Diwali delight: Fireworks, lamps mark festival of lights in UAE

Sheikh Mohammed also encouraged residents to share photos and videos of Diwali celebrations.

The UAE went all out in celebrating the festival of lights, with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, himself leading the call for residents to take part in festivities. In a touching gesture, Sheikh Mohammed tweeted his Diwali wishes in both Hindi and English on Wednesday.
Tagging Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sheikh Mohammed tweeted: "On behalf of the people of the UAE. I wish @narendramodi and all who are celebrating Diwali a happy and joyful festival. May the light of love and hope shine on us all."
Sheikh Mohammed further encouraged residents to share photos and videos of Diwali celebrations with the hashtag #UAEDiwali.

?????? ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ?? ???????????? ???? ??????? ???? @narendramodi ?? ??? ?????????? ?? ???? ?? UAE ?????? ?? ?? ?? ??????? ???????????!

???????? ?? ??? ?? ?????? ????? ????? ??? ????

????? UAE ??? ???? ?????? ?? ???????? ????? ??? share ????? #UAEDiwali
- HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) November 7, 2018

In response, the Indian prime minister replied in Arabic and English. "Thank you for the splendid Diwali wishes, Your Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Wishing you a Happy Diwali as well. Your personal commitment towards robust India-UAE relations adds great strength to our bilateral ties."

???? ????? ????? ???? ?? ???? @HHShkMohd ?????? ??? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??? ????????? ????? ????? ??????? ?????? ??? ??? ?????? ????? ?? ??????? ????? ?????? ?????? ????? ???????? ??? ??????? ????? ????? ???????? ??????? ??????? ???? ??? ????? ??? ???????? ????????. https://t.co/paFAphtEc5
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2018

Dubai was transformed into a celebration ground as fireworks and diyas (earthen lamps) lit up the night at multiple venues. Residents decorated their courtyards and homes with rangoli designs (a decorative pattern on the floor made with coloured powder).
At Al Seef, residents and tourists were treated to a fireworks show and a special Diwali bazaar. The Dubai Creek hosted the emirate's first official display of Diwali diya-lighting ceremony for families.

Photos: UAE residents celebrate Diwali with lamps, fireworks

The celebrations are far from over, though, with festivities slated to continue till Saturday. A world record for the most people lighting up LED lights in a relay will be attempted on Saturday at the heritage stage of Al Seef Dhow Deck.
Colourful performances and activities will also be hosted at the Global Village and Dubai Festival City.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE