Gold is about Dh26 a gram cheaper than last Diwali and residents are adjusting their lists

Last updated: October 28, 2026 | 11:47

For many Indian families in the UAE, Diwali shopping begins at the jewellery counter supplied

Dubai: For many Indian families in the UAE, Diwali shopping begins at the jewellery counter. And this year, they are walking in to slightly better news: gold costs less than it did last Diwali.

So what are people actually planning to buy? I asked three Indian residents of the UAE.

Why Dhanteras comes first

Most gold shopping is timed around Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, which falls on Friday, November 6 this year. Lakshmi Puja, the main Diwali prayer, follows two days later, on Sunday, November 8.

The name combines dhan, meaning wealth, and teras, the 13th day of the lunar fortnight. Buying gold, silver or new utensils on the day is believed to invite the blessings of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

One popular legend explains the link to gold.…