UAE leaders send wishes for a happy Diwali

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has wished everyone around the world a happy Diwali.

Sheikh Mohammed sent his greetings to mark the Indian festival of lights in a tweet on Friday afternoon.

Diwali gets under way on Saturday and this year’s celebrations are expected to be scaled back due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He was joined in his well-wishes by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Indian residents in the UAE told The National earlier that the typically lavish parties that take place during the festival would make way for smaller, more intimate celebrations with family members this year.

Ashu Madan, an Indian resident in Dubai, will be painting diyas, oil lamps, with her five-year-old daughter and will be teaching her about the festival through stories.

"This year is unusual, but we are trying to keep our spirits up. Usually, we go meet friends, exchange gifts and have parties, but we can't do that. We are not going out. We are buying gifts and sweets for ourselves instead of for others."

• How to celebrate the festival of lights in the UAE