Yesterday Diwali celebrations began in Dubai.

Fireworks lit Dubai skies to recognise the Hindu religious festival of lights and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai asked everyone to share celebrations on social media with #UAEdiwali…and of course THOUSANDS obliged.

“I encourage you to share your pictures of Diwali celebrations in the United Arab Emirates!”

On behalf of the people of the UAE. I wish @narendramodi and all who are celebrating Diwali a happy and joyful festival. May the light of love and hope shine on us all.

I encourage you to share your pictures of Diwali celebrations in the United Arab Emirates! #UAEDiwali

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— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) November 7, 2018

The Hindu population in the UAE is between 6% and 10% and the social media community came together to share the joyful celebration online

How amazing is this! Homes throughout the city were decorated with lights

#UAEDiwali Wishing everyone celebrating Diwali in UAE and globally.
This is how we celebrate Diwali in MYDUBAI pic.twitter.com/ghhPbm4Ybn

— Dinesh Burtanwallah (@burtanwallah1) November 7, 2018

‘This is how me and my family celebrate Diwali’

Diwali 2k18????
This is how me and my family celebrate Diwali in Dubai, UAE. With lots of rangoli, lights, deepaks and how can we forget Sweets!. Diwali in UAE is no different than Diwali in India!????#UAEDiwali #diwaliinuae #diwali #fun @HHShkMohd pic.twitter.com/e6clydJT6T

— Aastha Chaurasia (@ChaurasiaAastha) November 7, 2018

The Burj Khalifa put on an incredible show

Even schools got involved

Casa 1 enjoyed the Diwali celebrations today! We created colourful rangolis and painted some tea light holders! #UAEdiwali pic.twitter.com/lqiKdrGyHD

— Springs | Raffles Nursery (@Springs_RN) November 7, 2018

SO beautiful!

Happy Diwali everyone! ????????????
Thank you @HHShkMohd #UAEDiwali pic.twitter.com/ks9rWcnC4n

— SudhakarGPhotography (@SudhakarG_photo) November 7, 2018

A common sight across apartment blocks in Dubai

My neighbours Rangoli #UAEDiwali pic.twitter.com/0ST5TQQQCG

— Debapriya C (@DebuPriya) November 7, 2018

It’s holidays like Diwali that prove what a tolerant society we live in

Love UAE’s warmth and diversity showing through festivals like #diwali. Our company @ASA_Ventures encouraged everyone to wear traditional Indian outfits. I’m Filipino and I tried it out, too! #UAEDiwali pic.twitter.com/uK8ibTSAGI

— Lea Realon (@lkrealon) November 7, 2018

Of course there were fireworks

#UAEDiwali pic.twitter.com/T31vDb64Jn

— yadanperi (@yadanperi) November 8, 2018

People thanked HH Sheikh Mohammed for his well wishes

The cutest

Wishing all of you Happy Diwali ???????????? #Diwali⁠ ⁠ #HappyDeepavali⁠ ⁠#HappyDiwali #UAEDiwali pic.twitter.com/S8XEeCa1pV

— Amarpreet Singh (@itsamarpreet) November 7, 2018

WOW!