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What To Know
- Dubai is glowing brighter than ever this week as the city’s Hindu Temple Dubai and Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara prepare to welcome an estimated 50,000 devotees for Diwali 2025 — the Indian Festival of Lights.
- The temple will also host Annakut on October 22, where 70 varieties of sweet dishes will be offered as prasad to devotees — marking the symbolic start of a new year in some Hindu communities.
- The Worship Village in Jebel Ali — home to temples, churches, and the Gurudwara — stands as a powerful symbol of UAE’s interfaith harmony and cultural inclusion.
Dubai Gears Up for Grand Diwali Celebrations
Dubai is glowing brighter than ever this week as the city’s Hindu Temple Dubai and Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara prepare to welcome an estimated 50,000 devotees for Diwali 2025 — the Indian Festival of Lights.
Both places of worship, located side by side in Jebel Ali’s Worship Village, have been adorned with lights, floral décor, and traditional art displays. This year’s celebrations span October 18 to 22, coinciding with a long weekend that gives the Indian community extra time to celebrate with family and friends.
Key Dates in the Festive Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 18, 2025 (Saturday) | Children’s Diwali Workshop — 200+ participants |
| October 19, 2025 (Sunday) | Main festive crowds begin (expected 18,000–20,000) |
| October 20, 2025 (Monday) | Diwali Day – Peak attendance of 25,000+ |
| October 22, 2025 (Wednesday) | Annakut Offering – 70 sweet dishes served as prasad |
Hindu Temple Dubai: Light, Culture, and Community
Speaking to Gulf News, N. Mohan, General Manager of the Hindu Temple Dubai, said the temple has been preparing for weeks to ensure a smooth celebration.
“On Saturday alone, we welcomed over 10,000 visitors. By Diwali day, we’re expecting over 25,000 worshippers. The enthusiasm has been overwhelming,” Mohan shared.
To manage the large crowds, the temple has implemented separate entry queues — bachelors entering from the basement and families through the main gate. Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have worked closely with temple management to coordinate security and transport.
RTA has increased feeder bus frequency from Energy Metro Station and Ibn Battuta Metro Station, ensuring safe and convenient travel for visitors.
The temple’s operating hours remain from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, though hours may be extended on Monday depending on crowd flow.
Workshops, Rangoli Displays, and Cultural Activities
In addition to the traditional pooja and aarti rituals, this year’s celebration features interactive activities for families and children.
The temple organized a Diwali-special workshop on October 18, drawing more than 200 registrations for children aged 8 to 15 years. Participants learned to design rangoli, create lamps, and craft eco-friendly decorations.
“We saw immense enthusiasm from families wanting their children to stay connected to Indian traditions,” said Mohan. “It’s not just about celebration — it’s about cultural continuity.”
The temple will also host Annakut on October 22, where 70 varieties of sweet dishes will be offered as prasad to devotees — marking the symbolic start of a new year in some Hindu communities.
Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara: Langar for Thousands
Just steps away from the temple, Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara is also glowing with lights and festive decorations. The Sikh place of worship expects 15,000 visitors on Sunday and up to 25,000 on Diwali day.
Chairman Surender Singh Kandhari said that preparations for special langar meals are underway to serve devotees throughout the day.
Langar Menu Highlights:
-
1,000 kg wheat flour
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800 kg rice
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600 kg lentils
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200 kg each of rice pudding, semolina halwa, and sweet offerings
“By God’s grace, we’ve never faced any shortage of food,” Kandhari said. “We prepare in abundance, and any surplus is distributed among Dubai’s labour community by evening.”
To handle the large turnout, the Gurudwara has added extra volunteers and tightened coordination with Dubai Police.
The langar kitchen will operate continuously throughout Diwali day, unlike the usual three-meal schedule. The regular visiting hours remain from 4:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
Interfaith Harmony in Jebel Ali
The Worship Village in Jebel Ali — home to temples, churches, and the Gurudwara — stands as a powerful symbol of UAE’s interfaith harmony and cultural inclusion.
During major Indian festivals, the area becomes a vibrant hub of lights, prayers, and community spirit, welcoming visitors from all religions.
“Dubai is a city that embraces everyone,” said a temple volunteer. “You’ll find people from all walks of life joining the festivities — not just Indians, but locals and expats alike.”
UAE Leaders Extend Diwali Greetings
In line with tradition, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extended Diwali greetings to the Indian community, recognizing the strong cultural and economic ties between the UAE and India.
Looking Ahead: More Celebrations and New Traditions
As Diwali 2025 unfolds, both the Hindu Temple and Gurudwara are expected to serve as central points of community gathering, reflection, and gratitude.
With each passing year, Dubai’s Diwali celebrations are becoming larger, more inclusive, and deeply rooted in local identity — reflecting the UAE’s enduring commitment to diversity and cultural coexistence.
