The ultimate guide to UAE National Day celebrations in Dubai
The 53rd UAE National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, is just around the corner, and it’s time to celebrate the tremendous growth of the country we are all proud to call home! Several things are happening for National Day 2024 in Dubai to commemorate the union of the Trucial States. If you still haven’t figured out your holiday plans, we’ve got an exciting lineup of UAE National Day events in Dubai that will guarantee a fun-filled holiday.
UAE NATIONAL DAY 2024: EID AL ETIHAD
The UAE National Day, now known as Eid Al Etihad, is celebrated on 2nd December every year. It commemorates the formal nationalisation of all seven emirates in 1971. Like all before it, this year is a celebration of this wonderful union.
With UAE public holidays this year being announced from 2nd December 2024 for the private sector, the entire country is geared up to celebrate UAE National Day 2024 in style!
WATCH THE 2024 UAE NATIONAL DAY FIREWORKS IN DUBAI
WHERE TO WATCH THE UAE NATIONAL DAY FIREWORKS IN DUBAI?
The UAE National Day fireworks displays are always highly anticipated by the Dubai residents.
You can watch the fireworks at:
- Festival Bay: Be at the Dubai Festival City Mall waterfront on December 2nd at 09:10pm to watch fireworks light up the night.
- Bluewaters Island: The man-made islands will host a spectacular fireworks show on December 1st at 08:00 pm. Take part in the festivities till the day after. Activities include henna applications, shopping for traditional products and more at Bluewaters Island.
- Al Seef (Dubai Creek): Watch the fireworks on December 3rd at 09:00 pm at this creek-side destination in Dubai.
- The Beach (JBR): On December 1st at 08:00 pm, the fireworks at The Beach JBR will mesmerise the populace. Bring the whole family and enjoy the many attractions at the end of the walkway.
- Global Village: Global Village is set to host dazzling UAE National Day fireworks from November 29th to December 3rd at 09:00 pm. You can also enjoy an immersive drone show on December 2nd.
- Hatta Sign: Watch the fireworks on December 2nd at 09:00 pm at this scenic mountain destination in Dubai.
- Riverland at Dubai Parks and Resorts: Park visitors will be greeted by a fireworks show on December 1st and 2nd at 07:00 pm and 09:30 pm.
THINGS TO DO ON UAE NATIONAL DAY IN DUBAI 2024
There are plenty of things to do in Dubai on National Day this year. Choose your favourite from the following Dubai National Day holiday activities list.
National Day Activities at Downtown Dubai: Burj Khalifa Light Show
The country’s most famous landmark lights up with the UAE flag colours every year, and this year looks to be no different! The Dubai Fountains will accompany the UAE-themed light show at Burj Khalifa by swaying to local ballads and music. It’s among the light shows in Dubai that everyone looks forward to!
- Location: Burj Khalifa and the Dancing Fountain in Downtown Dubai
- Price: Free
Parade at City Walk
Watch the spectacular Eid Al Etihad Parade at City Walk on December 2nd, from 04:00 pm to 06:00 pm.
Visit City Centre Mirdif
City Cente Mirdif is joining in with various activities for UAE National Day in Dubai. You can visit their Central Galleria between 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm between the 28th of November and the 3rd of December to participate in various events. This includes cultural workshops, such as Sadu Weaving and Tufting, celebrity masterclasses, postcards and tote bag making and more.
After all the fun, you can always check out one of the many restaurants in City Centre Mirdif.
- Location: City Centre Mirdif
Celebrate with music in concert
With UAE National Day 2024 comes many spectacular artists hosting concerts in the city. Here are some of the most exciting ones in Dubai:
Jalasat Moments
Indulge in some Arabic poetry and music with Jalasat Moments, a Khaleeji music group featuring the talents of Ayed Yousef, Eida Al Menhali, Nabeel Shuail and Abdulaziz Al-Duwaihi. It’s a great way to get acquainted with Saudi, Emirati and Kuwaiti singers and music.
- Location: Coca Cola Arena
- Price: Starting from AED 150
- Date and time: November 28th, 09:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-457-3212
VIP Classical – Cultural Music Circle
Experience the best of classical music with renowned pianist Andrey Gugnin and Emirati composer Ihab Darwish. They will take over the stage to perform pieces honouring the UAE’s heritage.
