10-day Diwali Fest: Fireworks, diya, bhangra and much more

By Rajive Singh

Guinness Book of Records attempt at Al Seef

DUBAI 1 November 2018: Al Seef, the Dubai Creek waterfront promenade will host a mega celebration of Diwali, the Indian festival of lights from today.

This is the first time that the residents of Dubai will witness Diwali being celebrated in such a grand scale, with the participation of officials from different government and corporate bodies.

Al Seef run by Meraas, will join hands with the Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment, an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai Police and the Consulate General of India.

The ten-day festivities that start on 1 November will include live Bollywood and Bhangra performances on stage, a major firework display at the Dubai Creek, a Guinness World Record attempt for the most number of people lighting up LED lights in a relay, as well as a display of super cars and marching bands performance by Dubai Police.

Diya Lighting Ceremony

Residents of Dubai will be spectators to the first ever official display of Diwali diya lighting ceremony for families and fireworks at Dubai Creek at 8:30pm on Wednesday, 7 November.

Dubai Police will join in the festivities with a Marching Band performance, a Horse Parade, between 5 and 7pm from 8th – 10th November. Visitors will also have the opportunity to watch a display of Dubai Police Super Cars from 5pm to 11pm.

Guinness Attempt

An official attempt at Guinness World Record attempt challenge will be made on Saturday, 10 November 2018, at the heritage stage of Al Seef Dhow Deck for ‘the most number of people lighting LED lights in a relay’. Visitors to Al Seef can join families and students from different schools, as well as staff from Dubai Tourism, Dubai Police and the Consulate General of India in making the attempt, which will start at 5pm.

Families who visit Al Seef will have the opportunity to put up LED tea lights on a pre-prepared ‘diya’ (earthen lamp) pattern at Dubai Creek throughout the ten days of festivities. The destination will also host regular Diwali-themed onstage live performances such as Bollywood Bhangra and semi-classical dances from 5pm to 10pm on weekdays and 5pm to midnight on weekends during the period.

Diwali Market

Furthermore, there will be a Diwali Market open, where visitors can shop for unique handicrafts, silver wares, Diwali specific decorative items and colourful Indian outfits along with several Indian snacks and beverages.

Dates: 1 to 10 November 2018
Venue: Al Seef
Parking: Available