Dubai will sparkle brighter than ever as the Festival of Lights 2025 returns from October 17 to 26 with a citywide celebration of fireworks, live music, cultural programming, and family entertainment.
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s edition promises 10 days of community spirit, creativity, and celebration.
Spectacular fireworks
The skies above Dubai will come alive with fireworks at Souk Al Seef on October 17 at 9pm and at Global Village on October 18, 19, 24, and 25 9pm.
Cultural and community events
Souk Al Seef will host Noor – Festival of Lights from October 17 to 19, featuring music, workshops, live performances, and Diwali-inspired décor. Global Village will join the festivities with its 30th season celebrations from Oct 17 to 20, featuring fireworks, Rangoli installations, and a lively Diwali Mela.
Free mall performances
BurJuman Mall, WAFI City, City Centre Deira, and City Centre Shindagha will host free performances, workshops, and family activities throughout the festival. Highlights include BurJuman’s Baithak series of traditional music, Wafi’s live cultural showcases, and City Centre Deira’s Diwali-themed Escalator Fashion Show on Oct 25.
Concerts and comedy nights
Music lovers can look forward to Ilaiyaraja live at Dubai Opera and Andrea Jeremiah with The Jeremiah Project at Etisalat Academy, both on Oct 18. The laughter continues with Russell Peters’ world tour stop at Coca-Cola Arena on Oct 25, Sugar Sammy at Zabeel Theatre on Oct 18–19, and Praveen Kumar’s Tamil special at Live@Play by Hive Al Quoz on Oct 25.
Stories of Diwali
Dubai Festival Plaza will close the celebrations with Lights & Legends – The Stories of Diwali on Oct 24–25, combining storytelling, poetry, and dance with family-friendly workshops.
