Plan your Dussehra celebration in UAE 2025. Discover top events in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, temple timings, tickets, and tips. Book early—don’t miss out!

Dussehra Celebration in UAE 2025: Complete Guide to Events in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah

What happens when the world’s most global community celebrates one of India’s grandest festivals? You get a Dussehra that feels like home—right here in the Emirates. With expats making up nearly 9 in 10 UAE residents and Indians forming the largest community, the Dussehra celebration in UAE 2025 is set to be bigger, safer, and more inclusive than ever. In this guide, you’ll discover the best events in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, plus temple schedules, ticketing tips, and family activities.

By the end, you’ll have a step-by-step plan to enjoy the Dussehra celebration in UAE 2025—whether you’re joining a Ramleela, visiting a temple, or hosting a simple puja at home.

• Jump to your city:
  • When Is Dussehra in UAE 2025?
  • Quick Answer: Your 7-Step Dussehra Plan
  • Dubai: Top Dussehra Events 2025
  • Abu Dhabi: Dussehra Events 2025
  • Sharjah: Dussehra Events 2025
  • Navratri to Dussehra: Garba, Dandiya, and More
  • Temples and Rituals: What to Expect
  • At-Home Puja: A Simple Checklist
  • What to Wear, Etiquette, and Cultural Tips
  • Family Plan: Activities for Kids
  • Budget & Tickets: How to Save
  • Safety, Permits, and Local Rules
  • Timeline & Booking Checklist
  • Key Statistics
  • Weather & Health Tips
  • Photography & Social Media Tips
  • Resources & Related Links
  • Conclusion

Important: Event dates and timings can change. Always confirm with event organizers or temple calendars before you go.

When Is Dussehra in UAE 2025?

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) in 2025 is expected in late September, likely around Tuesday, 30 September 2025. Final dates and muhurtam may vary by panchang and temple tradition.

• Dussehra celebrates the triumph of good over evil—Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.
• In South India, the day is also known for Ayudha Puja/Vidyarambham.
• In the UAE, temples and community groups host special aartis, Ramleela plays, and family events.

Tip: Check temple announcements 1–2 weeks before Dussehra for confirmed aarti and darshan slots.

Quick Answer: Your 7-Step Dussehra Plan

Use this to lock your Dussehra celebration in UAE 2025 in minutes.

1. Pick your city and event: temple aarti, Ramleela, or family fair.
2. Check the date one week prior on temple websites and city calendars.
3. Book tickets early (if required) and arrange transport.
4. Plan outfits: modest, breathable fabrics; carry a light shawl for AC.
5. Prepare a small home puja kit for morning rituals.
6. Arrive 45–60 minutes early for parking and darshan queues.
7. Share prasad, enjoy cultural shows, and end with family dinner.

Dubai: Top Dussehra Events 2025

Dubai hosts some of the most diverse Dussehra events in the region. From temple visits in Jebel Ali and Bur Dubai to community Ramleelas, the city offers something for every age group.

Key Temples and Likely Activities

• Hindu Temple Dubai (Jebel Ali)
  • Expect extended darshan hours, special aarti, and crowd management on Dussehra.
  • Location: Jebel Ali, near the interfaith corridor.
  • Directions: Use Dubai Metro (Red Line) to Ibn Battuta and take a short taxi/bus for the last mile.
  • Website: Hindu Temple Dubai
• Bur Dubai Temples (Shri Nath Ji Temple & Shiva Temple, Meena Bazaar)
  • Expect morning Ayudha Puja and evening aarti.
  • Ideal for quick family darshan if you live in Old Dubai.
• ISKCON Dubai (Karama)
  • Kirtans, bhajans, and community prasad on festival days.
  • Website: Search “ISKCON Dubai” for schedule updates.

Crowd tip: For popular temples, early morning darshan (before 10 am) or late evening (post 8 pm) usually has shorter lines.

Community Events and Ramleela

• Watch for Ramleela drama and cultural shows at auditoriums, community parks, and school venues.
• Likely platforms for announcements:
  • Dubai Calendar: Search “Dussehra” and “Ramleela.”
  • BookMyShow UAE and Platinumlist for ticketed shows.
  • Indian associations and cultural groups on social media.

Additionally, some organizers may stage symbolic Ravana Dahan with strict permits. Most public events focus on live drama, music, and LED/laser effects instead of open flames.

The One Dussehra Experience Most People Miss in Dubai

Many devotees skip morning Vijayadashami rituals. If you can, attend Ayudha Puja in the morning and Ramleela in the evening. The contrast is beautiful—quiet devotion at sunrise, celebration after sunset.

Family-Friendly Activities in Dubai

• Storytime corners for kids at community centers.
• Rangoli corners and craft booths.
• Vegetarian food stalls around Bur Dubai and Karama.

