Dubai is set to dazzle this season as the Festival of Lights 2025 returns with live entertainment to unite all communities across the city from October 17 to 26 .
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s programme features a packed calendar of star-studded concerts, laugh-out-loud comedy nights, immersive cultural experiences, free-to-attend community events, and much more – promising unforgettable nights of joy, unity, and celebration for all.
SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS
The night skies will burst into colour with unmissable Festival of Lights fireworks at two of the city’s best-loved family destinations. Watch thrilling fireworks along the banks of the Dubai Creek at Souk Al Seef on 17 October at 9pm, or head to Global Village for awe-inspiring displays at 9pm on 18-19 October and 24-25 October.
CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Culture, creativity, and community will take centre stage as Noor - Festival of Lights makes its much-awaited return to Souk Al Seef from 17 to 19 October. For one spectacular weekend, the heritage destination will glow with free-to-attend immersive cultural experiences – from lively processions and soulful live music to stand-up comedy, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking performances. Promising a truly immersive celebration set against the backdrop of mesmerising Diwali décor and captivating fireworks.
Global Village takes the celebrations to new heights as it marks its grand 30th season with a four-day Festival of Lights celebration from 17 to 20 October. Visitors can look forward to captivating performances on the Main Stage and spectacular fireworks on 18, 19, 24, and 25 October, as well as colourful Rangoli art installations, and the lively Diwali Mela filled with vibrant décor, shopping, and food.
FREE-TO-ATTEND MALL PERFORMANCES
BurJuman Mall is hosting an ongoing programme of festive entertainment until 22 October, creating the perfect spot for family days out. A brand-new Baithak series transforms Saturdays into nights of soulful music with sitar, tabla, flute, and ghazal performances, while cultural troupes bring vibrant energy every Sunday with traditional Dhol and Bollywood performances. Families can also take part in lively Game Nights every Friday and a line-up of workshops and kids’ activities all weekend, from henna art and diya painting to rangoli and lantern crafting.
From 17 to 19 October, WAFI City transforms its Main Atrium into a vibrant showcase of culture, creativity, and community. Visitors can enjoy captivating live performances showcasing the vibrancy of South Asian heritage, while families can join in a host of free children’s activities, puppet shows, stage games, and creative workshops. Adding to the festive flavour, Asha’s Restaurant is offering a specially curated tasting menu featuring traditional mithai and gourmet Indian dishes prepared exclusively for the occasion.
From 17 to 19 October, visitors can enjoy a line-up of roaming entertainment across City Centre Deira and City Centre Shindagha, featuring traditional Indian dance acts, live musicians, and interactive performances that bring the spirit of the season to life. While there, shoppers can earn 10X SHARE bonus points on purchases across fashion, accessories, footwear, electronics, home furnishing, and F&B categories from 10 to 21 October.
City Centre Deira is taking the celebrations to dazzling new heights with a first-of-its-kind Diwali-themed Escalator Fashion Show on 25 October, featuring a surprise appearance to make the evening truly memorable.
CONCERTS AND COMEDY NIGHTS
Music fans should mark their calendars for a world-class concert line-up set to light up Dubai’s biggest stages. Legendary South Indian maestro Ilaiyaraja is gearing up to enchant audiences at Dubai Opera on 18 October with a symphonic showcase of his greatest hits, while Andrea Jeremiah Live Ft. The Jeremiah Project takes over Etisalat Academy on the same evening of 18 October with an electrifying performance that blends contemporary sound with South Indian flair.
Comedy also shines bright this season as global comedy legend Russell Peters returns to Dubai with his brand-new world tour for one night only at Coca Cola Arena on 25 October. Meanwhile, internationally acclaimed comedian Sugar Sammy heads to Zabeel Theatre on 18 and 19 October with his signature wit and observational humour, and comedian Praveen Kumar headlines a Tamil-language special at Live@Play by Hive Al Quoz on 25 October.
Rounding off the celebrations, Dubai Festival Plaza hosts Lights & Legends - The Stories of Diwali on 24 and 25 October - a captivating theatrical storytelling series featuring song, poetry, folk music, and dance, complemented by classical Indian instruments and creative workshops for children.
Every evening throughout the Festival of Lights brings something new to discover, experience, and celebrate with friends and family this October.
Festival of Lights 2025 is supported by Key Sponsor
Commercial Bank of Dubai and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls
(Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato
Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Souk Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta
Mall, Nad Al Sheba Mall, Palm Jumeirah Mall, and The Outlet Village), Emirates
Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif,
and Mall of the Emirates), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), and
talabat. -TradeArabia News Service