Dubai celebrates the Festival of Lights 2025 with fireworks, concerts, cultural events and family fun across the city.
DUBAI: Dubai is all set to sparkle as the Festival of Lights 2025 kicks off from 17 to 26 October, transforming the city into a hub of celebration, community, and culture. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s edition promises ten days of vibrant festivities including concerts, comedy nights, fireworks, mall activations, and immersive cultural showcases.
The Festival of Lights 2025 opens with dazzling fireworks at Souk Al Seef on 17 October and continues at Global Village with stunning displays on 18, 19, 24 and 25 October. These breathtaking moments will light up the skies and bring families together to mark the occasion.
Souk Al Seef will also host Noor – Festival of Lights, offering free cultural programming including live music, processions, and comedy from 17 to 19 October. Meanwhile, Global Village adds its own flair with colourful Rangoli art, a lively Diwali Mela, and main stage performances.
Shopping malls across Dubai join the celebration. BurJuman Mall features Baithak music nights and traditional dance performances, while WAFI City showcases South Asian cultural heritage with puppet shows, children’s workshops, and a festive tasting menu at Asha’s Restaurant. City Centre Deira and City Centre Shindagha will come alive with roaming entertainers and shoppers can earn bonus SHARE points. A unique escalator fashion show on 25 October adds sparkle to City Centre Deira’s line-up.
On the musical front, legendary composer Ilaiyaraja performs at Dubai Opera on 18 October. That same evening, Andrea Jeremiah headlines at Etisalat Academy. Comedy acts include Russell Peters at Coca Cola Arena on 25 October, Sugar Sammy at Zabeel Theatre on 18–19 October, and Praveen Kumar at Hive Al Quoz on 25 October.
Closing the festival, Dubai Festival Plaza hosts Lights & Legends – a theatrical showcase celebrating Diwali through folk stories, dance, and music.