- Location: Dubai Opera
- Price: Starting from AED 500
- Timings: December 1 from 07:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-457-3212
Amr Diab
Time for some Arabic pop music! Amr Diab, the Egyptian musician, will bring his best hits to Dubai Harbour for a night of dancing and bobbing to the tunes.
- Location: Dubai Harbour
- Price: Starting from AED 195
- Timings: 30th November from 06:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-215-3000
Add these events to your list of things to do in Dubai National Day 2024.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO FOR UAE NATIONAL DAY 2024
Another great thing about the UAE National Day celebrations is that many popular retail and dining destinations host exciting activities. Here are some things to do for UAE National Day in Dubai across the popular hotspots in the city.
EXPERIENCE A DESERT ADVENTURE
A desert adventure is among the best things to do for UAE National Day. And what could be better than gathering the family and heading out to Sonara Camp for the long holiday?
This premium spot offers feasts carefully curated by their resident chef. Besides a delicious dinner spread, visitors can go on camel rides, try volleyball, archery, sandboarding, a falcon show, henna designs, Arabic calligraphy and more. These activities truly exemplify some of the country’s best characteristics. Choose from various packages available.
- Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road, Margham Gate
- Contact: +971-4-223-8011
EXPLORE THE DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN
Spend some family time amidst the gorgeous blooms at Dubai Miracle Garden. The park has some of the most impressive flower arrangements, including an enormous replica of the Airbus A380, Smurfs Village and much more.
- Location: Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand
- Ticket:
- Adults (12 and above): AED 100 (Aged 12 and above)
- Children (3 to 12 years): AED 80 (Aged 3 to 12) (ID required)
- Children below 3: Free of charge (ID required)
- Contact: +971-4-422-8902
Walk around Global Village
What better place for some fun with your family than Global Village, the international fair with pavilions for different countries. Apart from the spectacular fireworks shows from November 29th to December 3rd at 09:00 pm, you can watch a performance by the Hawa Emirati operetta. Showcasing traditional costumes, songs and dances, the ‘Hawa Emarati’ performances will be held twice daily at 07.05 pm and 09.40 pm.
Global Village will also have a drone show on the 2nd of December at 08:45, featuring #ZayedandRashid national theme. If you decide on strolling along instead of joining the crowds, you’ll find yourself surrounded by UAE themes – with the UAE Pavillion offering the best of the country’s food, clothing and more.
- Location: Global Village
- Ticket: AED 25 for weekdays, AED 30 for weekends
- Contact: +971-4-362-4114
Immerse in Emirati handicrafts at Expo City
An excellent way to immerse in a culture is to try your hand at handicrafts, which you can do by participating in one of the many workshops at Expo City. Trying Emirati handicrafts gives you a chance to travel back in time, experiencing the art created and loved by the people of this region. The activities are as follows:
- Wicker Weaving
- Dukhoon Making (fragrance making)
- Henna Artistry
- Traditional Food Tasting (Arabic coffee, luqaimat, regag bread)
- Calligraphy
- Meeting a Falcon
- Camel Riding
- Flag Scavenger Hunt
Families can have a blast!
- Time: December 1st to 3rd, 10:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Location: Expo City Dubai, Terra Pavillion
Get outdoorsy at Hatta Wadi Hub
Take the family out for an adventure at Hatta Wadi Hub for memorable activities in Dubai for Eid Al Etihad. There are Ayala and Harbiya band performances from December 1st to December 2nd, from 02:30 pm to 06:00 pm. This can be your chance to really immerse yourself in Emirati traditional music. You can watch the fireworks show on December 2nd at 08:00 pm, too.
The best part of being at Hatta Wadi is the activities for all the adventure lovers. Going on National Day gives you an added advantage: the discounts with the stay-and-play deal allow unlimited access to 18 thrilling adventure activities at Hatta Outdoor, with complimentary firewood and charcoal for BBQ setups.
While at Hatta, you can also visit the giant Zayed and Rashid Muralon on the slope of Hatta Dam!
