‑style snacks, and prasad etiquette

• Vegetarian thalis
  Widely available around Bur Dubai/Meena Bazaar, Karama, JLT/Marina, and Abu Dhabi downtown. Book early on Diwali night.
• Street‑style chaat & snacks
  Malls and festival venues often run pop‑ups; check cashless/QR payment policies.
• Prasad etiquette
  Accept prasad with your right hand or both hands; avoid wasting; discard plates in designated bins only.

Fireworks, light shows, and UAE safety rules

• Fireworks and public pyrotechnics are regulated; only licensed, permitted displays are allowed at designated venues.
• Diwali shows in the UAE usually feature:
  • Managed fireworks (venue‑announced, not guaranteed each year)
  • Light/laser/digital projections and drone shows
  • LED diya‑lighting moments and immersive décor

Safety checklist

• Follow barriers and marshals; keep kids on the upwind side during any smoke.
• Never bring personal fireworks/sparklers to public or mall venues.
• Use LED/flameless diyas at home where flames are risky.

Sustainability: greener Diwali at home and outdoors

• Diyas & décor
  Use reusable brass diyas or LED candles; pick eco rangoli (rice/pulses/flower petals).
• Waste sorting
  Use venue bins for recyclables and general waste; avoid littering in parking lots.
• Energy
  Choose LED string lights and set smart timers (sunset‑on, midnight‑off).
• Gifts & packaging
  Opt for locally made sweets, reusable trays, and minimal plastic.

Family itineraries (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah)

Dubai one‑day (temple + festival + sweets)

1. 4:45 PM — Lakshmi Puja/aarti at Hindu Temple Dubai (Jebel Ali)—arrive early.
2. 6:30 PM — Quick vegetarian dinner near JLT/Marina or Festival district.
3. 7:45–9:45 PM — Diwali festival night (venue per listing—Expo City Dubai/Global Village/city mall).
4. 10:00 PM — Mithai pickup in Bur Dubai or along your route; taxi/Metro home.

Abu Dhabi temple + waterfront evening

1. 4:00 PM — Darshan at BAPS Hindu Mandir (confirm timings).
2. 6:00 PM — Dinner at Yas/Al Maryah mall food halls.
3. 7:30–9:30 PM — Mall/waterfront Diwali program (music/dance/light show as listed).
4. 10:00 PM — Drive/rideshare home; avoid the main exit for pickup.

Sharjah family plan (with temple hop)

1. 5:00 PM — Drive/Metro to Bur Dubai or Jebel Ali for aarti.
2. 7:30–9:00 PM — Sharjah mall/community cultural program.
3. 9:30 PM — Quick sweets stop en route; home before kids’ bedtime.

Student budget plan (any emirate)

• Target free/low‑cost festival entries and temple aarti.
• Use Metro + intercity buses + ride‑share splitting for last mile.
• Carry water, snacks, and a power bank to skip concierge lines.

Budget planner: free to premium scenarios (AED)

• Free to low‑cost
  • Temple aarti + RSVP festival + prasad
  • Typical spend: AED 0–50 (donation + Metro/bus)
• Mid‑range
  • Ticketed festival + sweets + taxi/parking
  • Typical spend: AED 60–180 per person
• Premium
  • VIP seats + dinner + gift boxes
  • Typical spend: AED 200–500+ per person

Case study: Dubai couple under AED 350

• Tickets: AED 60 x 2 = AED 120
• Taxi/parking: AED 60–90
• Sweets/snacks: AED 80–120
• Donation: AED 20
  Total: ~AED 280–350

Case study: Abu Dhabi family of four under AED 500

• Tickets: AED 40 x 4 = AED 160
• Fuel/parking/taxi: AED 80–120
• Sweets/snacks: AED 120–160
• Donation: AED 20–40
  Total: ~AED 380–480

Keep a small “festival envelope” or prepaid card for tickets, sweets, and donations to stay on budget.

Accessibility, kids, and sensory‑friendly planning

• Wheelchairs & strollers
  Most temples and malls are accessible; request wheelchair aisles and stroller zones 24–48 hours ahead.
• Seniors & infants
  Choose early aarti slots; pick aisles near exits; schedule quiet breaks.
• Sensory care
  Drums and amplified sound can be loud—bring ear protection for kids or anyone with sensitivities.
• Wayfinding
  Screenshot venue maps; note elevator/restroom locations; set a family meetup point.

