Onam 2025 Brings Double Celebration for Malayali Expats in UAE as Thiruvonam Falls on Public Holiday

UAE Malayali Expats Celebrate Onam 2025 with Long Weekend Festivities

Dubai/Abu Dhabi, September 5, 2025 – This year’s Onam festival brought double joy for the UAE’s Malayali community, as Thiruvonam, the most important day of the harvest festival, coincided with the Prophet’s Birthday public holiday on Friday, September 5. For the over 1 million Malayali expatriates living in the UAE, this alignment meant a rare long weekend to celebrate with family, friends, and community.

Onam, which marks the mythical return of King Mahabali and his golden-age rule of prosperity and equality, is celebrated with vibrant traditions, cultural rituals, and feasts.

Family Celebrations in Full Swing

For many households, the timing was perfect. Kishor Babu, a longtime Dubai resident, shared:

“Usually, it is difficult to celebrate Thiruvonam on a working day. The public holiday ahead of the weekend is a big blessing this time.”

Kishor’s family, spanning Abu Dhabi and Dubai South, gathered to celebrate in traditional attire with Onasadhya, the grand vegetarian feast, and pookkalam, colorful floral decorations adorning entrances.

Others, like Sandhya EK, celebrated a few days earlier with friends, taking advantage of the long weekend to dress up, prepare festive dishes, and decorate with flowers, creating lasting memories.

Creative Twist: Maveli Cake in Abu Dhabi

A unique highlight came from Abu Dhabi, where expat baker Sruthi Sreedhar delighted children with a Maveli cake shaped like King Mahabali. Sruthi explained:

“I’ve made Onam-themed cakes before, but this Maveli cake was the highlight this year.”

The creation blended tradition with modern celebrations, earning attention on social media and within local communities.

Onam at Workplaces: A Multicultural Celebration

Beyond homes, UAE workplaces embraced Onam, reflecting the country’s commitment to cultural inclusivity. At Blue Ocean Corporation in Dubai, employees from 18 nationalities joined Malayalis in festive attire, sadhya, and cultural performances.

Dr. Sathya Menon, Group CEO, said:

“Onam reflects the UAE’s community spirit and cultural cohesion. It’s now embraced beyond the Malayali community.”

Employees from diverse backgrounds praised the inclusivity. Adel Kenani from Egypt noted:

“The mix of traditions made me feel like my own culture was celebrated. That sense of belonging is unforgettable.”

Manal Taha, a Lebanese expat, added:

“The payasam, the togetherness, the joy – every Onam at work feels welcoming and warm.”

Onam in Schools: Passing Traditions to the Next Generation

Schools across the UAE also celebrated the festival. At GEMS Our Own Indian School, Dubai, students from kindergarten to grade 12 wore sarees, mundus, and Kerala-style attire, created floral pookkalams, and participated in Onam-themed cultural activities. Teachers emphasized the festival’s values of unity, equality, and cultural pride.

More Than Just a Festival

Onam in the UAE has evolved into a symbol of community bonding and cultural harmony. While Malayalis lead the celebrations, other Indian communities and international residents increasingly join in, reflecting the UAE’s multi-cultural landscape.

For Malayalis abroad, the festival preserves a connection to Kerala—through food, music, flowers, and even creative interpretations like the Maveli cake—ensuring that traditions remain vibrant across generations.

Looking Ahead

As Onam 2025 concludes, Malayali expats in the UAE will cherish the rare joy of celebrating Thiruvonam on a public holiday. Families, workplaces, and schools maximized the long weekend, creating lasting memories. For the community, the festival remains a testament that the spirit of Onam travels wherever Malayalis are, celebrated through food, tradition, and togetherness.

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