Festivals, Food & Fun: Best Time of The Year for Indians to Visit the UAE

The UAE’s popularity among Indian travelers is immense, thanks to the two countries’ close proximity, abundant flight connections, and strong cultural ties. Not to mention all that the UAE has to offer, like the stunning nature of the Al Hajr Mountains, luxury shopping centers like the Mall of the Emirates, and exciting outdoor experiences in the Liwa Oasis.

It's important for Indians to plan their trips to the UAE at the right time of year to make the most of their visit. Some periods are more favorable for tourists than others, and if you can align a holiday with one of our many festivals and events, it can make a trip truly special.

These are the best times of the year for Indians to visit the UAE.

The UAE is a year-round destination, but Indian travelers typically prefer to visit during the winter months, when the weather is much more comfortable. Winter, from December to March, brings pleasant daytime temperatures averaging around 23°C, compared to the intense summer heat from late April to October, when averages soar to around 41.8°C. Even the shoulder months of November, December, and April provide decent weather conditions, making them a popular choice.

The temperatures alone highlight why winter is the peak season for a UAE holiday among Indian visitors. When you couple that with this extensive calendar of food experiences and entertainment events, it’s no surprise that our Dubai DMC consistently sees higher demand from Indian tourists during this time.

Dubai Shopping Festival

Dates: December 5th, 2025 to January 11th, 2026

Location: Dubai

The iconic Dubai Shopping Festival is back, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. Running for over a month, the event will have unbeatable discounts across 800 top brands, along with exciting raffles where lucky visitors can win incredible prizes. But it’s more than just shopping. World-class performers will take to the stage, and spectacular fireworks will light up the skies with explosive colors. The festival kicks off on December 5th with a sensational opening concert featuring many famous artists, which will be a significant highlight on many Dubai tour packages for Indians this winter.

Any B2b travel agency can easily book a desert safari or a dhow cruise online, but it often comes at a premium. However, many DMCs in Dubai have built extensive networks and relationships with local providers, allowing them to negotiate better rates.

Global Village Season

Dates: October 15th, 2025 to May 10th, 2026

Location: Dubai

The seasonal Global Village is one of the Middle East’s top cultural destinations, bringing together a wealth of traditions and customs, including many from India! This huge amusement and cultural hub has it all. Exciting shows like Boom Boom Bollywood, street food corners such as the Indian Chaat Bazaar, and plenty of experiences that make it a must-visit for every Indian on a Dubai tour.

But there’s so much more than what’s familiar to Indians. With 30 pavilions showcasing some of the world’s finest traditions, visitors can explore cultures from everywhere, from Japan to Turkey. A fun part of the experience is the Global Village passport. Travelers can pick one up when they arrive, get it stamped at each pavilion, and take it home as a keepsake to remember their adventure through the Global Village.

As a seasonal event, the Global Village changes every year, and with India being heavily represented this winter, your clients will want to experience it while they can.

Diwali Celebrations

Location: All of the UAE

Indians make up the largest group of expats in the UAE, so you can bet the Diwali celebrations here are just as extravagant as back home.

Everywhere you go, there are signs of Diwali, from the Burj Khalifa lighting up with Diwali greetings to temples overflowing with expats and tourists coming together to celebrate this important holiday. Many malls also host fun entertainment performances to get everyone into the Diwali spirit.

During the 2025 festival, BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi welcomed roughly 10,000 people for a stunning light display, while the Hindu Temple Dubai hosted around 20,000 attendees. Emirates like Sharjah also had many Diwali festivities, offering an alternative to popular destinations like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It’s hard to find a place that celebrates Diwali as spectacularly as India, but the UAE stands out, which is why an increasing number of Indians are choosing here for a memorable Diwali getaway.

New Year’s Fireworks

Dates: January 1st, 2026

Location: All of the UAE

No matter where you are in the world, there are fireworks on New Year’s Eve, but in the UAE, the displays reach a level that’s hard to match. Because of the sheer scale of some of these shows, particularly in the major cities, many are ticketed events, which require some planning for travelers from India, something a Dubai DMC B2B will be able to  assist with.

DMCs like Royal Arabian can help you align your client's trips with some of the country's most sought-after events, like this year’s Bollywood-themed Burj Khalifa New Year Show. Of course, there are plenty of public viewing areas as well, but people have to arrive very early to beat the crowds and get a decent vantage point.

Going on vacation at any time of the year is nice, but there’s a special magic to visiting the UAE during these festive seasons that every Indian traveler will love. Whether it’s a cultural gathering like the Global Village or a major celebration like Diwali, these events are sure to make any Dubai holiday truly special for Indians.

When it comes to planning trips around local festivals and celebrations, having a trusted DMC on the ground in the UAE will allow you to craft tour packages that Indians are likely to purchase. With our expertise and strong links to the Indian community here in the UAE, we know exactly what it takes to design travel itineraries tailored to Indian clients. If you’re looking for a partner in the UAE to make that happen, contact our team at Royal Arabian now!