Al Seef, the waterfront promenade by Meraas that is rooted in Dubai’s culture and heritage, will join hands with the Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment, an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), Dubai Police and the Consulate General of India for a mega celebration of Diwali, the Indian festival of lights. This is the first time that the residents of Dubai will witness Diwali being celebrated on such a grand scale, with the participation of officials from different government and corporate bodies.
The 10-day-long festivities that start on 1 November 2018 will include live Bollywood and Bhangra performances on stage, a major firework display at the Dubai Creek, a Guinness World Record attempt for the most number of people lighting up LED lights in a relay, as well as a display of super cars and marching bands performance by Dubai Police.
Residents of Dubai will be spectators to the first ever official display of Diwali diya lighting ceremony for families and fireworks at Dubai Creek at 8:30pm on Wednesday, 7 November 2018. Dubai Police will join in the festivities with a Marching Band performance, and a Horse Parade, between 5pm and 7pm from 8 to 10 November. Visitors will also have the opportunity to watch a display of Dubai Police Super Cars from 5pm to 11pm.
An official attempt at breaking a Guinness World Record will be made on Saturday, 10 November 2018, at the heritage stage of Al Seef Dhow Deck for ‘the most number of people lighting LED lights in a relay’. Visitors to Al Seef can join families and students from different schools, as well as staff from Dubai Tourism, Dubai Police and the Consulate General of India in making the attempt, which will start at 5pm.
Families who visit Al Seef will have the opportunity to put up LED tea lights on a pre-prepared ‘diya’ (earthen lamp) pattern at Dubai Creek throughout the ten days of festivities. The destination will also host regular Diwali-themed onstage live performances such as Bollywood Bhangra and semi-classical dances from 5pm to 10pm on weekdays and 5pm to 12 midnight on weekends during the period.
Furthermore, a Diwali Market will be on, inviting visitors to shop for unique handicrafts, silver ware, Diwali specific decorative items and colourful Indian outfits along with several Indian snacks and beverages.
| Activity | Date | Time | Location |
| Diya lighting ceremony for families | 1 to 10 November | 5pm to 10pm on weekdays
5pm to 12 midnight on weekends |
Al Seef Main Events Arena
|
| Diwali Market | 1 to 10 November | 5pm to 12 midnight | Heritage area
|
| Diwali themed onstage performances | 6 to 10 November | 5pm to 10pm on weekdays
5pm to midnight on weekends |
Al Seef Main Events Arena
|
| Dubai Police marching band performances
|
8, 9 10 November | 7:30pm | Al Seef Heritage Area Main Roundabout |
| Dubai Police super car display
|
1 to 10 November | 5:00pm onwards | Al Seef Heritage Area Main Roundabout |
| Diwali fireworks | 7 November | 8:30pm | On the Creek
|
| Guinness World Record attempt | 10 November | 5:00pm to 8:00pm | Al Seef Dhow Deck |
Event: Diwali Celebrations at Al Seef
Dates: 1 to 10 November 2018
Venue: Al Seef
Parking: Available
