Choosing Diwali flowers that can handle the UAE heat
With Diwali falling in early November and afternoon temperatures still high in the UAE, the choice and placement of flowers can make a noticeable difference to how long they last.
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, with Lakshmi Puja that evening, and the festive period runs across five days from Dhanteras on November 6 to Bhai Dooj on November 10. November afternoons in the UAE still reach around 31°C, with humidity near 65 per cent, so flowers can wilt faster than they would in a cooler home. Direct sunlight, air-conditioning vents and the fruit bowl on the dining table can all shorten a bloom's life. Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which speeds up ageing in marigolds and jasmine, according to the Floral Design Institute. Temperature matters too: in a Thai study, jasmine garlands kept at 30°C lasted about 39 hours, while cooler storage kept them fresh for more than 10 days. Orchids are considered among the longer-lasting options. Cut Dendrobium stems last around nine days in plain water and up to 18 days with the right vase solution, according to a 1987 study, making them a practical choice for displays that need to look fresh through Bhai Dooj.