Onam 2025 is just around the corner, and residents of Dubai are in for a cultural treat!
Whether you are a Keralite living away from home or someone who loves experiencing different traditions, Onam celebrations in Dubai are nothing short of magical.
From grand Onam Sadhyas to colorful cultural events, this is your guide to making Onam 2025 in Dubai as homely as possible.
And with Hala by your side, enjoy the traditions and create memories a little more, for we’ll take care of the transport.
Let’s explore how Onam this year can be your best one in Dubai.
Before we dive into Dubai’s festivities, a quick refresher about Kerala’s biggest festival.
What Is Onam?
Onam is a ten-day harvest celebration full of joy, tradition, and community spirit.
It marks the yearly visit of King Mahabali’s spirit, whose rule was considered to be a golden age in Kerala’s history.
The highlight of this festival is a massive vegetarian feast called Sadhya.
Keralities across the world also decorate their homes with intricate floral carpets known as Pookkalam, and the celebrations revolve around lots of music, dance, competitions, and gatherings; in short, lots of fun with friends and family!
The Onam 2025 season is set to begin on August 26th, with Thiruvonam, the final day of celebrations, falling on September 5.
So mark your calendars! Cause Dubai knows how to celebrate every occasion just right.
How Dubai Celebrates Onam
Dubai is home to a large and vibrant Malayali community, and every year, the city becomes a magnificent sight during Onam.
You will find Onam events in neighborhoods like Karama, Bur Dubai, Al Qusais, in community halls, malls, schools, and hotels across the Emirates.
If you happen to know a Malayali, don’t be surprised if you are invited to join in.
Expect Pookkalam competitions, Onam dance performances in Indian classical dance forms like Thiruvathirakali and Kathakali, live music, celebrity shows, traditional gatherings, and of course, delicious Onam Sadhya feasts.
Here are some must-have experiences if you happen to be in Dubai for Onam 2025.
So get into your best ethnic wear, a few clicks on the Careem app, and your Hala ride will take you anywhere you want to be this Onam.
Must-Attend Onam 2025 Events in Dubai
Dubai goes all out for Onam, offering a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and pure festive joy.
With women and little girls dolled up in Kasavu and men in their Mundus, the city shines rather differently during Onam.
And if you’re in for a live Kathakali performance, want to compete in a Pookkalam contest, or enjoy good food with great company, these events should be on your radar.
1. Onamamangam 2025 at Sharjah Expo Centre Hall 2
Onamamangam stands out as one of the UAE’s most vibrant Onam celebrations.
It draws thousands of attendees and features an inclusive cultural program that caters to people of all ages and backgrounds.
The 2025 edition promises even more performances, cultural elements, and grand celebrations, with tickets starting at just AED 50.
Onamamangam is not complete without a grand Onam Sadhya feast, offering an authentic Keralite culinary experience to about 8,000 guests and bringing people together in the true spirit of Onam.
What truly sets Onamamangam apart is its meaningful social impact – combining charitable initiatives with cultural joy to support communities in need.
2. Community Hall Celebrations in Al Nahda & Karama
If you are looking for a homely connect and community-driven celebration, the Onam events in Al Nahda and Karama offer a warm, traditional experience with many families participating.
Organized by Keralite associations and resident groups, these gatherings focus on celebrating the festival the way it’s done back home: with heart, food, and friendship.
3. Mall Celebrations – Lulu Hypermarket & City Centre
Yes, even malls in Dubai get in on the Onam spirit!
Lulu Hypermarkets, with their strong roots from Kerala, go all out with themed decor, music, and festive vibes. And not just a couple of days, but Lulu Hypermarkets in Al Barsha, Karama, and Al Qusais host Onam-themed events throughout the week.
City Centre Deira also chips in, hosting cultural displays and interactive Onam-themed experiences in their atriums.
So when shopping for Sadhya ingredients or just soaking up the festive vibe, the malls are a great pit stop during the Onam week.
Speaking of Sadhya – What’s Onam without it? Here are some top places offering the best Onam Sadhya in Dubai this year:
Best Places for Onam Sadhya in Dubai
A traditional Onam Sadhya consists of over 26 vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf. Expect to discover new tastes and a spiritual journey of its own.
From Avial to Sambhar, and Payasam to Parippu curry, it is a quite delicious ritual you wouldn’t want to miss.
And from your doorsteps to the best restaurants for Onam Sadhyas in Dubai – let your Hala Taxi take you there hassle-free.
1. Calicut Paragon, Karama
Famous for its Keralite cuisine, Calicut Paragon pulls out its most mouthwatering menu for Onam.
Expect classics like Avial, Olan, Kaalan, Erissery, and Pulissery, alongside crispy banana chips and tangy pickles.
The real highlight is their dessert lineup, which includes multiple varieties of Payasam (commonly known as Kheer) such as Ada Pradhaman and Palada, served thick and creamy.
2. Salkara Restaurant at Al Warqa, Al Nahda, and Dubai Media City
No one serves Kerala’s comfort food with festive authenticity like Salkara.
Their Onam Sadhya is popularly known for staying true to tradition, using techniques common in Malabar households inherited from a Malayali mom.
In simple words, it’s served traditionally, with the right blend of sweet, sour, and spice that defines real Sadhya.
All, Warqa, Nahda, and Dubai Media City branches offer dine-in services with multiple serving sessions to accommodate the crowds.
3. Mami’s Illam, Discovery Gardens
Literally meaning “Auntie’s Home”, this restaurant is a haven for an authentic vegetarian South Indian feast.
At Mami’s Illam, there are no shortcuts. From the freshly ground coconut gravies to the hand-prepared banana chips, everything is made in-house for a true Kerelite experience!
If you want to experience Onam away from home in its purest form, with a Sadhya that feels like it’s straight from a Kerala kitchen, Mami’s Illam is your place.
4. Anaarkali Kerala Restaurant, Karama
Anaarkali brings a slightly more upscale touch to Keralite cuisine while staying loyal to the spirit of Onam.
Their Sadhya is elaborate, with over 20 items served in proper festive order on banana leaves.
Flavors are bold, presentation is elegant, and it’s a great choice for those looking to celebrate Onam with a mix of tradition and local cultural refinement.
With this list of events and must-eat restaurants from all across Dubai, Onam 2025 is guaranteed to keep stomachs full and hearts happy.
The festive spirit invites everyone to step out and celebrate. And with Hala, you get to enjoy the festivities and celebration without any traffic or parking headaches.
How Hala Makes Your Onam Easy
With Hala, you can book a ride in minutes; even during the busiest Onam days.
Just open the Careem App, choose a Hala Taxi, and you will be on your way to an Onam event.
Bid farewell to long waits and frustrating delays, and welcome safe and smooth car rides to your destination and back home. Benefit from:
- Comfortable rides
- Transparent pricing with no surge surprises
- Multiple payment options: cash, card, or in-app wallets
Whether you’re heading to an event in Bur Dubai, picking up Sadhya from a restaurant in Qusais, or attending a family gathering in Silicon Oasis, Hala gets you there safe and on time.
To Culture, Customs, and Celebrations – The Malayali Style
Onam in Dubai isn’t just a celebration for Malayalis. It’s a celebration of community, culture, and the joy of sharing.
From the grand celebrations with colorful swirls of traditional dance and music to simply mouthwatering Sadhyas, Onam in Dubai is always a memorable one.
And when it comes to getting around the city without stress, Hala is your perfect travel partner.
Skip the traffic and the parking stress, and focus on what really matters: good food, great company, and the festive spirit.
