Across the UAE, the festival of lights has arrived on a weekend, and many Indian families say that makes all the difference. Celebrations began on Friday with Dhanteras and continue through Saturday to Diwali Day on Sunday, giving households time to shop, decorate, cook and visit one another without rushing back to work.

Dhanteras brings the crowds

Dhanteras, the first day of the festival, is traditionally a time to buy gold, silver or new utensils, which are considered auspicious. In Dubai, that meant a busy evening in Bur Dubai.

Teacher Gagan Deep Dhanjal said she headed there around 5.30pm to pick up a small custom-made pendant she had ordered well in advance. Some jewellery shops were very crowded, she said, and the car parks around Meena Bazaar were full. Because she had planned ahead, the errand took about an hour and a half.

Silver instead of gold

Not everyone went for gold. Dubai resident Arijit Nandi took the day off to prepare and, with gold prices high, chose a silver coin rather than jewellery. His family buys one every year as part of the ritual, which they see as a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Decorating comes next. His son has been keen to see the house lit up like many homes in the neighbourhood, so the family bought string lights on Friday. On Sunday, his wife and son plan to create a rangoli, the colourful floor design made with powders or flower petals, at the entrance, and to hang a toran of flowers or leaves over the doorway. In the evening, they will light earthen lamps and candles in the backyard and welcome neighbours who stop by.

Time together

For the Dhanjal family, the weekend timing is the real gift. Her daughter Janisha said she is glad the festival falls on a weekend because it lets everyone spend time together. The family will visit the gurdwara during the day for Bandi Chhor Diwas, the Sikh celebration that coincides with Diwali, before heading home to light lamps.

They have also changed how they host. Instead of welcoming guests on Diwali weekend itself, they entertained friends last weekend so the family could be alone together this one. The plan for Sunday evening is simple: lamps, indoor games and a relaxed night in.

Sharing the festival

Dubai-based author Rucha Daryani, whose children's picture book The Light Never Left deals with finding hope in hard times, said Diwali for her family starts on Friday and runs until Sunday. On the day itself, they do puja, light diyas, dress up and cook the children's favourite foods. With plenty of relatives in Dubai, much of the weekend goes on visiting them with sweets and chocolates.

Her children also share the occasion with non-Indian friends, dressing up, explaining the traditions and handing out small gifts, usually a chocolate and a candle. The friends, she said, love it. She added that Diwali has always stood for hope and light over darkness, and that families who cannot celebrate in the way they would like can still find their own way to mark it.

Greetings and safety reminders

Official greetings have also been part of the weekend. Sheikh Mohammed extended Diwali wishes to UAE residents and to people celebrating around the world.

Dubai tenants, meanwhile, have received a fire safety notice covering candles, incense and fireworks ahead of the festival, a timely reminder for households that light lamps and decorate with string lights. Anyone using open flames at home would do well to keep them away from curtains and furniture and never leave them unattended.

Weekend plans beyond the home

For those looking for a festive outing, Global Village is offering a complimentary visit on Saturday to anyone who bought a ticket on Friday. Only 3,100 free passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the offer is valid for Saturday only, so it will suit early arrivals.

What the weather will be like

The National Centre of Meteorology said some rain is possible on Saturday, with convective cloud forming eastward by the afternoon. For Sunday, forecasters expect fair skies and light winds, with temperatures reaching up to 36°C in Dubai and 35°C in Abu Dhabi, so evening gatherings outdoors should be comfortable.

From crowded jewellers to quiet courtyards lit by diyas, the UAE's Diwali weekend shows how a festival can take different shapes in different homes while carrying the same message of light, family and renewal.