Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has wished all who celebrate Diwali a happy festival of light.
“On the occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights, we congratulate all those who celebrate around the world, and wish them continued prosperity and progress,” Sheikh Mohamed said on Twitter.
Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists celebrate Diwali for five days by decorating their homes with lit lamps and inviting family and friends over to exchange gifts and sweets.
Diwali symbolises the triumph of good over evil and marks the start of the new year, based on the Hindi lunar calendar.
For this year’s celebrations of the occasion, Dubai Expo 2020 announced a line-up of special events.
These include a light and sound show involving performers, dancers and drummers in Al Wasl Plaza.
UAE music star Esther Eden will also perform, along with Indian vocalist and composer Shilpa Ananth, while Dubai rock band Dhruv will take to the Dubai Millennium Stage on Friday evening.
The Burj Khalifa also lit up in a colourful display of lights on Thursday night to mark the festival.
Diwali celebrations in Dubai - in pictures
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The festival of Diwali is celebrated by many residents of the UAE every year. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Diwali decorations light up apartments in Bur Dubai near Burjuman Centre. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Visitors admire the Burj Khalifa, which has lit up for Diwali celebrations. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Burj Khalifa lights up for Diwali. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Otherworldly glowing creatures, the Lumineoles, can be seen at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -
The Lumineoles are part of the popular outdoor night-time festival, Kaleidoscope. Victor Besa / The National -
The seven-metre-tall creatures, which perform lively dances to music, are bringing the Expo 2020 Dubai site to life. Victor Besa / The National -
The Lumineoles provide visitors with a magical immersive experience at Al Forsan Park. Victor Besa / The National -
Visitors enjoy Diwali celebrations at the India pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -
Visitors to the India pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai celebrate Diwali. Victor Besa / The National -
Dancers welcome the festival at the India pavilion. Victor Besa / The National -
Visitors to the India pavilion prepare for the festival of lights. Victor Besa / The National -
The Burj Khalifa will honour Diwali with a special projection. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
An accompanying show at the Dubai Fountain will also help locals celebrate the festival. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Clymb Abu Dhabi. Photo: Yas Island -
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Photo: Yas Island -
Etihad Arena. Photo: Yas Island -
Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi. Photo: Yas Island
