Dubai marks Diwali with 600-drone light show at Global Village as ruler sends greetings

Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, and Dubai is staging a weekend of celebrations. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, posted festive greetings on social media on Saturday, wishing happiness, peace and prosperity to everyone marking the occasion: “May this festival of lights bring you peace, hope, and goodness.”

Global Village: a 600-drone finale

Global Village is hosting five days of Diwali festivities from November 6 to 10, with live music, a festive market and activities for children. The highlight is a drone spectacular involving more than 600 drones, scheduled for Sunday, November 8, at 8pm. The attraction is also running a limited offer: visitors who came on November 6 can collect a complimentary ticket to return on Saturday, November 7, with 3,100 free tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Miracle Garden and the old town festival of lights

Dubai Miracle Garden hosts its Bloom and Glow Diwali Festival today, Saturday, November 7, with a parade featuring live music and dance from 4pm to 7pm, alongside a rangoli competition and diya-painting activities; tickets start at Dhs79. In the old town, Souk Al Seef is hosting the free Noor Festival of Lights tonight and tomorrow from 6pm to 11pm, with a procession of illuminated puppets and dhol drummers, and Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi performing on Saturday.

Citywide Festival of Lights runs until November 12

The events are part of the citywide Festival of Lights programme organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, running from November 2 to 12 across malls, attractions and public spaces, including free workshops, live music and talent shows at BurJuman. Organisers say Diwali is a major date on Dubai's multicultural calendar and the events are open to all residents and visitors.

(Sources: Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, Global Village, Gulf Business.)