Navratri & Dussehra 2026 in the UAE — Dubai Garba & Dandiya Nights

In the UAE, Navratri brings Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah alive with some of the biggest garba and dandiya nights in the Gulf — nine nights from 11–20 October 2026, culminating in Dussehra (Vijayadashami) on Tuesday, 20 October. This NRIGlobe guide is your practical UAE city guide to Navratri & Dussehra 2026 — where the garba nights are, what to wear, and the Dussehra events.

For the puja vidhi and legends, see our partner site HinduTone’s Dussehra / Vijayadashami guide. This page is the where-and-when for the UAE.

Quick answer: Sharad Navratri is 11–20 October 2026; Dussehra is on 20 October. UAE garba nights are large, ticketed events — book early. (The UAE is 1.5 hours behind India.)

Navratri & Dussehra 2026 in the UAE — At a Glance

Navratri: 11–20 October 2026 · Dussehra: 20 October 2026
Where: Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah — large ticketed garba/dandiya events at halls and venues
What to wear: chaniya choli and kurta — buy from Bur Dubai/Karama boutiques or UAE online stores
Dussehra: community Vijayadashami programs and cultural events

Where the Garba & Dandiya Nights Are

Dubai

Dubai hosts some of the Gulf’s largest garba and dandiya nights — big ticketed events with live music, organised by community groups and event companies.

Abu Dhabi & Sharjah

Active community garba celebrations; the capital’s growing Hindu community and Sharjah associations host weekend events. Check organiser pages for tickets.

Tip: UAE garba nights are popular ticketed events that sell out — book early and confirm the venue and dress code.

What to Wear & Where to Buy

Women: chaniya choli with oxidised jewellery; Men: kurta/kediyu
Buy from Indian boutiques in Bur Dubai and Karama or UAE online stores — order early
Follow the Navratri 9-colours calendar for themed nights
Comfortable footwear for long dandiya nights

Dussehra in the UAE

On Vijayadashami (20 October), community organisations host cultural programs and Dussehra celebrations. Temple events (including at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi) mark the occasion — check schedules and any registration requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Navratri and Dussehra 2026 in the UAE?

Sharad Navratri runs 11–20 October 2026; Dussehra is on 20 October. Garba events run across the nine nights and surrounding weekends.

Where are the biggest garba nights in the UAE?

Dubai hosts the largest ticketed garba/dandiya events; Abu Dhabi and Sharjah also have active community celebrations.

What should I wear to garba?

Chaniya choli for women and kurta/kediyu for men; many events have day-wise colour themes.

Where can I find the puja and legends?

See HinduTone’s Dussehra / Vijayadashami guide for the rituals and legends.

Final Word

From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Navratri & Dussehra 2026 is the UAE diaspora’s great festival season. Book your garba tickets early, plan your outfit and colours, and join your community’s Dussehra event. Jai Mata Di!