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

Visit temples for authentic experiences
Wear modest ethnic wear
Arrive early for events
Carry cash for markets
Try regional sweets
Respect local laws on fireworks
Photograph respectfully
Join community programs
Participate in diya lighting
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

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

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!