Onam is a time to celebrate Kerala’s rich culture, traditions and sense of togetherness, and the UAE is bringing the festivities to life with plenty of exciting experiences. This year’s celebrations range from grand cultural gatherings and traditional Sadhyas to lively music nights, family entertainment, competitions and festive shopping. Here are eight festive events and experiences to add to your Onam plans across the UAE this year.
Best Onam Events In The UAE
1. Onamamangam 2026
Onamamangam Season 5 brings a spectacular Onam celebration featuring a lavish Sadhya for more than 8,000 guests, fun-filled traditional games and vibrant cultural performances. Enjoy live music from Shweta Mohan with Bennet & Band, Vedan, and Sabareesh Prabhakar, along with comedy by K7 Maman and appearances by Kunchacko Boban. Chendamelam, energetic dance performances and DJ sets come together to create a lively, family-friendly celebration packed with festive cheer!
Where: Expo Centre, Sharjah (Hall 2), Al Khan Area, Al Taawun Street, Opp Al Arab Mall – Sharjah
When: September 6th
Cost: Starts at AED 65 per person
2. BurJuman Mall’s Onam Festivities
Celebrate Onam at BurJuman Mall with a vibrant mix of Kerala-inspired traditions, shopping and cultural entertainment throughout August. Browse the Onam Bazaar for festive fashion, accessories, decor and delicacies, or take part in the Pookalam Competition for a chance to win exciting prizes. The mall will also host live performances featuring Thiruvathira, Mohiniyattam and Chendamelam on select dates. It’s a great way to enjoy the festive spirit while picking up traditional essentials for your Onam celebrations.
Where: BurJuman Mall, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Rd – Mankhool – Dubai
When: Until August 29th
Cost: No entry fee
3. Madras Beats Sports Bay
Step into the festive spirit at Madras Beats Sports Bay for an evening celebrating the colours, flavours and traditions of Kerala. Enjoy a lively Chenda Melam by Team Indri, a live concert and sing-along sessions by Madras Beats, plus DJ sets by Jijesh Menon. Guests can also savour an authentic Onam Sadhya, capture festive moments and enjoy a vibrant community gathering with loved ones. Traditional Onam attire is encouraged to complete the festive experience.
Where: Sports Bay Karama, 10 5th St – Al Karama – Dubai
When: August 28th
Cost: Starts at AED 65 per person
4. Cultural Fashion Show At Mark & Save
Young fashion enthusiasts can take centre stage at Mark & Save’s Onam Mamangam 2026 Cultural Fashion Show. Open to children aged 4 to 8 and 9 to 13, the event offers a chance to dress in traditional attire, showcase their confidence and compete for shopping vouchers worth up to AED 1,000. With three exciting prizes up for grabs, it’s a lively way for kids to embrace Onam traditions while having fun on stage.
Where: Mark & Save, Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Street, Al Tallah 2, Ajman – Dubai
When: August 22nd
Also Read: 8 Best Places For Onam Sadhya In Dubai That Will Transport You To Kerala!
5. Onam In The Dark 2.0
South Soirée brings Onam to the dance floor with Onam In The Dark 2.0, a high-energy party in Abu Dhabi blending Kerala traditions with a nightlife atmosphere. Dance to South Indian beats and DJ sets by DJ Alasandra, DJ Anna and DJ Xanga, while Maveli and Pulikkali add a traditional touch to the festivities. Guests can dress in mundu, kasavu and classic Kerala colours to embrace the theme. Expect an upbeat night of music, dancing and Onam-inspired entertainment.
Where: Scorpio Sting Restaurant, The Hub, World Trade Centre – Level 5 – Khalifa Bin Zayed The First St – Al Danah – Zone 1 – Abu Dhabi
When: August 29th
Cost: Starts at AED 50 per person
6. Onam At Adcoop
ADCOOP is hosting a festive Onam celebration packed with cultural activities, music and entertainment for the whole family. Try your hand at the Payasam and Pookalam competitions or cheer on participants in the Malayali Manka contest. Live music, dance performances, games and family-friendly activities will keep the celebrations lively throughout the event. It’s a fun-filled occasion to enjoy Kerala’s traditions and festive spirit with loved ones.
Where: G99C+MHC – Al Meena St – Zayed Port – Freezone – Abu Dhabi
When: August 23rd
7. Lulu Hypermarket
Enjoy the flavours of Kerala at home with Lulu Hypermarket’s special 24-item Onam Sadya. Prepared by well-known chef Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri, the feast comes with a banana leaf. It features traditional favourites such as Palakkadan matta rice, sambar, pachadi, thoran, koottu curry and rasam. This is a convenient way to savour an authentic Onam feast without stepping into a crowded venue.
Where: Online and Lulu Hypermarkets
When: August 26th to 30th
Cost: Starts at AED 38.90
8. Shop For Onam Outfits
Dubai has plenty of options for shopping for your Onam look, especially in neighbourhoods with a strong South Indian community. Head to Bur Dubai, Karama and Meena Bazaar for traditional Kasavu sarees, mundus, jewellery and festive accessories, or check out LuLu Hypermarket and Nesto for a convenient selection of Kerala-style outfits and Onam essentials. Whether you prefer a classic traditional look or something more contemporary, these popular shopping spots make it easy to get festival-ready.
Where: Karama, Meena Bazaar, Lulu Hypermarket, Nesto
Make the most of Onam this year by embracing Kerala’s traditions, flavours, music and festivities at these exciting events in the UAE.
Cover Image Courtesy: BurJuman Mall/Website