Diwali in the Middle East: How UAE, Dubai, and Oman Celebrate – Complete Festival Guide for Hindu Communities

Introduction: Diwali in the Middle East – Festival of Lights in the Land of Sands

The Middle East will celebrate Diwali 2025 from October 18-22, with the main Lakshmi Puja on October 20, 2025. As a region renowned for its cultural diversity and expatriate communities, the UAE, Dubai, and Oman embrace the Hindu Festival of Lights through their large Indian diaspora and interfaith harmony. This guide covers Diwali celebrations, temple events, cultural programs, and community gatherings across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and other key locations in the UAE and Oman.

In 2025, Diwali will unite the Indian expat community, Hindu devotees, local Emiratis, Omanis, and visitors in celebrations honoring ancient traditions while fostering cultural exchange. Community organizations play a vital role in promoting Indian culture and organizing grand Diwali events bridging Indian and Middle Eastern traditions.

When is Diwali 2025 in the Middle East?

Key Diwali 2025 Dates for UAE and Oman:

• Dhanteras: Saturday, October 18, 2025
• Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Sunday, October 19, 2025
• Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali): Monday, October 20, 2025
• Govardhan Puja/Annakut: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
• Bhai Dooj: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat for Dubai and Muscat:
The most auspicious time for Diwali Puja in Dubai is expected around 7:12 PM to 8:18 PM UAE Time. In Muscat, Oman, the optimal timing is around 6:45 PM to 8:45 PM Oman Time. Exact timings should be confirmed closer to the date.

Major Hindu Temples Celebrating Diwali 2025 in the UAE and Oman

1. BAPS Hindu Mandir – Abu Dhabi, UAE

Location: Abu Mureikhah, Al Taf Road (E16), Abu Dhabi
Contact: +971 2 596 2000
Email: info.abudhabi@uae.baps.org

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, serves as a spiritual hub with Vedic architecture and modern facilities.

Diwali 2025 Program:

• Special Lakshmi Puja on October 20, 2025
• Diya lighting and rangoli decorations
• Traditional aartis, bhajans, and kirtans
• Annakut offerings with over 1,000 vegetarian dishes
• Community feasts and cultural performances
• Fireworks and light shows (subject to regulations)
• Enhanced facilities like smart gates and AC tents for crowds

Temple Features:
The temple features intricate carvings of Hindu scriptures, with deities including Lord Swaminarayan, Rama, Sita, Shiva, and Parvati.

Visitor Information:

• Modest dress required; saris or kurtas recommended for festivals
• Photography allowed in designated areas
• Open to all faiths; guided tours available

2. Hindu Temple Dubai – Bur Dubai, UAE

Location: Al Souq Al Kabeer, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Contact: +971 4 352 9153
Email: info@dubaihindutemple.com

In Bur Dubai, this temple complex includes shrines for Shiva, Krishna, and other deities, serving Dubai’s Indian community for over 60 years.

Diwali 2025 Celebrations:

• Five-day festival from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj
• Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja with elaborate decorations
• Diya lighting ceremonies and aarti
• Prasad distribution and community meals
• Cultural programs with dances and music
• Expected to host thousands of worshippers

Regular Programs:

• Daily aartis and poojas
• Yoga and meditation classes
• Community outreach programs

Visitor Experience:
The temple sees a surge in visitors during festivals, promoting interfaith harmony and welcoming locals and tourists.

3. Shri Krishna Temple – Muscat, Oman

Location: Darsait, Muscat
Contact: +968 2470 2500
Email: krishnatemplemuscat@gmail.com

Established in the 1980s, this temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is a spiritual center for Oman’s Indian expat community.

Diwali 2025 Program:

• Lakshmi Puja and aarti on October 20
• Diya lighting and rangoli competitions
• Bhajans and devotional music
• Prasad and vegetarian feasts
• Community gatherings with dances

Temple Features:
The temple hosts Radha-Krishna deities with Indian-inspired architecture.

Visitor Information:

• Shoe removal mandatory
• Modest attire; open to all

4. Motishwar Mahadev Temple (Shiva Temple) – Muscat, Oman

Location: Old Muttrah, Muscat
Contact: +968 2471 2004

One of Oman’s oldest temples, dating to 1890, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Festival Activities:

• Shiva and Lakshmi pujas
• Lamp lighting ceremonies
• Cultural performances and children’s programs
• Community Diwali events

5. Sikh Gurudwara – Dubai, UAE

Location: Al Souq Al Kabeer, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Contact: +971 4 337 4820

Adjacent to the Hindu Temple, this Gurudwara celebrates Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, blending Sikh and Hindu traditions.

