Thiruvonam, the main day of the Onam festival, is being celebrated across the United Arab Emirates on August 26, 2026. This year's festival spans 11 days instead of the usual 10 due to the Visakham star extending over two calendar dates, causing the primary celebration to fall on August 26. Across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates, the expatriate Malayali community is observing the festival with traditional pookalam arrangements and feasts.
- Festival spans 11 days instead of 10 due to the Visakham star
- Over 2,500 tons of fresh produce and Onam essentials imported from Kerala
- Air India Express offering pre-bookable Onasadya meal on international flights
- Major community gathering scheduled at Sharjah Expo Centre on September 6
To meet seasonal demand,
over 2,500 tons of fresh produce and Onam essentials—including bananas, leaves, vegetables, coconuts, flowers, and traditional ingredients—have been imported from Kerala. The LuLu Group confirmed that these supplies were transported via chartered flights, regular air cargo, and sea shipments. Notably, a dedicated charter flight from Kochi to Abu Dhabi delivered approximately 50 tons of fresh goods, while regional logistical challenges near the Strait of Hormuz prompted an increased reliance on air cargo to ensure the freshness of perishable items. In retail hubs such as Bur Dubai, Karama, Deira, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, supermarkets have established dedicated sections for festive shopping.
To cater to travelers,
Air India Express is offering a pre-bookable Onasadya meal on international flights connecting Kerala and West Asia from August 15 to August 31. Priced at approximately 500 rupees (about 22 dirhams), the meal includes traditional items such as matta rice, sambar, avial, and palada pradhaman. This service is available on routes from Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur to UAE destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah, requiring bookings at least 18 hours before departure. Community celebrations are expected to continue well beyond Thiruvonam. Various cultural associations, schools, and malls have scheduled events for the coming weeks, including a major community gathering at the Sharjah Expo Centre on September 6, which will feature a traditional sadhya.
