Known globally as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is India’s most important time of the year, uniting Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains as they gather in a spirit of celebration. At its heart, Diwali is about honoring religious rituals and sharing traditional stories, symbolizing the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Alongside houses lighting up with diyas—oil lamps made of clay—and fireworks illuminating the sky, those celebrating commemorate the triumph of light by indulging in the pleasures of the universe, from palatable feasts to parties and gift exchanges.
In India, Diwali’s energy is electric, filling the country’s every corner with excitement, gratitude, and joy. To carry an element of home wherever they go, millions of Indian expatriates living in the UAE – approximately 30% of this Middle Eastern hub’s population – celebrate this magical time by wearing festive clothes, spoiling themselves and their loved ones, and cherishing every moment spent with friends and family.
From October 8th to November 4th, Wondergifts continues to empower those who celebrate Diwali to revel in unconventional festivities that fuse the art of gift-giving and the beauty of unforgettable moments. Founded in June 2023 by Kashif Abbas and Maria El Fassi, this vibrant, people-centric company offers more than 800 diverse experiences – from hot air balloon rides to romantic dinners with a view and luxurious weekend getaways – that reshape UAE’s perception of gifts from shiny boxes adorned with perfect bows to once-in-a-lifetime moments that are cherished forever.
To prepare for Diwali celebrations – or let them continue for just a bit longer – Wondergifts curated a list of carefully selected experiences that elevate holiday spoils. For her, for him, for couples, and for children, the Diwali assortment includes relaxing spa visits and massages, thrilling dune-bashing rides, candle-lit dinners for two, daily passes to a multitude of theme parks around the country, and many more. At Wondergifts, gift-giving is more than an activity; it’s a symbol of love – for both others and yourself.
Though founded only last year, Wondergifts’ name is already embedded in the country’s culture and entertainment spheres. “People are moving toward heartfelt experiences and adventures that forge impactful memories worth looking back to,” says Abbas. “Since the start, we were fueled by this evident mindset shift. Now, we are the biggest hot air balloon provider in the country, as well as the fastest-growing provider of track experiences and spa days. Numbers don’t lie; especially in times like Diwali, which are all about human connections, celebrating traditions, and uniting with loved ones, people want something meaningful.”
During the lunar months of Ashvina and Karttika, UAE residents and visitors will be able to celebrate Diwali with Wondergifts’ festive offering. To make this time special to all those who celebrate, the company introduced a Diwali-themed gift card. Starting from AED100, this gift card – applicable to all experiences on the website – is the perfect solution to honor an indecisive loved one or someone you have just met.
To truly emanate the spirit of the festival of lights, each order placed during Wondergifts’ Diwali celebrations is enriched with free gifts ranging from flower bouquets or a free shubh – auspicious, fortunate, lucky – box filled with Indian sweets, to even a free spa gift box. At Wondergifts, everyone can join in on the celebrations with the DIWALI20 code and treat their loved ones to unique experiences purchased with a 20% across-site discount.
Reflecting on the human-centric nature of Diwali, El Fassi adds: “Diwali, just like all holidays, is all about strengthening bonds, spending time with loved ones, and enriching life with a sprinkle of magic. Wondergifts takes these celebrations to a new level, empowering those who indulge in Diwali festivities to truly immerse themselves in the moment.”
