Dashain 2026 in the UAE: Nepali Celebrations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Nepali communities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi celebrate Dashain 2026 with tika ceremonies, cultural programmes and community dinners. See dates and events.
By Nepalese Events Australia Editorial Team
Published: 2026-10-19T19:59:24.000000Z
Category: Festivals
Dashain 2026 is being celebrated by Nepali communities across the United Arab Emirates, with events and gatherings planned in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The UAE is home to one of the largest Nepali workforces in the Gulf, and Dashain is a major occasion for workers, professionals and families to reconnect with Nepali culture.
Dashain 2026 dates in the UAE
- Ghatasthapana: 21 September 2026
- Phulpati: 28 September 2026
- Maha Asthami: 29 September 2026
- Maha Nawami: 30 September 2026
- Vijaya Dashami / Tika: 1 October 2026
- Papakunsha Ekadashi: 4 October 2026
Dates are d on the Nepali lunar calendar and may be confirmed locally by temples, community associations and employers.
Celebrations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Nepali restaurants, community halls and worker accommodations across the UAE typically host Dashain programmes during the festival week. Common activities include:
- Tika and jamara ceremonies
- Cultural music and dance performances
- Community dinners with traditional Dashain food
- Special festival menus at Nepali restaurants
- Live-streamed blessings to family back home in Nepal
The Al Dahab Exchange Dashain-Tihar Dhamaka is also returning to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, combining music and festival celebrations.
Community context
The UAE hosts hundreds of thousands of Nepali workers in construction, hospitality, security, retail and domestic sectors. For many, Dashain is the most important time of year to gather with fellow Nepalis, receive tika and share a sense of home.
How to find local events
Events are usually announced through Nepali community WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, temples and local businesses. Because the UAE does not have a single official Nepali community registration body, information often spreads through informal networks.
For more Dashain coverage, see our Dashain 2026 guide and UAE Nepali news section.
: UAE Nepali community announcements and Nepalese Events Australia calendar monitoring.
Read more Nepali community news and stories. Browse upcoming Nepali events across Australia.
Explore Nepali Events
Nepali concerts | Teej events | Dashain events | Tihar events | Holi events | Festival calendar
Nepali events in Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Perth | Adelaide | Canberra