Abu Dhabi Review

Celebrate Diwali in Abu Dhabi: Top Festivities, Activities, and Gifting Ideas for 2024

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is just around the corner, and Abu Dhabi is gearing up to sparkle with a host of celebrations. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the joy, colours, and traditions of this much-loved Indian festival. Here’s a roundup of the best activities, events, shopping tips, and gifting options to help you celebrate Diwali in style.

Candlelight: Festival of Lights at Yas Bay Waterfront

On Friday, November 1st, Yas Bay Waterfront will host a special Candlelight Concert by Fever for the 'Festival of Lights,' setting the stage for an enchanting evening just before AR Rahman’s highly anticipated performance at Etihad Arena. This free classical concert will take place on the arena plaza and pays tribute to some of the most iconic songs from Indian cinema.

The concert will feature the renowned Nabeel Khan’s Bollywood Ensemble, celebrated for their soulful Sarangi performances, and will also showcase stunning dance sequences by celebrity choreographer Sarah Pinto. With two performances scheduled—one at 6:30 PM and another at 8:30 PM—attendees can expect a magical set list featuring beloved songs from Arijit Singh, timeless hits by Lata Mangeshkar, and classics from Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

Perfect for the whole family, this unique cultural experience offers a beautiful way to celebrate Diwali and enjoy the magic of music and dance under the stars.

Diwali-themed foodie experiences

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, Al Meylas

Located within the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Maryah Island, Al Meylas will be hosting a Diwali Afternoon Tea, featuring a selection of sweet and savoury Indian-inspired treats from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. On the menu is savoury Pani Puri Shots and Punjabi Samosas, followed by classic tea sandwiches such as the Bombay Pav Sandwich and Chicken Tikka Sliders. You can finish with Gujiya dumplings, silky Kaju Barfi fudge, and Rasmalai Ice Cream with Rose Falooda.

Priced at AED 230 per person.

For bookings and more information, call +971 2 333 2333 or click here.

Other foodie events:

The Diwali Spice Market at Hilton Yas Island will offer a flavourful spread for a Diwali feast on 31 October and 1 November.
Savor a Diwali-themed night buffet at Café Palmier.
Indulge in traditional dishes at Western Hotel Madinat Zayed, Western Hotel Liwa and Western Hotel Ghayati.
Enjoy exclusive Diwali sweets and a set lunch menu at Tanjore.
Explore a variety of Thali options at Novel Hotel City Center.
Mark the occasion with a special dinner buffet at the Printania Restaurant in the Royal Rose Hotel Abu Dhabi.
Dine at the New Seasons Restaurant in City Seasons Al Hamra Hotel for a Diwali dinner buffet.
Enjoy a Diwali dinner at Mezze with a buy one, get one free offer. located at Royal M Hotel Abu Dhabi.
Experience live stations and Indian street food at Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi.
Relish a Diwali themed buffet dinner at Terrace on the Corniche, at St Regis Abu Dhabi.
Indulge in a Diwali-themed buffet dinner at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche.

Family fun, world-class musicians and more

Yas Island is also offering a special deal for Diwali: four tickets for the price of three across multiple theme parks in Abu Dhabi, valid until 31 October. (Valid for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.)

Watch Hydroman perform underwater at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi from 31 October to 3 November.
A.R. Rahman will be live in concert at the Etihad Arena on 2 November.
Diljit Dosanjh’s Dil Luminati Tour will also touch down at the Etihad Arena on 9 November.

Spend AED 200 or more at World Trade Center Mall for a chance to win gold bars daily from 31 October to 3 November.

Watch Life of Pi make its Middle Eastern debut at the Etihad Arena from 13 November to 17 November 2024

Shopping and gifting

Diwali Shopping with Kibsons

For those looking to add a personal touch to their Diwali celebrations at home, Kibsons has wide selection of items to help you prepare for the festivities, including fresh flowers, fruits, and Indian sweets like laddoos and barfis. You can also shop for ingredients to whip up your favourite Indian dishes, from spices and lentils to ghee and basmati rice.

https://www.kibsons.com/en/

Handmade gifts from MiBo

For those seeking thoughtful self-care gifts this Diwali, MiBo offers a range of handcrafted, made-to-order essentials. Using 100% pure ingredients, their products are gentle on the skin and customisable for all skin types. MiBo’s selection evolves each month, with pricing based on weight to encourage sustainable choices through bulk options. This festive season, explore their mix-and-match options or place custom orders for corporate events, hotels, and special occasions.

For more details, reach out via Instagram @handmadebymibo or message +971544056284.

Diwali Gifting by IGP

International Gifts Platform (IGP) has a variety of curated gift hampers for your loved ones. Every hamper promises to blend tradition, luxury and emotion.

Explore some of IGP's best-selling hampers:

Festive Royale (AED 510): A regal collection of gourmet treats, perfect for sharing Diwali's grandeur.
Nutritious Burst Diwali Hamper (AED 321): A symphony of taste and wellness, ideal for health-conscious celebrants.
Luminous Treasure (AED 305): A vibrant blend of traditional sweets with a modern touch.
Nutritive Indulgence Diwali Hamper (AED 295): Premium nuts and dried fruits for a wholesome celebration.
Dignified Diwali Celebration Hamper (AED 180): A dazzling ensemble of gourmet delights.

Sweeten Your Celebrations with Sugargram

This Diwali, Sugargram is lighting up the season with sweet treats that are as vibrant as the Festival of Lights itself.

The premium dessert gifting brand introduces a special Diwali-themed sleeve, adding an extra touch of festivity to their signature sweet treats. You'll also get bonbons featuring creative flavours inspired by beloved traditional Indian sweets like Rabri, Coconut Barfi, Rasgulla, Laddu, and Gulab Jamun, all presented in bold Diwali-themed colours.

That’s not all—Sugargram presents a saffron-flavoured Tin(y) cake, designed to capture the spirit of Diwali.