Ready to celebrate Diwali 2021 in Abu Dhabi? The capital is getting lit up in honour of the Festival of Lights and its big celebration on Thursday November 4, 2021.
Diwali is one of the most important celebrations for Hindus around the world, many of whom call the UAE home, and Abu Dhabi has plenty of things to do and ways everyone can get involved in the Festival of Lights to have truly happy Diwali.
Diwali typically has five days of celebrations. Wondering what are the dates for Diwali 2021?
The celebration will run across Monday November 1 to November 4, 2021, but Diwali celebrations in Abu Dhabi are offering even more this year. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Diwali in the capital, Time Out has all of the Abu Dhabi Diwali 2021 events right here.
We’ll be updating this page on a regular basis so bookmark it now and check back for all of the best 2021 Diwali events in Abu Dhabi – whether you’re after a meal, special offer, Diwali gift or event for a happy Diwali in the capital, you’ll find it here.
Diwali Menus, Meals and Culinary Experiences
Rangoli
Celebrate the Festival of Lights in a traditional setting at Rangoli in Yas Island Rotana. The restaurant is known for its take on modern Indian cuisine and powerful flavours, and this special seating takes diners on a culinary journey featuring all the Diwali festive favourites in its exclusive Diwali 2021 menu.
Highlights include murgh tikka, dum biryani, pulao and rasmalai as well as a special masala chai station. In true Diwali celebratory style, a colourful Rangoli display will welcome guests. Bookings are encouraged to be part of the experience.
For Time Out’s review of Rangoli click here.
Nov 4-6, serving from 6pm. Yas Island Rotana, Yas Island, rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/unitedarabemirates/abudhabi/yasislandrotana/dining (026564000).
Namak
In honour of the Festival of Lights 2021, Namak is offering a dazzling dinner from Wednesday November 3 to Saturday November 6 from 7.00 pm to 11.30 pm. The Diwali celebration meal at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi’s Indian restaurant features carefully chosen dishes that merge tradition, colours, beautiful flavours and spice. The prepared set menu is Dhs149 for vegetarians and Dhs169 for non-vegetarians.
For Time Out’s full review of Namak click here.
From Dhs149 (vegetarian), Dhs169 (non-vegetarian) Reservations recommended. Nov 3-6, 7pm-11.30pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Muroor Road, dusit.com/dusitthani-abudhabi/dining (02 698 8137).
Punjab Grill
Making plans for Diwali 2021 in Abu Dhabi or Dubai? Punjab Grill has options in the capital and at its sister restaurant in Dubai. At both locations, the restaurant is offering a special Diwali menu devoted to classic Indian dishes with culinary twists. The themed Diwali menu will be available for two weeks, from Wednesday October 27 to Wednesday November 10.
For Time Out’s full review of Punjab Grill click here.
Open daily 12.30pm-midnight. Wed Oct 27 to Wed Nov 10 (Diwali menu). The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, instagram.com/punjabgrillabudhabi (02 449 9839).
Punjab Highway
We love Punjab Highway – this spot is a local favourite for a reason. Located near Electra Park in the Tourist Club Area of Abu Dhabi, what the venue lacks in size it makes up for in absolutely massive flavour. Little wonder it’s always packed. Try the Diwali special buffet for just Dhs49 per person on Thursday November 4. The buffet goes from 7pm to 11pm, and includes a surprise gift and sweets. You know we’re in.
For all the best places to get veg and vegan food in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Electra Park (02 641 1165).
Martabaan
Celebrate Diwali in Abu Dhabi with an exclusive dining experience at Martabaan courtesy of chef Hemant Oberoi. For Dhs350, guests can enjoy a festive set menu for the Festival of Lights at the beautiful Emirates Palace. The limited-time Diwali menu is available between November 3 to 5 from 1pm until 10pm.
For Time Out’s review of Martabaan click here.
Dhs350. Nov 3-5, 1pm-10pm. Emirates Palace, Corniche (02 690 7999).
Marsana
Have a memorable Diwali celebration with the family at Marsana. The colourful Diwali décor to Rangoli art and live performances and DJ will make this a very memorable time. Come dressed in your finest because there is also a fashion show as part of the full schedule of Festival of Lights events.
For more about Al Hudayriat Island’s glamping click here.
Free. Nov 5-6, 6pm-11pm. Hudayriyat Island, marsana.ae.
Diwali Gifts and Hampers
Views
Searching for the perfect gift to celebrate 2021 Diwali in Abu Dhabi? The Views Lobby Lounge in Yas Island has you covered. Wish those near and dear a very happy Diwali with one of the glittering Diwali hampers, starting from Dhs90 for a selection of eight assorted dried fruits and nuts. For Dhs140, there’s the deluxe sweet collection made up of 20 pieces of assorted Indian sweets and chocolates. Want a truly special Diwali gift? The signature hamper for Dhs450 has a collection of Godiva Belgium chocolates. Happy Diwali!
For staycation deals in Abu Dhabi click here.
From Dhs90. Call for bookings and collections. Views Lobby Lounge, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (026563000).
India Palace
Do not forget about Diwali sweets. Show your loved ones how much they mean this Festival of Lights with gourmet Indian sweet boxes from India Palace. Choose from three variations, including the Royal Gold Textured Box for Dhs120, the blue Classic Luxurious Box for Dhs85 and the Standard Box in gold for Dhs65.
For the best budget Indian meals in Abu Dhabi click here.
From Dhs65. Various locations across the UAE. indiapalace.ae (050 444 6087).
Looking for more things to do in Abu Dhabi? Click here to see everything that is happening in the capital this month.