Diwali Programs:

• Special prayers and kirtans
• Langar (community kitchen) feasts
• Light decorations and fireworks viewing

Diwali 2025: Public Celebrations and Cultural Events

Community Events in UAE

The Indian community in the UAE organizes grand public festivals, with Dubai leading.

Expected Programs for Diwali 2025:

• Fireworks at Al Seef, Dubai Creek
• Concerts with Bollywood artists
• Festival of Lights with cultural shows
• Shopping festivals with gold and cash prizes
• Events at BurJuman Mall, Global Village, and Al Seef
• Bollywood performances, fashion shows, and food markets

Embassy of India Events

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai host receptions and programs.

Typical Programs:

• Official Diwali receptions
• Cultural shows
• Traditional cuisine
• Networking for India-UAE relations

Celebrations in Oman

Oman’s Indian expats light up Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah.

Highlights:

• Expat-led events in Amerat Park with dances, fireworks, and markets
• Diwali gatherings by community groups
• Community feasts, rangoli, and lamp lighting in Ruwi
• Indian Embassy celebrations with performances

Traditional Diwali Rituals Observed in the Middle East

Day-by-Day Celebrations

Day 1 – Dhanteras (October 18, 2025)

Marking prosperity:

• Buy gold and silver
• Worship Lakshmi and Dhanvantari
• Light first diyas
• Shop for festival essentials

Day 2 – Narak Chaturdashi/Choti Diwali (October 19, 2025)

Commemorating Krishna’s victory:

• Oil baths and new clothes
• Sweets preparation
• Evening diya lighting
• Temple visits

Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja/Main Diwali (October 20, 2025)

Main day:

• House cleaning, rangoli
• Evening puja (7-8 PM)
• Fireworks at organized events
• Family gatherings, sweets sharing

Day 4 – Govardhan Puja/Annakut (October 21, 2025)

Honoring Krishna:

• Annakut food offerings
• Vegetarian feasts
• Cow reverence stories

Day 5 – Bhai Dooj (October 22, 2025)

Sibling bond:

• Aarti and tilak
• Gifts and prayers
• Family reunions

Hindu Community in the Middle East: Demographics and History

Historical Presence

Indian ties with the Gulf:

• Ancient trade with Oman
• Pearling and commerce in UAE
• Oil boom migration post-1970s

Modern Hindu Community

UAE:

• Over 3.5 million Indians
• Professionals in IT, business, healthcare
• Local converts to Hinduism

Oman:

• Around 700,000 Indians
• Communities in Muscat, Salalah
• Business and labor sectors

Estimated Numbers:
UAE: 1-2 million Hindus; Oman: 100,000-200,000.

Diwali Cultural Programs and Performances

Traditional Indian Dance Forms

• Bharatanatyam, Kathak
• Folk: Garba, Bhangra, Dandiya
• Bollywood fusions at malls and parks

Music Performances

• Bhajans, kirtans
• Bollywood concerts
• DJ nights

Theater and Storytelling

• Ramayana enactments
• Mythological sessions for kids

Indian Cuisine and Diwali Sweets in the Middle East

Where to Find Indian Food

Dubai/UAE:

• Bur Dubai: Little India eateries
• Jumeirah: High-end restaurants
• Malls: Food courts with mithai shops

Muscat/Oman:

• Ruwi: Indian eateries
• Muttrah: Street food stalls

Traditional Diwali Sweets and Snacks

Sweets:

• Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, Ladoo, Barfi, Kaju Katli

Snacks:

• Samosas, Pakoras, Chaat

Meals:

• Biryanis, curries, breads

Shopping for Diwali Items

• UAE: Meena Bazaar (Bur Dubai) for puja items, sweets
• Oman: Indian markets in Ruwi for rangoli, attire

Shopping and Fashion for Diwali 2025

Traditional Indian Attire

Women: Sarees, Lehengas, Salwar Kameez
Men: Kurtas, Sherwanis
Children: Ethnic sets

Where to Shop

• UAE: Gold Souk Dubai, Mall of Emirates
• Oman: Muttrah Souq, Lulu Hypermarket

Unique Diwali Celebrations: Middle Eastern-Indian Fusion

Cultural Blending

Blend with Arab hospitality:

• Iftar-like feasts
• Local dates in sweets
• Bilingual events (English, Arabic, Hindi)
• Fusion music with oud and tabla

Shared Values:

• Family focus, generosity
• Light symbolism

Interfaith Harmony

• Locals join celebrations
• Temples open to all
• Diplomatic events

Activities and Programs for Families

For Children

• Rangoli workshops
• Diya painting
• Dance lessons

For Youth

• Bollywood workshops
• Social media contests (#DiwaliDubai2025)