- Location: Hatta Wadi Hub
- Contact: +971-4-852-2200
Sports and food at Emirates Dubai 7s
Dubai Rugby 7s falls during the UAE National Day celebration from 29th November to 1st December. You can watch some intense Rugby matches followed by concerts, delicious food and family fun. The event highlight is British rapper Stormzy performing his hottest hits on 1st December at the Frequency on 8 stage.
- Date and timings: 29th November to 1st December
- Location: The Sevens Stadium
Learn more about Emirati Heritage
Celebrate the 53rd Eid Al Etihad by visiting some of Dubai’s most popular museums and heritage sites during the National Day holidays.
- Al Shindaga Museum: Cultural and literary activities and workshops from November 28th to December 3rd.
- Dubai Airport: Visitors can be part of cultural activities, including an exhibition on Pearl Diving on November 28th.
- Al Safa Art Design and Art Library: Performances and workshops related to Emirati culture on November 29th.
- Etihad Museum, Al Fahidi Historial Neighbourhood and Hatta Heritage Village will also host various cultural shows, musical bands and other activities to value Emirati traditions.
HEAD TO DIFC
Celebrate the UAE’s 53rd National Day in style at Gate Avenue with a series of exciting family-friendly activities! From November 28 to December 3, 2024, immerse yourself in creative pottery workshops and captivating storytelling sessions—perfect for all ages.
Visit Zone D and enjoy these experiences on Thursday and Friday from 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm and from 01:00 pm to 09:00 pm Saturday through Tuesday. Don’t miss this heartwarming celebration of creativity, culture and togetherness!
Dining to celebrate
Make the most of the holidays by digging into your favourite dishes from across the world.
Time Out market
Take your time to explore different cuisines and snacks at Time Out Market with a view of the Burj Khalifa, a proud accomplishment of the UAE. This market is located in Souk Al Bahar, which also allows you to be surrounded by Middle Eastern designs and colours.
- Location: Souk Al Bahar
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and Fridays from 10:00 am to 12:00 am.
Afternoon tea at the Pods
The Pods, a unique dining space in Dubai’s Bluewaters Island, is hosting a UAE National Day themed afternoon tea. The pods will be decked in UAE flags and banners for National Day.
- Price: From AED 295
- Date: December 2nd
- Location: Bluewaters Island
- Contact: +971-4-453-8994
Ravioli with the colours of the UAE at Fi’lia Dubai
Fi’lia Dubai is a woman-led restaurant offering the finest home-inspired Italian food with an unforgettable view. For UAE National Day 2024, this restaurant is serving a UAE-themed ravioli made with the colours of the UAE flag. Come in for this cool dish, or enjoy the ambience with your choice of choice.
- Price: AED 75 for the ravioli
- Date: 28th November to 3rd December
- Contact: +971-4-607-0770
- Location: SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences
FAQs
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE UAE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION?
The UAE National Day offers everyone in the country a chance to celebrate the union of the emirates and experience some of the best aspects of Emirati culture. Like every year, there are several UAE National Day offers and events for you to look forward to. From dazzling fireworks to mega sales, staycation deals and much more, Dubai is abuzz with things to do and activities to celebrate.
HOW IS THE UAE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATED IN ABU DHABI?
Find out more about this event with this complete list of UAE National Day events in Abu Dhabi.
WHERE TO GET THEMED DECORATIONS FOR THE UAE NATIONAL DAY IN DUBAI?
There are plenty of places where you can find decorative products. Shops like Carrefour will have plenty of budget options for UAE-themed decorations. If you want to take it up a notch, you can check out a Day to Day near you for affordable National Day-themed decor.
There you have it! A list of all the things to do in Dubai on National Day. If you are heading to any of these events, gear up with loads of UAE flags and dress up in the national colours to make it even more special. There are plenty of options for UAE National Day staycation offers in Dubai. The top hotels and resorts also have amazing discounts for the big day.
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I’ve been more than decade in UAE. We love to celebrate UAE national day because we feel that we are already a citizen of UAE.
Salute UAE
Hey Antonio! It’s lovely to know that you’ve had a great experience living in the UAE. We are truly blessed to be part of such an amazing country!
Been here since 2008, was single, then get married in 2010 at the Dubai court, have two beautiful children. We are happy and proud to say that we love this country.
We are happy to hear that! We love the UAE too!