Quick answer: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 in the UAE is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (Navratri 11–19 October), the same date as in India. Across the UAE, Dussehra and Navratri bring together one of the world’s largest Indian expatriate communities — Gujarati garba, Tamil Golu, Bengali Durga Puja and Telugu Bathukamma all in one season. Perform the Vijayadashami puja in the Aparahna (early-afternoon) window (Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4), no daylight saving) — confirm the exact Vijay Muhurat for Dubai with a local panchang.

Across the UAE, Dussehra and Navratri bring together one of the world’s largest Indian expatriate communities — Gujarati garba, Tamil Golu, Bengali Durga Puja and Telugu Bathukamma all in one season.

How the UAE celebrates Dussehra & Navratri 2026

The festival is community-led: Gujarati samajs organise garba and dandiya nights, Bengali associations raise Durga Puja pandals, Tamil families set up Golu, and Telugu groups host Bathukamma and Dasara. Because Navratri and Vijayadashami are not public holidays, most large gatherings fall on the Friday–Saturday weekend.

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Using fireworks without permission is illegal in the UAE, so effigy burning and pyrotechnics are limited to organised, permitted events. Temples issue their own festival guidance each year.

Dussehra 2026 city by city in the UAE

Dubai

The Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali and the old Bur Dubai temple community anchor worship, and Meena Bazaar fills with shoppers for Golu dolls, sarees and puja items. Garba nights and Durga Puja are held in halls across the city.

Abu Dhabi

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Mureikhah holds special prayers, and community associations organise Navratri and Dasara programmes.

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Sharjah & the Northern Emirates

Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah communities celebrate at home and in community halls, with many families driving to Dubai or Abu Dhabi for temple darshan.

Community associations and temples usually announce their exact 2026 garba, Durga Puja and Dussehra dates a few weeks ahead — check your local temple or association for venues and times.

Dussehra 2026 dates in the UAE

Date

Observance

Sunday, 11 October

Navratri begins (Ghatasthapana)

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Sunday, 18 October

Durga Ashtami

Monday, 19 October

Maha Navami / Ayudha Puja

Tuesday, 20 October

Dussehra / Vijayadashami

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The Vijay Muhurat falls in the early afternoon and follows local sunrise and sunset — use a panchang set to your city or check today's panchangam. Don’t apply India’s IST muhurat directly.

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in the UAE?

Vijayadashami is on Tuesday 20 October 2026, the same date as in India; Navratri runs 11–19 October.

Are Dussehra fireworks allowed in the UAE?

No — using fireworks without official permission is illegal; enjoy only organised, permitted displays.

Dussehra 2026 around the world

More country and regional guides, each with local dates, muhurat and events: