The key facts

  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid posted a Diwali greeting on X
  • The BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi held ceremonies from 6 to 10 November
  • Global Village staged a show with 600 drones on 8 November at 20:00

Greeting from the Ruler of Dubai

UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid addressed those celebrating Diwali in the Emirates and beyond. 'Warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Diwali in the UAE and around the world. May this festival of lights bring you peace, hope and goodness, and may your days be filled with security, happiness and prosperity,' The National quoted his message on X. Diwali is one of the main Hindu holidays, symbolising the victory of good over evil and light over darkness; its date changes because it is tied to the new moon according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

Celebration programme in the Emirates

According to The National, the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi prepared religious ceremonies and activities from 6 to 10 November: a cultural programme took place on Saturday at 17:00, and a worship service for believers was held on Sunday at 18:30. Global Village in Dubai marked the holiday for five days, from 6 to 10 November, with cultural performances, family activities and a fair; the centrepiece was to be a show on 8 November at 20:00, where 600 drones over the Stunt Arena and the Syria pavilion formed compositions themed around the Festival of Lights. At the BurJuman shopping mall, the Khushiyon Se Bhari Diwali events with workshops and musical baitakas continued until 12 November, while at Riverland Dubai in Dubai Parks and Resorts, from 6 to 8 November, the Diwali Dhamaka programme ran with live music, dancing and street food from the Yalla Bombay and Chaat and Chai food trucks.

Context

The National notes that in the UAE Diwali is celebrated at home, in temples and in public venues, reflecting the country's diversity and its tradition of embracing different cultures and religious holidays. For readers of tafs.uz, this event is interesting as an example of how UAE officials publicly support the holidays of different communities: Sheikh Mohammed's greeting and the large-scale city programme — from temple services to drones over Global Village — demonstrate the official and public level of recognition of the festival in the Emirates.