Where to Buy Puja Items and Outfits

• Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai: diyas, kumkum, small idols, and pooja thalis.
• Karama: traditional clothes and accessories.
• Al Quoz and Al Nahda: Indian grocery stores for prasad ingredients.

Transport and Parking in Dubai on Dussehra

• Metro + taxi is the most reliable combo on peak evenings.
• Plan 45–60 minutes for last-mile travel/parking near temples.
• Use RTA’s route planner to check live timings and bus routes: RTA Journey Planner

Parking hack: Park a few blocks away from Meena Bazaar during peak hours and walk in. It’s faster than circling for a spot.

A Local’s 60-Minute Temple Plan That Actually Works

• Arrive 60 minutes early; head straight to darshan queue.
• Do aarti first, then prasad, then circle back for photos.
• Exit through a less crowded lane and grab dinner nearby.

Personal note: Last year I reached Jebel Ali around 6:15 pm. The aarti line moved quickly, but the prasad queue got long after 7 pm. Carry water, a small shawl, and wear comfortable sandals.

Abu Dhabi: Dussehra Events 2025

Abu Dhabi’s celebrations blend temple devotion with family-friendly community events. The city’s newest cultural landmark has transformed the festive map.

BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi

• Expect special aarti, darshan queues, and cultural talks on Vijayadashami.
• Location: Abu Mureikha, off the Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway.
• Parking: On-site zones with volunteers; arrive early on festival evenings.
• Website: BAPS Hindu Mandir (mandir.ae)

Additionally, look out for community-organized events and children’s storytelling sessions around the city.

Community Venues to Watch

• Indian Social Centre Abu Dhabi (ISC) and school auditoriums may host Ramleela or cultural nights.
• Abu Dhabi Calendar often lists festive programs.

Travel and Access

• If you’re coming from Dubai or Al Ain, factor in evening traffic near the highway exits.
• Family tip: Pack snacks and water for kids; queues can be longer than usual.

Sharjah: Dussehra Events 2025

Sharjah is known for its family-first cultural vibe. Expect intimate community events, devotional gatherings, and children’s performances.

Indian Community and Cultural Hubs

• Indian Association Sharjah often supports festival programming and family activities.
• Sharjah cultural venues and parks may host small fairs and stage shows.

Likely Formats

• Morning aarti and Ayudha Puja at community halls.
• Children’s fancy-dress and storytelling about Rama and the values of Dussehra.
• Evening bhajans and prasad distribution.

Getting Around Sharjah

• Use taxis or drive early; parking near popular halls fills up quickly.
• If driving from Dubai, plan extra time for evening traffic.

Navratri to Dussehra: Garba, Dandiya, and More

Dussehra caps nine nights of Navratri. Across the UAE, expect Garba and Dandiya nights in the run-up to Vijayadashami.

• Garba/Dandiya events are usually ticketed with live DJs or folk troupes.
• Family zones, food courts, and traditional fashion pop-ups are common.
• Check city calendars and ticketing sites 2–4 weeks in advance.

Contrarian thought: Not every Dussehra needs a huge effigy burning. Symbolic rituals, eco-friendly shows, and charity drives can make the festival safer and more meaningful in the UAE.

Temples and Rituals: What to Expect

Dussehra celebration in UAE 2025 will highlight devotion, discipline, and community spirit.

• Morning: Ayudha Puja/Vidyarambham in many traditions.
• Daytime: Darshan, bhajans, and community seva.
• Evening: Ramleela, cultural programs, aarti, and prasad.

Most temples request modest attire, orderly queues, and no flash photography during aarti. Volunteers will guide you—follow their instructions for a smooth experience.

Can You Burn a Ravana Effigy in the UAE? The Real Answer

• Open burning and fireworks are regulated.
• Only authorized organizers with permits may conduct symbolic Ravana Dahan.
• Don’t attempt DIY effigy burning or fireworks—it can lead to penalties.
• Enjoy permitted shows by registered organizers instead.

At-Home Puja: A Simple Checklist

If you prefer a calm, family-centered Dussehra, a home puja is perfect. Here’s a quick setup.

• Deity image/idol: Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, or Durga (as per tradition).
• Puja items: diya, incense, flowers, fruits, sweets, turmeric, kumkum, rice, water.
• Books/tools: For Ayudha Puja, place your work tools, textbooks, or devices neatly.
• Steps:
  1. Clean a small space and set up the altar.
  2. Light a diya, offer flowers and fruits.
  3. Read a short Ramayana passage or Durga stuti.
  4. Do aarti, offer prasad, and seek blessings for new beginnings.
  5. Donate food or essentials to someone in need.

Keep it simple. The spirit matters more than the scale.

