The Festival of Lights is one of the most anticipated international events celebrated annually in Abu Dhabi. Not just the Hindu community but the Abu Dhabi expat community at large, and visitors can join in with this beautiful occasion involving dancing, colours, tastes, smells, and delights of India and beyond.
When is Diwali in 2026?
The exact date of Diwali is based on the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartika, so it falls between mid-October and mid-November each year. Tradition dictates that it’s a five-day festival, with the darkest night of the new moon being Diwali.
In 2026, Diwali will be celebrated on 8 November (though celebrations can be expected on the weekends either side and throughout the week).
Although predominantly a Hindu festival, the occasion is also marked by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. A national holiday in some countries, the occasion is not a public holiday in the UAE but is widely marked in the community. Let’s take a look at what will be going on in 2026:
Diwali Events in Abu Dhabi 2026
We are still gethering information to complete this listing for Diwali events in Abu Dhabi for 2026 – check back soon for more details!
Diwali Annakut
Experience Diwali celebrations at the newly opened Abu Dhabi Mandir. A series of events will take place in October as follows:
- When: 18 to 26 October 2025
- Where: BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi
- Cost: Free – learn more (reservation essential)
* Still TBC if there will be any Diwali fireworks in Abu Dhabi in 2025. Firework displays are confirmed for Dubai on October 19 (Al Seef waterfront) and at the Global Village on October 18, 19, 24 and 25.
Diwali Buffets & Dining in Abu Dhabi 2026
Diwali at Zeera
Enjoy delectable and stylish contemporary Indian dining at Zeera, where for 5 days this Diwali, you can experience a set menu of festive favourites for just AED 179.
- When: 18 – 22 October 2025
- Where: Zeera by Budda Bar, The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront
- Cost: From AED 179 – book at zeera-abudhabi.com
Grand Hyatt
A great one for families to enjoy the tastes of Diwali, this buffet dinner at Sahha offers traditional favourites like butter chicken alongside tasty kadai paneer and a selection of seasonal desserts.
- When: 6:30 pm 20 October 2025
- Where: Grand Hyatt, Corniche, Abu Dhabi
- Cost: From AED 260 per person for the soft beverage package rising to AED 360 for house beverages.
Diwali Spice Market
This incredible family feast features an array of tandoori and tikka meats, as well as paneer, all grilled to perfection – learn more here.
- When: Monday 20 October 2025, 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- Where: Graphos Social Kitchen, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Bay Waterfront, Abu Dhabi
- Cost: Prices start at AED 180 per person for the soft drink package rising to AED 240 for the house drink package.
Punjab Grill
Enjoy Diwali with a modern twist on traditional classics at the Ritz-Carlton’s Punjab Grill. The carefully designed a la carte menu features a range of dishes that reflect the joy and warmth of the season, including deconstructed pain-puri, Chilean sea bass tikka, and saffron chicken tikka.
- When: 19 -26 October 2025
- Where: Punjab Grill, Ritz-Carlton, Bab Al Bahr
- Cost: Variable
Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi
One of Abu Dhabi’s premier contemporary Indian restaurants will feature live cooking stations serving Indian street food, luscious sweets, and souvenirs, accompanied by background sarangi music, for a special night out at one of the city’s most exclusive venues.
You can also purchase sweet treat boxes from Martabaan, which are perfect for Diwali gifting.
- When: Tuesday 21 October 2025
- Where: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
- Cost: From AED 299 for the soft drink package rising to AED 499 for house beverages.
More Indian Dining For Diwali
Unconfirmed on some of the exact specials for Diwali 2025, but if you’d like to experience some of Abu Dhabi’s finest Indian food and treats, you’ll be sure to find specials at one of these fabulous Abu Dhabi venues:
- Pincode by Kunal Kapur, The Galleria Mall, @pincodebykunalkapur
- MYNT Al Zahiyah @mynt.ae
- Moksh Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers @Moksh.uae
- Namak, Dusit Thani, @dusit.com
- Rangoli, Yas Marina Plaza Hotel, @rangoli
More Abu Dhabi Events in October & November
Abu Dhabi has an action-packed calendar of international events over the autumn months as the weather begins to cool. From Oktoberfest and Halloween celebrations to at Etihad Arena and Take That at Etihad Park, you can experience extreme entertainment on Yas Island!
Check out our Abu Dhabi in October and November guides for plenty more suggestions on how to fill your autumn days in the UAE now that the weather is cooling and public events are back on the calendar!
Check out the complete calendar of Abu Dhabi events this year
Before you go… Important Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack, as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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