Vipul, flanked by Steven Cleaver and Mohammed Feras Arayqat, addresses the press meet. Kamal Kassim / Gulf Today

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

Tourists and residents can look forward to a glittering Diwali, as Dubai gets ready for citywide celebrations on the occasion of the Indian ‘Festival of Lights’. From star-studded concerts, spectacular shows, sparkling gold and jewellery promotions to ways to winning big prizes, there are plenty of reasons for everyone to get involved in the festivities.

Consul General of India in Dubai Vipul unveiled the Diwali Calendar of Events on Wednesday at the Consulate General of India in Dubai in collaboration with Dubai Festival City.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that with the support of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, Diwali will be celebrated on a number of locations across Dubai this year.

“Cultural programmes, fireworks shows, lighting arrangements and food festivals bring the city alive to festive fervour of Diwali. Diwali is the biggest festival of India and the Indian community is always thankful to the leadership of UAE for being able to celebrate it in a grand manner in Dubai and other cities. This is in the best tradition of historical and friendly relations between our two countries,” he said.

Diwali is one of the highlights of the annual Retail Calendar of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE).

Commenting on the retail promotions that will run during Diwali, Mohammed Feras Arayqat, DFRE Director for Retail Registrations, Retail and Strategic Alliances, said that Diwali truly symbolises the city’s cosmopolitan and multicultural environment.

“The various promotions linked to the festivities have been designed with the aim of rewarding residents and visitors and will further enhance Dubai’s reputation as a leading tourism destination offering unique shopping experiences,” he said.

Dubai Festival City Mall will host the first and largest Diwali celebrations in the Dubai with the launch of its fourth record-breaking Imagine show, ‘Hathi’s Garden’ on Oct.24.

This will include a huge fireworks display and Bollywood dance shows at 8pm free for the public.

Steven Cleaver, Director, Shopping Centres Dubai, Al Futtaim Malls, said, “For the first time in the Middle East, customers can also experience the world famous Elephant Parade exhibition with 50 life-size baby elephant sculptures created to raise awareness for elephant conversation globally.”