What to Wear, Etiquette, and Cultural Tips

• Clothing: Modest and comfortable. Cotton/linen are best; carry a light shawl for AC.
• Footwear: Easy slip-ons for temple visits.
• Photos: Avoid flash during aarti; ask before filming performances.
• Food: Respect vegetarian zones; dispose of waste responsibly.
• Queues: Follow volunteer directions; give priority to elders and parents with toddlers.

Family Plan: Activities for Kids

• Ramayana storytime: Pick a 10-minute tale and role-play.
• DIY crafts: Paper crowns for “Rama” and “Sita,” a small bow-and-arrow craft (safe materials).
• Values game: List 5 “good wins” your child wants to practice this week—kindness, honesty, focus, sharing, patience.
• Museum/library stops: Many communities host cultural reading corners during festivals.

Budget & Tickets: How to Save

• Book early: Early-bird tickets are cheaper and better seats for Ramleela.
• Bundle nights: Combine a Garba night with Dussehra weekend for value.
• Transport: Use Metro/tram + short taxi rides to avoid parking fees and delays.
• Food: Plan a simple prasad-dinner at home to avoid peak-hour restaurant queues.

Money saver: Carry a reusable water bottle and small snacks for kids. It saves time and reduces impulse buys.

Safety, Permits, and Local Rules

• Fireworks and open flames are regulated. Attend only authorized events.
• Respect venue rules: No smoking, no littering, and keep aisles clear.
• Mind the heat: Hydrate, especially for outdoor fairs.
• Emergency plan: Agree on a meeting point if someone gets separated in a crowd.

Volunteers and security are there to help. If you see something unsafe, inform them right away.

Timeline & Booking Checklist

Plan your Dussehra celebration in UAE 2025 in stages.

• 6–8 weeks before
  • Shortlist your city events (temple, Ramleela, Garba).
  • Set reminders to check temple calendars.
• 3–4 weeks before
  • Book tickets for any stage shows or Garba nights.
  • Arrange outfits and kids’ costumes.
• 1–2 weeks before
  • Confirm dates and timings with official pages.
  • Plan transport and parking; share the plan with the family.
• 2–3 days before
  • Prepare home puja items and prasad.
  • Pack a temple kit: water, tissues, power bank, shawl.
• Festival day
  • Arrive early, follow queues, enjoy aarti, support local stalls.
  • Share prasad at home and call family back in India.

Key Statistics

Use these to plan smarter and understand the festive scale in the Emirates.

• Around 88.5% of UAE residents are expatriates, making the country one of the most diverse in the world. Source: UAE Government Portal (u.ae)
• Indians are the largest expatriate community in the UAE (over 3 million), supporting a rich ecosystem of temples and cultural events. Source: UAE Government Portal (u.ae)
• BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi, inaugurated in 2024, is a landmark traditional stone temple on an expansive campus (reported as 27+ acres). Source: Reuters and mandir.ae
• Dubai’s Global Village reported a record 10 million visitors in its 2023–24 season, reflecting strong appetite for cultural events. Source: Khaleej Times
• Late September to early October daytime temperatures often hover in the mid-30s °C, so plan hydration and shade. Source: UAE NCM

Weather & Health Tips

• Hydration: Sip water often; add electrolytes if outdoors.
• Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics; a cap or umbrella for sun.
• Kids/Elders: Prefer indoor or shaded early-evening events.
• Comfort: Carry a small hand fan and tissues.

Photography & Social Media Tips

• Golden hour: Shoot 30 minutes before sunset for warm tones.
• Respectful frames: Avoid blocking aarti lines or covering other devotees.
• Short vertical clips: Perfect for Reels/Shorts; tag the organizers to support community events.

Resources & Related Links

Authoritative external resources:

• UAE Government Portal (u.ae) – Living and Community
• BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi
• Hindu Temple Dubai (Jebel Ali)
• RTA Journey Planner

Keep planning your festive season:

• Hindu Sabha Mandir Brampton Dussehra 2025
• Dussehra Celebration in Canada 2025: Complete Guide to Events

Conclusion

The Dussehra celebration in UAE 2025 promises devotion, drama, and community—across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Plan early, verify timings, and pick experiences that fit your family: a peaceful temple aarti, a grand Ramleela, or a simple home puja. With smart transport, modest attire, and a little prep, you’ll enjoy a smooth, meaningful festival day.

Ready to finalize your plan? Bookmark this guide, set your reminders, and share it with friends who’ll be joining you. Which event are you most excited about this year—temple aarti or Ramleela?

FAQ

Conclusion with CTA

The Dussehra celebration in UAE 2025 brings our community together with devotion and joy. Choose your city events, confirm temple timings, and book early for Ramleela or Garba. Prep a simple home puja in the morning, then head out for evening aarti and cultural shows. Share this guide with friends and family so everyone can plan with ease.

Ready to start? Pick your top event, add it to your calendar, and tell us in the comments: Are you going for temple aarti, a grand Ramleela, or both?