For Adults

• Yoga sessions
• Cooking demos
• Charity drives

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Diwali Practices

Green Initiatives

• LED diyas, no residential firecrackers
• Natural rangoli
• Waste reduction

Community:

• Tree planting
• Food donations

Practical Information for Visitors and Celebrants

Getting to Temples

Dubai: Metro to Al Ghubaiba for Bur Dubai temple
Abu Dhabi: Bus/taxi to BAPS
Muscat: Taxi to Darsait or Muttrah

Traffic: Heavy in Dubai; use navigation apps

Weather and What to Wear

October Weather: 25-35°C, low humidity

• Light fabrics, modest for temples

Festival Etiquette

• Remove shoes in temples
• Respect prayers
• No personal fireworks in UAE

Health and Safety Considerations

Public Health

• Hand hygiene
• Avoid crowds if unwell

Food Safety

• Reputable eateries
• Hydrate in heat

General Safety

• Secure valuables
• Use licensed taxis

Beyond Diwali: Hindu Festivals in the Middle East

Annual Hindu Festival Calendar

• Maha Shivaratri (Feb/Mar)
• Holi (Mar)
• Ram Navami (Apr)
• Janmashtami (Aug/Sep)
• Ganesh Chaturthi (Sep)
• Navratri/Dussehra (Oct)

Contact Information and Resources

Major Hindu Organizations

BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi
Address: Abu Mureikhah, Abu Dhabi
Phone: +971 2 596 2000
Email: info.abudhabi@uae.baps.org

Hindu Temple Dubai
Address: Bur Dubai
Phone: +971 4 352 9153
Email: info@dubaihindutemple.com

Shri Krishna Temple Muscat
Address: Darsait, Muscat
Phone: +968 2470 2500
Email: krishnatemplemuscat@gmail.com

Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi
Phone: +971 2 449 2700

Embassy of India, Muscat
Phone: +968 2468 4500

Useful Online Resources

• Temple social media for updates
• Hashtags: #DiwaliUAE #DiwaliOman

Tips for First-Time Diwali Celebrants in the Middle East

1. Visit temples for authentic experiences
2. Wear modest ethnic wear
3. Arrive early for events
4. Carry cash for markets
5. Try regional sweets
6. Respect local laws on fireworks
7. Photograph respectfully
8. Join community programs
9. Participate in diya lighting
10. Connect with expat groups

Common Misconceptions About Hinduism

• Not strictly polytheistic; one Supreme in many forms
• Diverse practices; welcomes all
• Temples open to non-Hindus

Diwali 2025: Message of Hope and Unity

Universal Themes

• Light over darkness
• Family unity
• New beginnings
• Prosperity
• Gratitude

Building Bridges: India-Middle East Cultural Exchange

• Strengthens ties through festivals
• Economic contributions by expats
• Educational exchanges
• Artistic fusions

Conclusion: Celebrate Diwali 2025 in the Middle East

The Middle East offers a vibrant setting for Diwali 2025, where Hindu traditions meet Gulf hospitality. From Dubai’s fireworks to Oman’s community gatherings, join the Festival of Lights for spiritual, culinary, and cultural joy.

Mark Your Calendars:

• Dhanteras: October 18, 2025
• Choti Diwali: October 19, 2025
• Main Diwali: October 20, 2025
• Govardhan Puja: October 21, 2025
• Bhai Dooj: October 22, 2025

Shubh Deepavali 2025! Eid Milad Sa’id!

May the lights bring prosperity and peace!

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Last Updated: October 2025
Next Update: Post-Diwali 2025 with highlights and photos

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Quick Reference Guide

Essential Diwali Vocabulary

Hindi/Sanskrit Terms:

• Diwali/Deepavali: Festival of Lights
• Diya: Oil lamp
• Puja: Worship
• Prasad: Offering
• Aarti: Lamp song
• Rangoli: Floor art
• Muhurat: Auspicious time
• Mithai: Sweets
• Namaste: Greeting

Arabic Equivalents:

• Eid al-Anwar (Festival of Lights)
• Ihtifal (Celebration)
• Ibadah (Worship)

Emergency Contacts

• UAE Police: 999
• Oman Police: 9999
• Indian Embassy UAE: +971 2 449 2700
• Indian Embassy Oman: +968 2468 4500

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Acknowledgments

Dedicated to the Indian diaspora in the UAE and Oman. Thanks to BAPS Mandir, Hindu Temple Dubai, Krishna Temple Muscat, Indian Embassies, and community groups for promoting harmony.

Jai Shri Krishna! Jai Mata Di! Marhaba!