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12+ Festive Ways To Celebrate Diwali In Abu Dhabi

While Diwali traditions may vary from community to community, the celebration is widespread throughout the UAE with so many Hindu expats amongst the population.

Diwali in Abu Dhabi celebrations are similar to those around the world. The Festival of Light is also celebrated by Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists.

Each year, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other cities put on celebrations in the form of fireworks and candles.

Millions of colourful lights illuminate apartment balconies and shopping malls during the celebrations of Diwali in Abu Dhabi.

Diwali is celebrated by decorating houses with colourful Rangolis and flowers. There are a variety of Rangoli designs, the most common are circles and flowers.

The date of the festival varies according to the Lunar calendar. This year, Diwali is being celebrated on November 12th.

Diwali in Abu Dhabi is the most significant Hindu festival which celebrates the triumph of Good over Evil. This festival is known as the Festival of Light where ‘light’ symbolizes knowledge. 

diwali celebration in abu dhabi 2020
Diwali In Abu Dhabi

Although Diwali in Abu Dhabi is not an official holiday, the celebrations are scheduled for the weekend across the capital in selected venues.  

Discover where to see fireworks this Diwali in Abu Dhabi, specific places to celebrate, Hindu temples and of course the all important Indian sweet shops and places to pick up festive gifts in the city.

Diwali Celebration In Abu Dhabi

Diwali Night At Sofitel Corniche

Celebrate Diwali with a delightful dinner with your loved ones at Corniche All Day Dining in Sofitel Corniche. Enjoy the rich and authentic flavors of Indian cuisine on Sunday, November 12th, from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. The cost is AED 220 per person and includes soft drinks and water.

Sofitel Corniche

Diwali At Martabaan, Emirates Palace

Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Martabaan, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi from November 10th to 12th. Immerse in the authentic charm of Indian street food and traditional Indian music.

In honour of the occasion, Martabaan’s lounge area will host six food stalls, offering an array of traditional Indian street food.

You can also explore a variety of Indian sweets and retail gifts. This includes a Diwali sweet boxes, for AED 150 per 1kg, with tempting options such as:

  • Besan Ladoo, an aromatic Indian sweet made from gram flour, sugar, ghee, and cardamom.
  • Kaju Katli, a classic Indian cashew fudge prepared with cashews, ghee, and sugar.
  • Dry Fruit Sandwich, a crunchy delight featuring pistachios stuffed with a blend of mixed nuts.
  • Kaju Pista Roll, a heavenly combination of cashew nuts and pistachios in a sweet confection.
  • Badam Rose Laddu, an exquisite treat made with rose petals, almond powder, sugar, and cardamom.

Capila Restaurant

Capila are celebrating Diwali in Abu Dhabi, based at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island there will be a beautiful light show, cultural entertainment and great food.

Diwali In Abu Dhabi

There will be a spice market with a variety of aromatic ingredients so guests can make their own delicious chaat. 

Dishes will be served on the Indian-inspired spice bike, while succulent tikka will be served on the tandoori BBQ.

Dessert is an essential part of every Hindu Festive celebration, there will be plenty of indian sweets for guests at Capila.

Date: November 11 & 12th

Time: 7pm to 10 om

Price: 160 aed

Location: Hilton, Yas Bay, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Diwali Angar At W Hotel Abu Dhabi

This Diwali, Angar at W Hotel Abu Dhabi has created a special three-course set menu to mark the occasion. Step into the magic of the celebration with tradition and modern indulgence.

diwali in abu Dhabi

The Diwali celebrations will run daily from November 10th until the 15th from 6 to 11pm.

Visit the Holy Temple BAPS Hindu Mandir

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is building the temple of Abu Dhabi in UAE as a traditional Hindu place of worship.

Even though the temple is currently under construction, you can visit the temple to pray to commence the celebration of Diwali in Abu Dhabi.

The Holy Temple is located at Abu Mureikhah, which is near Al Rahba off the Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Highway. The temple will be the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East.

diwali events in abu dhabi
Diwali In Abu Dhabi

Once constructed, it will incorporate all aspects and features of a traditional Hindu Mandir as part of a fully functional, social, cultural and spiritual place of worship.

There will be a visitor centre, prayer halls, exhibitions, learning areas, sports area for children, water features, food court and a bookstore.

Location: Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba, Abu Dhabi

Hindu Temple

There is nothing better than visiting the 70,000 square feet Hindu Temple in Dubai to commence the celebration of Diwali. The temple is officially open to public of all faiths at the worship village in Dubai.

Diwali in Abu Dhabi
Diwali In Abu Dhabi

Once entering the temple, the fusion of Indian and Arabic architecture is striking. Strolling through the Temple listening to the Hindu priests chant in the background is incredible.

Since there is a huge crowd expected during the occasion of Diwali, it is important to book a spot through the booking system.

Book your Hindu Temple visit

Timings: 6am to 8:30pm daily, special prayers at 7:30pm

Location: Jebel Ali, Dubai

Bollywood Parks

If you are celebrating Diwali in Abu Dhabi, Bollywood Park is not too far from the Dubai border. In fact it is one of the first stops between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

It is the world’s first Bollywood-themed park located just 56 minutes away from Abu Dhabi city centre.