For sponsors, stalls, and cultural advertisers

Diwali 2025 UAE brings multi‑generational audiences into trusted community spaces—ideal for brand engagement.

• Why sponsor
  High dwell‑time, repeat impressions, and family trust.
• Assets
  Booths, stage backdrops, emcee shoutouts, social reels, leaflet inserts, QR offers (subject to venue policy).
• Timeline
  1. 8–10 weeks out: Shortlist cities/venues; set goals and budget.
  2. 6–8 weeks out: Request media kits/rates; lock deliverables.
  3. 4–6 weeks out: Finalize artwork (posters, reels, QR).
  4. 2–3 weeks out: Prep giveaways (coupons/samples).
  5. Event week: Track scans, footfall, sign‑ups; schedule follow‑up.

KPIs: footfall, QR scans, coupon redemptions, newsletter sign‑ups, and post‑event conversions.

Key statistics with sources

• Indians are the largest expatriate community in the UAE (over 3 million), underpinning robust festival calendars and temple networks. Source: Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs (Overseas Indians & NRIs overview) — https://www.mea.gov.in/
• Dubai welcomed over 17 million international overnight visitors in 2023, supporting a strong year‑round events ecosystem. Source: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism — https://www.visitdubai.com/en/
• BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi opened in 2024—UAE’s landmark Hindu temple—expanding formal worship options for the diaspora. Source: BAPS Mandir — https://www.mandir.ae

These indicators explain why Diwali 2025 UAE will feature extensive temple programming, well‑managed festivals, and strong family turnout across emirates.

Featured snippet: Diwali 2025 UAE—dates & quick plan

• Dhanteras: Sat, 18 Oct 2025
• Chhoti Diwali: Sun, 19 Oct 2025
• Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): Mon, 20 Oct 2025
• Annakut/Govardhan: Tue, 21 Oct 2025
• Bhai Dooj: Wed, 22 Oct 2025

Quick plan (7 steps)

1. Confirm Lakshmi Puja muhurat with your temple a week prior.
2. Book one weekend festival (Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Sharjah) and save QR codes.
3. Plan Metro/intercity bus + rideshare for late returns.
4. Pre‑order mithai and schedule pickup (Diwali afternoon/after aarti).
5. Pack a light layer, water, and ear protection for kids.
6. Arrive 30–45 minutes early on peak nights; follow ushers.
7. Use LED/flameless diyas at home where open flames are risky.

Useful external resources

• Dubai Calendar (official) — https://www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-calendar
• Visit Abu Dhabi (official) — https://visitabudhabi.ae
• Hindu Temple Dubai (Jebel Ali) — https://hindutempledubai.com
• BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi — https://www.mandir.ae
• Global Village — https://www.globalvillage.ae
• RTA Dubai (Metro/bus/taxi, Nol) — https://www.rta.ae
• ITC Abu Dhabi (buses/Hafilat) — https://itc.gov.ae

Related internal guides

• Diwali 2025 USA: Complete Celebration Guide with Dates, Events & Traditions
• Diwali 2025 New York & New Jersey: Aarti, Festivals, and Sweets
• Bay Area Diwali 2025: Cupertino to San Jose Planner
• Chicago Diwali 2025: Devon Avenue to Suburban Arenas
• Home Lakshmi Puja: 20-Minute Step-by-Step with List

FAQ

Conclusion with CTA

Diwali 2025 UAE: Complete Festival Guide for Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah is your blueprint—from Lakshmi Puja muhurat and temple aarti to the biggest public festivals, sweets runs, and transport that actually works on peak nights. Confirm darshan windows, lock one weekend show, set your Metro/intercity plan, and pre‑order mithai so the good stuff doesn’t sell out. Choose safety and sustainability, share prasad with neighbors, and enjoy the most luminous week of the year.

Want curated Diwali 2025 UAE schedules, temple aarti alerts, and top festival picks? Subscribe to our newsletter, bookmark this guide, and tell us where you’ll light your first diya this year—on temple steps, your balcony, or a waterfront festival.