Dubai Creek Hosts Noor Festival of Lights with Free Live Music and Indian Cultural Performances

The third edition of the festival takes place on November 7–8 at Al Seef, featuring illuminated parades, Bollywood performances and live concerts along Dubai’s heritage waterfront.

Al Seef, the heritage waterfront destination along Dubai Creek, is hosting the third edition of Noor: Festival of Lights on November 7 and 8, 2026, as part of Dubai’s Diwali celebrations.

The free two-day festival brings together live music, traditional Indian performances and illuminated parades, offering families, residents and international visitors a cultural experience against the backdrop of Dubai’s historic waterfront.

The event runs daily from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with entertainment celebrating Indian culture and the city’s multicultural character.

Each evening begins with colourful processions featuring giant illuminated puppets accompanied by traditional Indian dhol drummers. The celebrations continue with Bollywood dance performances and live concerts showcasing a variety of Indian musical styles. Saturday’s programme features Ashu Ali and Saif Hayat of The Shams, alongside Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi. On Sunday, November 8, visitors can enjoy performances by Jammers and singer-songwriter Sooraj Santhosh.

The festival’s location at Al Seef allows visitors to combine entertainment with a stroll through a waterfront destination inspired by traditional Emirati architecture. The area also offers restaurants, cafés and retail outlets overlooking Dubai Creek, creating opportunities to explore the destination before or after the performances.

Noor: Festival of Lights forms part of Dubai’s wider Diwali celebrations, running from November 2 to 12, with cultural activities, shopping experiences and entertainment events taking place across the emirate. According to Visit Dubai, admission to the festival is free. Visitors are encouraged to check the official event website for any registration or attendance requirements.

Noor: Festival of Lights demonstrates how cultural celebrations can enhance the appeal of heritage destinations by combining international artistic traditions with the distinctive character of local surroundings.

Its tourism value lies in offering families and visitors an accessible cultural experience while encouraging exploration of Dubai’s historic waterfront.

However, the festival’s actual economic contribution to surrounding restaurants and businesses will depend on verified attendance and visitor spending data, rather than anticipated footfall alone.