The best part is the traditional Indian street dancers, not to mention the theatre show which takes place at mulitple intervals throughout the evening.

Diwali in Abu Dhabi
Diwali In Abu Dhabi

Aside from the traditional performances, there is so much to do! From the rocket-shaped gravity ride to carousels, colourful hang gliders and the Bollywood Sky Flyer, which holds the record for the tallest swing ride in the world.

It is guaranteed to get your heart racing or festive if you prefer to avoid the rides. Book your tickets to celebrate Diwali at Bollywood Here.

Timings: 12pm to 9pm (Sunday to Thursday) and 12pm to 10pm (Friday and Saturday)

Location: Bollywood Parks™ Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai

Arijit Singh, 18th Of November, Etihad Arena

The internationally acclaimed singer is making a return to Abu Dhabi. His soul-stirring lyrics will transport you into the musical world of Bollywood!

Arijit Singh – Etihad Arena

Accompanied by diverse musicians from across the globe, Arijit Singh promises an unforgettable evening at Etihad Arena.

India Palace Restaurant

With multiple locations scattered across the Capital, celebrating Diwali in Abu Dhabi at one of the many India Palace Restaurants is quite popular.

The culture-rich Indian restaurant is well-known among the Indian expats and other residents in Abu Dhabi for their authentic Indian dishes. It is also a perfect venue to spend the festival of Diwali with your family and friends.

India Palace has a traditional touch to its interiors and the hospitality of the staff is notable.

Diwali in Abu Dhabi
Diwali In Abu Dhabi

With plenty of private dining room options available on the first floor including an exclusive 10+ person area, an intimate dining experience is assured.

The chefs have curated a special Diwali dining menu for guests, including everything from succulent curries, tandoori, biryanis and plenty of other vegan, vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options.

The rasmalai and gulab jamun cake are the top recommendations for desert when dining at India Palace Restaurant.

If you are looking to treat your friends and loved ones, India Palace offers an elegant gold textured gift box of sweets during the festive season. There is also a Royal Blue option for a touch of luxury.

Location: Al Salam Street, Opposite Adnoc Distribution Head Office, TCA , Abu Dhabi

Diwali Gifts & Decorations

With Abu Dhabi being home to some of the best shopping malls, many put on celebrations for all festivities whether it’s Halloween or Christmas, not to mention Ramadan or Diwali!

This year, Halloween and Diwali festivities fall at the same time so it will be interesting to see the city incorporate both celebrations.

Some of the best Diwali offers in Abu Dhabi are found in the malls! Watch out for the colourful Rangoli displays.

If you need to stock up on Diwali decorations and gifts there is plenty available online. Check out everything from Rangolis, Home Decor to Gift Boxes for Diwali in Abu Dhabi.

Diwali in Abu Dhabi

Click here to buy Rangolis

Diwali In Abu Dhabi

Click here to buy Diwali Lights

Diwali In Abu Dhabi

Click here to buy Diwali Clay Diyas

Indian Confectionery Shops In Abu Dhabi

Sharing traditional sweets and other confectioneries is a noble gesture when greeting friends and family during Diwali.

Sweet shops in Abu Dhabi stock up on a variety of special treats for Diwali. “Mithai” is the traditional name for Indian sweets.

Mithaiwaalas

Mithaiwaalas is a popular mithai shop in Abu Dhabi. Featuring everything from cakes to pastries and street snacks such as namkeen. They have an array of special treats and gifts during Diwali.

Diwali in Abu Dhabi

Location: Salam Street, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St, Abu Dhabi

Sri Krishna Sweets

Sri Krishna Sweets is based in the heart of Abu Dhabi. It’s known for high quality pure ghee based Indian sweets and savouries.

Self proclaimed King of Mysurpa, the shop has traditional melt in the mouth delights famous in the Indian subcontinent.

Diwali in Abu Dhabi

When it comes to mithai, it’s a one-stop shop to satisfy all sweet cravings and also perfect to pick up a gift for your loved ones when celebrating Diwali in Abu Dhabi.

Location: Hamdan Bin Mohammed St, behind Al Mariah Cinema, Abu Dhabi

Chhappan Bhog

Chhapan Bhog is a premium name when it comes to Indian sweets and savouries. Every Indian expat in Abu Dhabi will be familiar with the name due to its popularity.

The variety of delicacies range from bites and berries, to delightful dry fruits and premium sweets.

Diwali in Abu Dhabi

At Chaapan Bhog you can buy sweets by weight allowing customers to customize an assorted box!

Location: Behind ADCB Bank, Al Salam St, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi

Gold Souks

The tradition of buying and gifting gold during Diwali is not a new practice. Some Gold merchants offer up to 60 percent discount during Diwali.

Diwali In Abu Dhabi

Madinat Al Zayed Shopping Centre has a good variety with whole sale rates and negotiable prices.

