You Can See Everything gets UAE release; Diwali celebrations begin this week

Two very different cultural moments are set to brighten November in the UAE: a widely watched documentary gets its local cinema release, and the festival of Diwali returns with community events across the Emirates.

You Can See Everything opens on 19 November

The A24 documentary You Can See Everything, directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, will be released in UAE cinemas on 19 November, according to The National’s Culture Bites podcast. The film follows Elizabeth Holmes in the weeks before she began her federal prison sentence, and has already earned an estimated $45.1 million at the US box office.

While the film has secured release dates in several markets, the UAE confirmation means local audiences will be able to watch it on the big screen later this month. The podcast also explored why some international releases take longer to arrive in the region, with Arts and Culture Editor William Mullally discussing the factors that influence scheduling.

Diwali celebrations begin on 6 November

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, begins this year with Dhanteras on 6 November, with the main day of celebration falling on 8 November. Across the UAE, festivities will mark the occasion.

Traditionally, families clean their homes and workplaces on Dhanteras and light earthen diyas for five days. Doorways are decorated with colourful rangoli, sweets are exchanged, and many people buy gold or make other significant purchases, as the festival is considered auspicious. In the UAE, where the Indian community is the largest expatriate group, neighbourhoods and shopping destinations often join in with lights, offers and events.

Global Village in Dubai will host five days of Diwali-themed activities from 6 to 10 November. A highlight is a drone show on 8 November at 8pm, when 600 drones will create formations inspired by the festival above the Stunt Arena and Syria Pavilion. On 6 November, a traditional South Asian musical baithak will take place on the Main Stage from 8pm to 9pm, inviting visitors to sing along.

A festive mela, organised with the India Pavilion, will offer traditional decorations, gifts, snacks and sweets. Children can join in face painting, diya colouring and rangoli-making. Food options include Indian Chef, Grand Dhaba and the Indian Chaat Bazaar, serving items such as pani puri, pav bhaji and chole bhature. Entry to Global Village starts at Dh25, with all activities included in the admission ticket.

In Abu Dhabi, Baps Hindu Mandir will mark Diwali from 6 to 10 November with five days of religious ceremonies. The festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and is celebrated by Hindu, Jain, Sikh and some Buddhist communities, as well as many others who join in the spirit of positivity and renewal. Diwali’s inclusion on Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage list has further boosted its recognition as a celebration of shared values.

Both the film release and the Diwali events offer residents and visitors a chance to engage with global stories and traditions without leaving the Emirates.