Global Village in Dubai will mark Diwali with a dedicated programme running from November 6 to 10, 2026, timed around Diwali itself, which falls on Sunday, November 8. Entry tickets cost Dh25 on weekdays and Dh30 on weekends, with every activity on site included in the price.
The celebrations open on November 6 with Global Village's first-ever baithak, a traditional South Asian musical gathering held on the Main Stage from 8pm to 9pm in partnership with City FM. November 7 brings interactive games and prizes for visitors. The centrepiece of the programme falls on Diwali night itself, November 8, when 600 drones will light up the sky above the Stunt Arena and Syria Pavilion in a Diwali-themed show starting at 8pm.
Throughout all five days, a dedicated Diwali Mela will run in the Commercial Activation area, offering decorations, gifts and traditional Indian sweets and snacks. A Kids Corner will host face painting, diya colouring and rangoli-making, while decorative lamp posts will line World Avenue for the duration of the festival. Visitors looking for authentic Indian food can also visit several dedicated outlets, including Indian Chef, Grand Dhaba and Indian Chaat Bazaar.
Global Village's operating hours during this period run from 4pm to midnight Sunday to Wednesday, and from 4pm to 1am Thursday to Saturday, with Diwali night itself an exception: the park will close at midnight once the drone show concludes. Given how central Diwali celebrations are for Dubai's large South Asian community, organisers expect November 8 to be among the busiest single nights of the season at Global Village, and visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the drone display.