Diwali in Dubai transforms the city into a dazzling stage for culinary and cultural experiences, with fireworks lighting up the skies, festive menus at hundreds of Indian restaurants, and special events happening citywide. Whether you’re seeking rooftop venues with jaw-dropping fireworks views, exquisite vegetarian fare, Michelin-quality tasting menus, or casual buffets with entertainment, here’s your information-rich guide to the best places to celebrate Diwali in Dubai this year.
Rooftop restaurants with fireworks views
Atmosphere Burj KhalifaAED 500+Dubai’s highest dining destination, set on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa, delivers jaw-dropping skyline and fireworks views. Diwali evenings here are a glamourous affair, featuring prix-fixe dinner menus (typically AED 500+) with elegant modern cuisine, impeccable service and a truly romantic ambience. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Paid/self-parking and valet are offered onsite. Travel from Downtown Dubai is 5–10 minutes, with direct tower access.Bice Mare RestaurantAED 500+Located in Souk Al Bahar, Bice Mare boasts an alfresco terrace overlooking Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain—ideal for Diwali fireworks. The acclaimed Italian seafood menu (AED 500+) is complemented by vegetarian and vegan options. The atmosphere is chic, ideal for groups or couples. Souk Al Bahar and Dubai Mall have paid, free, and valet parking. Reached in 5 minutes by car or a short walk from Downtown.Thia Skylounge DubaiSet atop The Dubai EDITION in Downtown, this trendy rooftop lounge is famed for panoramic Burj Khalifa vistas—a perfect Diwali fireworks vantage point. Special Diwali menus with signature bites, dessert, and festive decor (AED 350–450). Parking is available in the building’s lot with valet. Downtown Dubai—the venue is easily accessible, 5 minutes by car.The Burj ClubA casual poolside rooftop within Burj Khalifa, The Burj Club offers relaxed dining, shisha, and direct views of the Fountain and fireworks. Diwali menus (AED 250–400) include vegetarian choices; the atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, with free and valet parking options. Just 5 minutes by car or a short stroll within Downtown.
Vegetarian-friendly and festive Indian kitchens
Jamavar DubaiLocated in Address Residences Opera District, Jamavar’s Diwali four-course menu (AED 375 veg, AED 395 non-veg, Oct 16–23) celebrates Mughal-inspired flavours with creative plating and lush atmosphere. Vegetarian diners receive dedicated options and festive mithai. Valet parking is available, with central Downtown access, under 10 minutes by car.Dhaba LaneAED 50–100Beloved for its nostalgic Punjabi street food vibe, Dhaba Lane’s 5-course Diwali thali (AED 65, Oct 15–22, lunch/dinner) spans veg and non-veg classics, chaat, starters, mains, breads, and sweets. A top budget choice! Branches in Karama, Garhoud, JLT, and Al Nahda offer paid lot/street parking and are 10–20 minutes from Downtown.Rohini at Mövenpick JLTThis fine-dining Indian kitchen in Jumeirah Lakes Towers delivers an elegant Diwali selection with both vegetarian (AED 139) and non-vegetarian (AED 179) tasting menus (Oct 19–21, 12:30–11:30pm). Parking at Mövenpick JLT is complimentary for diners, and it’s about 20 minutes from Downtown Dubai.VarqLocated in Taj Exotica Resort & Spa on The Palm, Varq’s contemporary Indian Diwali dinner (AED 295 per person, Oct 17–20) immerses guests in vibrant flavours and festive ambiance. Free hotel parking is available. Reachable by taxi in 20–30 minutes from Downtown.Mausam, Dubai MallSet on Dubai Mall’s waterfront, Mausam’s Diwali thali (AED 189 per person, veg/non-veg, Oct 20–21 dinner) delivers indulgence with fountain fireworks views and a curated mithai platter. Access Dubai Mall’s paid or validated parking; travel time is 10 minutes from Downtown.
High-end and Michelin-star experiences
Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, Jumeirah Al QasrAtrangi offers a truly bespoke Diwali experience (AED 690 per person), starting with a serene abra boat arrival. Guests share their culinary preferences, and the chef curates a unique tasting menu for each diner. Located in Jumeirah Al Qasr, parking is free for restaurant visitors. Expect a 15–20 minute car journey from Downtown Dubai.Mint Leaf of London DubaiModern Indian with panoramic city views, Mint Leaf (Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC) offers prix fixe or à la carte Diwali menus (AED 250–400). The venue is elegant—ideal for special occasions. DIFC features paid, validated, and valet parking. Travel is 10 minutes by taxi from Downtown.Punjab GrillFamed for luxe Indian cuisine, Punjab Grill (Anantara Downtown) celebrates Diwali with a festive à la carte menu (Oct 18–26) and fun contests for groups. Complimentary desserts on Oct 20. Onsite paid parking and valet are available at Anantara. It’s 10–15 minutes by car from Downtown.CULINARA, The Link, One Za’abeelCULINARA—on the 24th floor of The Link, One Za’abeel—hosts a 10-day festival (Oct 17–26) with Project Chaiwala, special Indian/Middle Eastern fusion dishes and a lively Diwali Night party (DJ Buddha, Oct 25). Free parking with validation, 15 minutes by car from Downtown.
Family-friendly & budget buffets
Kris With A ViewSet on Level 19 of Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, Kris With A View’s Diwali buffet (AED 99 per person, Oct 19, 7–11pm) is packed with Indian favourites, live chaat stations, biryani, desserts, and DJ entertainment. Parking is free onsite, with easy access to Bur Dubai—about 15 minutes by car from Downtown.Claypot – Bur DubaiAED 50–100Claypot’s Diwali buffet (AED 65 per adult, AED 29 per child, Oct 19–20, 7–11pm) brings generous chaat stations, dosa counters, regional classics and mithai in a festive family setting. Located in Citymax Hotel, Bur Dubai, there’s complimentary parking. Travel time is 10–15 minutes from Downtown.The SpiceryThe Spicery (Novotel Gold District, Deira) hosts its Golden Diwali Dinner (AED 110 per adult, AED 55 for children, Oct 20, 6:30–10:30pm) with tandoori grills, chaat, sweets, and live music. Indian nationals get 20% off through October. Free hotel parking; expect a 20-minute taxi from Downtown.