Parks and Entertainment

If you are looking for a place for family and friends to gather and celebrate, there are plenty of parks and green spaces to spend Diwali Abu Dhabi. Several parks within Abu Dhabi are free to enter and offer a lot of amenities.

Reem Central Park

Located on Al Reem Island, Reem Central Park is one of the nicest parks the capital city has to offer. 

The centre of the park consists of a large water feature, food trucks, coffee shops and restaurants.

diwali abu dhabi 2020
Diwali In Abu Dhabi

Kids love the projector onto the water fountain at night. It comes alove with lights, music and smoke, in which a mesmerising story is told.

Enjoy a walk along the water, watch the skaters do tricks in the park, let the children enjoy the fountain at one of the many playgrounds.

Location: Reem Island, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Corniche Park

Pack a picnic basket or a barbecue and head over to the Abu Dhabi Corniche Park to celebrate Diwali with your family.

There are plenty of Barbeque pits located throughout the park which also include essential amenities free to use.

Take a walk along the famous Abu Dhabi Corniche. Possibly one of the most well-known areas within the capital, the Abu Dhabi Corniche stretches over 8km along the well manicured waterfront.

Diwali in abu dhabi
Diwali In Abu Dhabi

The coastal walkway has many restaurants, food trucks and shaded areas. Walkers can keep cool with water mist sprayed to keep walkers, runners and cyclists cool in the heat.

Location: Corniche Rd, Al Markaziyah West, Abu Dhabi

Mamsha

While technically not a park, Mamsha located on Saadiyat Island is one of the most beautiful spots to visit in Abu Dhabi for free.

Saadiyat is home to the most pristine white-sand beaches with turquoise waters and is the only place to enjoy perfect natural sea waves in Abu Dhabi.

diwali crackers in abu dhabi
Diwali In Abu Dhabi

While the strip is relatively short in distance (approximately 1km), many residents walk up and down the area multiple times to get a decent walk in.

The view, the restaurants, the palm trees with twinkling lights and the soft music playing from hidden speakers makes for a very enjoyable experience and a nice way to celebrate a relaxing Diwali in Abu Dhabi with family and friends.

Meaning of Diwali

Observed every year after the summer harvest, the five-day celebration occurs on the night of the new moon (amvasy). It is considered the darkest of all the nights on the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

Diwali in Abu Dhabi
Diwali In Abu Dhabi

The Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Newar Buddhists celebrate Diwali. Each faith celebrates different historical events and stories.

The Diwali festival originated in ancient India as a fusion of harvest festivals. It is mentioned in Sanskrit texts such as the Padma Purana and the Skanda Purana, both of which were written in the second half of the 1st millennium CE.

Skanda Kishore Purana describes diyas (lamps) as symbols of the sun, the cosmic source of light and energy for all life that transitions each season in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik.

In addition to the local interpretation of Diwali, many other countries observe the festival in a similar way.

diwali in abu dhabi
Diwali In Abu Dhabi

In the British colonial era, Diwali was mentioned in notes on Hindu festivals, such as those by Sir William Jones in 1799, a philologist who first observed Sanskrit and Indo-European languages.

A paper Jones wrote in Bengal about the Lunar Year of the Hindus notes that four of the five days of Diwali occur in Aswina-Cartica.

Summary of Diwali

Diwali is a five-day festival that reaches its peak on the darkest night of the lunar month. It coincides with the third day of the festival.

Hindus, Jains and Sikhs light their homes, temples and workplaces with diyas, candles and lanterns.

During the festival, Hindus, in particular, perform a ritual oil bath each morning. Traditionally, Diwali is celebrated with fireworks, rangoli designs on floors and jhalars (A long thin strip of colorful fabric used for decoration in the Indian sub-continent) on other parts of the house. 

diwali in abu dhabi
Diwali In Abu Dhabi

The festival is a major celebration of food with families sharing traditional sweets and feasting. It is a time of bonding and homecoming for families.

It’s equally a time for communities and associations, particularly those in urban areas which organise events, activities and gatherings.

Parades of music and dance performances in parks are often part of community get togethers.

It is customary for Hindus,Jains and Sikhs to send Diwali greetings to family near and far during the festive season, sometimes accompanied by boxes of Indian confectionery.

Diwali In Abu Dhabi Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any holidays in UAE during Diwali?

In spite of the fact Diwali is not an official holiday in the Emirates, the celebration is very popular among residents. 

During Diwali celebrations, fireworks are displayed at many locations, such as the Abu Dhabi Corniche and Yas Bay, while shopping malls offer major discounts and display Rangoli designs.

 Do we need to do anything special on Diwali?

Here are four ways people celebrate Diwali:

  • Enjoying time together. Families often spend time with their loved ones during Diwali, celebrating the holiday.
  • Preparing a feast.
  • Creating a festive atmosphere.
  • Giving back to the community.

Where can I find the Diwali Calendar?

The details on celebrating Diwali can be found on this Diwali-Puja Calendar.

diwali in abu Dhabi
Diwali In Abu Dhabi

Thank you for taking the time to read our article on celebrating Diwali in Abu Dhabi. Do let us know if you know of more places to add to our list.

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