Diwali: 10 places to celebrate festival of lights in UAE today

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the 'Festival of Lights' and is celebrated at the end of autumn everywhere, both within India and abroad, in places with a larger Indian population. The festival is spread across five days, and marks the start of the new year on the Hindu calendar.
For centuries, Diwali has been one of the more popular festivals in India, and is celebrated across the country. Though each state may have different traditions, the underlying theme of 'lights' remains prevalent across borders.
In Dubai, the celebrations kick started on October 24 at a number of venues across the city, including the Global Village - which opens on October 29 - major shopping malls and retail destinations. Officials said the festival will be celebrated in the "true spirit of the Year of Tolerance". Here are the 10 places to celebrate festival of lights in the UAE.
Diwali at BurJuman
Celebrate Diwali at BurJuman today with an explosion of colours! Enjoy exciting activities like candle, tiara and diya decoration, henna painting and much more and take vibrant pictures with Indian-themed décor and floral ceiling displays all around the mall. For details, 04 352 0222

New Diwali sweets
Wondering what sweet treats to get today to celebrate Diwali? Why not try some of the new selections Brownie Point has introduced specially for the Festival of Lights? Indulge in rich Belgium Chocolate filled with the delicious Kaju Katri or White Belgian Chocolate filled with a mint-based Pista Pan roll. At Barsha. For details, 04 423 2670

A very desi Diwali
Gather your friends and family and celebrate Diwali today at Bollywood Parks and Resorts! Enjoy the unlimited rides, entertaining live shows and a specially curated Diwali buffet. For details, www.bollywoodparksdubai.com

Hathi's Garden
Are you ready for the biggest Diwali celebration in town? Dubai Festival City Mall has launched their new IMAGINE show Hathi's Garden in honour of the Festival of Lights that will run for 6 weeks! Get there today and follow the little elephant trying to find her way back home. For details, www.dubaifestivalcitymall.com

A Ferrari Diwali
Ferrari World has set up a unique Diwali experience as it transforms into a world of colour and lights. Get ready for a stunning new Bollywood stage spectacular and indulge in delicious cultural treats at their Indian inspired Bazaar. For details, www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

Live cooking
The Masala restaurant at Bab Al Shams is celebrating Diwali today with a live cooking station that'll whip up traditional Indian delicacies. Take a seat in the Diwali village that's decorated brightly and beautifully while you tuck in and listen to live music. For details, 04 809 6100

Diwali attire
Haven't found the perfect Diwali outfit yet? Check out the newly launched Diwali collection at Anarkali & James. You're sure to find something that fits your aesthetic in their new sparkling ethnic wear collection. At Bur Dubai. For details, 04 336 5536

Free bites
Farzi Café, the modern spice bistro, is serving up a whole host of complementary Indian bite-sized delicacies all day long today. The celebrated Indian restaurant serves up dishes with a cool twist so enjoy some of their unique takes on traditional Indian dishes. At City Walk. For details, 052 689 2012

Decorated Seef
Experience the magic of Diwali in a fairytale setting at Al Seef today with glittering lamps and colourful rangolis, an exotic ethnic bazaar to stroll through, delicious eats to indulge in, Bollywood beats and breathtaking fireworks. For details, www.alseef.ae
An extravagant performance
The Flag Island on Sharjah will come alive today with a 9-hour cultural extravaganza! Enjoy Bollywood dance choreographies, fashion shows and singing performances. Head down for this free event with your friends and family and celebrate Diwali like never before! For details, www.theflagisland.ae