Where to celebrate Diwali in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
The festival of lights symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness and is returning to the UAE brighter than ever.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a significant and widely celebrated festival in India and by Indian communities worldwide. It is often referred to as the “Festival of Lights” and is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali typically lasts for five days and is observed with great enthusiasm and fervour. This year, the festival will fall on Sunday, 12 November. During Diwali, people light oil lamps, candles, and decorative lights in and around their homes, which gives the festival its name. Diwali is a time for family gatherings, feasting, exchanging gifts, and sharing sweets and special dishes. Here’s how you can celebrate Diwali in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Address Fountain Views
The Restaurant at Address Fountain Views will host its grand Diwali brunch celebration on Sunday, 12 November. This buffet-style feast offers an array of dishes to satisfy every palate, including cold mezze and appetisers featuring Tandoori Chicken Tikka Salad, Papdi Chat Salad and Dhai Wada. The restaurant will be bustling with live stations offering an enticing variety of dishes, including a live seafood station, a sushi station, a live risotto station, a live carving station, and a live Sikandari Raan station serving succulent Indian spiced lamb leg. Sunday 12 November, from 6:30pm to 11:30pm. AED 285 (soft beverages), AED 385 (house beverages).
GO: Email dineatfountainviews@addresshotels.com for reservations and more information.
Armani/Amal
The renowned Indian restaurant located inside Armani Hotel Dubai invites you to partake in the magic of Diwali with a spectacular set menu. Start the journey with an amuse bouche of Asparagus Ki Chaat before moving on to your choice of starter including Shakarkandi Ki Tikki, Bharwan Paneer, Archari Kumbh, Malai Cod, Crispy Chicken Bao, and much more. The mains, which are served sharing style, and include the likes of Paneer Methi Chaman, Kacche Kele Ka Kofta, and Jeera Aloo for the vegetarians, and Allepy Fish Curry, Dal Ma Fry, and Junglee Maas for the meat eaters, all served with a selection of Burani Raita, Tandoori breads, Poori, and Basmati rice. Sunday 12 November. AED 399 per person (three-course menu.
GO: Email restaurant.reservations@armanihotels.com or call 04 888 3666 for reservations and more information.
Dhaba Lane
Celebrate Diwali in the heart of Dubai with renowned Punjabi restaurant, Dhaba Lane’s five-course set menu. The menu boasts an array of highlights, featuring non-veg options like the flavorful Badami Murgh Rassa soup and Peri Peri Murgh Tikka. Vegetarian enthusiasts can savour Banarasi Tamatar Ki Chaat and the zesty Peri Peri Broccoli Ke Kebab. Both menus include the wholesome Khadd Wali Dal, the specialities of Jodhpuri Khatta Cooker, and the Daulat Ki Chaat dessert. Available from 8 to 18 November, from 12pm to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm. AED 69 per person.
GO: Visit https://dhaba-lane.com for reservations and more information.
PINCODE
Experience the spirit of Diwali at PINCODE by Chef Kunal Kapur, located in the heart of Dubai Hills Mall. Diners can start their celebration by sipping a refreshing Kesar Peda Lassi and savouring the delightful crunch of Kale Patta Chaat. The menu then features zesty Dahi ke Sholey with a Sriracha Mayo kick, Soya Chaap Angara with cooling Mint Chutney, Paneer Pasanda Badami and an aromatic Rajasthani Laal Maas. To end your dining experience on a sweet note, indulge in the exclusive “Pincode ki Mithai” selection, featuring heartwarming Chenne ki Kheer for a dose of traditional sweetness, along with a modern twist of delectable Hot Kalakand and Nutella Fudge. Available from 8 to 14 November. AED 129 per person.
GO: Call 04 566 1424 for reservations and more information.
Punjab Grill
Experience a blend of delectable cuisine and regal Indian ambience this Diwali at Punjab Grill in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Indulge in the restaurant’s Diwali menu, which features Butter Pav Bhaji with Masala Maska Bun (AED 55), Fried Idli with Kundapur Paneer Bites (AED 65), Makkai Saag with Missi Roti (AED 55), Sesame Coconut-Crusted Shrimps Laddoo (AED 79) and Mutton Missal Pav (AED 75). Available daily from 9 to 19 November.
GO: Visit https://punjabgrill.me for reservations and more information.
The Crossing
This Diwali, FACT Award-winning restaurant, The Crossing, presents a personalised dining experience for your festive celebrations. Chef Jitin Joshi has meticulously crafted a set menu featuring their signature dishes like Patti Chaat and Chicken Makhan Malai, alongside some exclusive Diwali specialities. Whether you’re planning a lunch with colleagues or a grand 20-course feast, they have something for everyone. The Special Diwali menus are available from 25 October to 12 November. Menus range from AED 175 per person to AED 450 per person.
GO: Visit www.crossingtherestaurant.com for reservations and more information.
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Prepare to be captivated by the allure of Diwali as Angar at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island undergoes a grand transformation, adorned with intricate Diwali-themed décor that sets the stage for a warm and festive atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a menu featuring crispy samosas, Tandoori temptation wings, butter velvet chicken euphoria, dal makhani, naan and rice. The Diwali set menu concludes with gulab jamun bliss bombs and the Kaju Katli crescendo cheesecake for dessert. Available from 10 to 15 November, from 6pm to 11pm. AED 229 per person (three-course menu).
GO: Call 02 656 0000 for reservations and more information.
