Diwali 2017: 5 family-friendly events to head to in the UAE

Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is being celebrated over the October 19 weekend in the UAE. Here are five places where families can celebrate with their loved ones.

The Dubai Mall

Until October 19

With activities for all ages, visitors to The Dubai Mall can enjoyed classical and Bollywood fusion entertainment or take part in Bollywood dance classes until Thursday, October 19. There will also be a dazzling tree of lights in the Star Atrium, which will showcase a range of traditional rangoli powder drawings. Visit the stage between 6pm and 8pm to see colourful art being created live. There will also be traditional Indian carts on hand that will offer giveaways such as scarfs, bindis, bangles, diyas and more, as well as sari-draping and turban-tying demonstrations.

For more information, visit thedubaimall.com, or call 800 DUBAI MALL (800 38224 6255)

City Centre Al Shindagha, Dubai

Until October 22

The mall is set to light up with Diwali decorations and high-energy Indian dance performances and activities for the entire family. Rangoli artists will display their intricate works of art, while women and children can also get their hands painted with henna. Kids can join crafts workshops to make lanterns and diyas, while the entire family can join a colourful dance party with the Bhangra Dance Group ensemble, who will take to the mall walkways for 20-minute shows, six times daily. Shoppers will also have a chance to win gold in a daily lucky draw if they spend Dh150 at any of the shops, with winners being announced the same day.

City Centre Deira, Dubai

October 18 to 22

Families can enjoy an array of exciting ethnic performances, include folk dances from the Indian states of Maharashtra at 5pm, Punjab at 7pm, Gujurat and Rajasthan at 8pm, as well as upbeat Bollywood dance moves to the latest hits at 9.30pm. Between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, drummers dressed in colourful traditional outfits will roam the mall.

For more information, visit www.citycentredeira.com

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

October 20 to 28

The theme park will be transformed into a nine-day circus-inspired celebration. A cast of international performers will come to Abu Dhabi to perform An Elephant's Tale, the renowned Indian circus act that tells the story of Lali the Elephant. Actors, contortionists, and traditional dancers will also be performing in the park for the event, so guests can enjoy Diwali festivities between thrilling rides, including the world's fastest rollercoaster, and world's highest inverted loop. There will also be a dedicated arts and crafts area that include diya-painting, lantern-making and rangoli design.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is open between 11am and 8pm. Tickets can be purchased online from www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi

Friday, October 20

Celebrate with Bollywood singer Neha Bhasin as she performs at The Mall at WTCAD on Friday. Known for Jag Ghoomeya, Dhunki and Kuch Khaas Hai, the singer will hit the stage for a two-hour performance from 7pm to 9pm. The festival of lights will also see the mall transform into a Bollywood-inspired space with five classical Indian dance performances including kathak, bharatnatyam, bhangra, dandia, and laavni. There will also be Diwali-themed souvenirs, in addition to fun rangoli-making competitions, and a DJ playing Bollywood tunes.

Diwali Festival celebrations at The Mall at WTCAD will take place on October 20 from 5pm to 10pm on the ground floor

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Read more:

Diwali 2017: Our guide to what and where to eat in the UAE for the festival of lights

Halloween activities for kids in the UAE 

Cool new attractions as Dubai Garden Glow opens for new season - in pictures

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