FAQ

CAN I BRING MY FAMILY?

Yes, the festival is open to visitors of all ages.

WHAT IS THE EVENT ABOUT?

Dhai Dubai is a cultural Light Festival where art and illumination converge in a spectacular celebration.
This annual event is a canvas for local artists to transform light into a language of creativity and cultural storytelling. Here, each installation is not just a display but a dialogue, echoing the vibrant spirit of Dubai.
Through the theme Light Influences Life, Dhai Dubai invites visitors from around the globe to embark on a luminous journey, experiencing the unique fusion of traditional Emirati heritage and cutting-edge artistic innovation.

www.dhaidubai.com

WHEN DOES THE EVENT START AND END?

26 January – 04 February

WHEN IS THE EVENT OPEN?

18:00 – 23:00 daily

WILL THE EVENT BE HELD IN ENGLISH OR ARABIC?

Light Art: Information about the artwork and artist is available in both English and Arabic.

Workshops: English

Talks: Either English or Arabic:
27 January: Arabic
28 January: English
29 January: Arabic
30 January: English
31 January: English
01 February: English
02 February: Arabic
03 February: Arabic
04 February: English

WHAT IS THE EXACT ADDRESS AND VENUE DETAILS?

Expo City Dubai

WHEREABOUTS IS THE EVENT, AND HOW CAN I REACH IT?

Light art, activations, workshops, talks, and food & beverage are all situated near to Al Wasl Plaza and in Surreal Water Feature at Expo City Dubai.

HOW CAN I GET TO THE EVENT?

https://www.expocitydubai.com/en/plan-your-visit/getting-here/

IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE?

Visitor parking is available, free of charge, in Sustainability Parking. Areas H and V have been assigned to Dhai Dubai.

WHERE CAN I BUY TICKETS? WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TICKET TYPES AND PRICES? WHAT DO THEY INCLUDE?

The Light Festival is open to all visitors and is free of charge.

Participation in workshops and talks are on a first-come, first-served basis. No pre-booking is required, and spaces cannot be reserved.

ARE DOGS ALLOWED AND IS IT PET FRIENDLY? ARE SERVICE ANIMALS ALLOWED?

Expo City Dubai is dog-friendly.

Dog Stations, with water, treats, and waste bags, are located around the site.

We ask that all dogs are kept on a leash and visitors remain in control of their dogs, especially around light art installation or activations.

Dogs, except service dogs, are not permitted in the lower garden of Al Wasl Plaza or the Nomad 2.0 installation due to the lighting and special effects.

Service dogs must be on a leash or harness that identifies them as a service dog.

Please note that ‘Pets eat free’ campaign runs 08 Jan – 18 Feb:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C19PrdYNGj

IS THE VENUE ACCESSIBLE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION)?

All visitors can enjoy the light art that has been created for Dhai Dubai.

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT? ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED?

Dhai Dubai can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

ARE STROLLERS AVAILABLE? IS STROLLER PARKING AVAILABLE?

Visitors are welcome to bring their own strollers. Stroller parking areas will be available.

ARE WHEELCHAIRS AVAILABLE?

Wheelchairs are available at Visitor Centre 2 (Al Forsan Park), Visitor Centre 3 (Sidr Avenue), or Visitor Centre 8 (Al Wasl Avenue).

IS THERE A SPECIFIC DRESS CODE?

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. You might want to have a warmer item of clothing for the cooler evenings.

ARE THERE ANY ITEMS NOT ALLOWED AT THE EVENT (E.G. FOOD, DRINKS, CAMERAS)?

Please refer to the list of Prohibited Items at
https://www.expocitydubai.com/en/legals/visitor-terms-and-conditions/

ARE CASH AND CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED ACROSS ALL AREAS OF THE EVENT? (E.G. ACTIVATIONS, EXISTING F&B OUTLETS, EVENT F&B VENDORS)

Existing food outlets: Cash/Card accepted.

Al Wasl Plaza Café: Cash/Card accepted.

F&B vendors: Machu Picchu; Tos:T; Kanji by 3Files; Brix Desserts and WOFL.

Merchandise: Only cards are accepted (no cash)

Liter of Light: Make pledges by scanning the QR code on event signage.

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM FOR THE DAY/EVENING? 

Check dhaidubai.com and follow us on socials for the latest program details.

WHO ARE THE FEATURED ARTISTS, MUSICIANS, OR SPEAKERS? WHERE CAN I FIND THEIR PERFORMANCE/SPEAKERS SCHEDULES?

Check dhaidubai.com and follow us on socials for the latest program details.

CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD AND DRINKS FROM OUTSIDE?

Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks from outside.

Remember to bring your refillable bottle which can be used at water fountains across the city.

ARE THERE FOOD AND DRINK VENDORS AT THE EVENT?   

Choose from several restaurants, food carts and cafés at Expo City Dubai, including Al Wasl Plaza Café and a curated selection of UAE homegrown brands on Mangrove Avenue.

Note that ‘Kids eat free’ campaign runs 08 Jan – 18 Feb:
https://www.expocitydubai.com/en/kids-eat-free/

WHAT ITEMS AREN’T ALLOWED AT THE EVENT?

Please refer to the list of Prohibited Items at https://www.expocitydubai.com/en/legals/visitor-terms-and-conditions/

IS BRANDED MERCHANDISE OR OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE?

Yes, branded merchandise is available for purchase at the festival. All revenue will be donated to Liter of Light.

CAN I TAKE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AT THE EVENT? CAN I BRING MY PERSONAL CAMERA (INCLUDING DLSR)?

Visitors are encouraged to take photos and videos using their smartphones or DLSR cameras and are invited to join one of our two workshops: Mobile Mastery After Dark or Lens & Light x Nikon.

WILL THERE BE SIMILAR EVENTS IN THE FUTURE, AND HOW CAN I STAY INFORMED?  

Subscribe to find out the latest news: dhaidubai1@gmail.com and follow our socials.

LOST AND FOUND PROCESS

Please contact guest services at Visitor Centre 2 (Al Forsan Park), Visitor Centre 3 (Sidr Avenue), or Visitor Centre 8 (Al Wasl Avenue) to report any items that have been lost or found.

EMPOWERING LIVES THROUGH LIGHT

Liter of Light’s innovative approach in providing sustainable, solar-powered lighting solutions to off-grid communities mirrors our festival’s core values. By utilising simple, eco-friendly technologies, Liter of Light demonstrates how light can be a tool for empowerment, enabling access to safe, reliable, and environmentally conscious lighting. This partnership reflects our dedication to illuminating lives, not just spaces, highlighting the profound impact that light has on enhancing daily life and uplifting communities.

As we celebrate the splendour of light through art and installations, we also acknowledge its essential role in improving living conditions and fostering growth. Supporting Liter of Light, Dhai Dubai is taking a step towards a brighter, more inclusive future.

Join us in this journey where every ray of light contributes to a story of resilience, innovation, and the universal pursuit of a better life.

Together, we can illuminate paths, inspire change, and transform lives.

Pledge to Contribute