Be part of epic UAE National Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi residents can look forward to entertainment and fun as the UAE celebrates its 52nd National Day. Many special events and activities are planned to mark the auspicious occasion – and you can be a part of the celebrations! Here’s our guide to all the festivals and National Day activities in Abu Dhabi for 2023.
UAE NATIONAL DAY FIREWORKS IN ABU DHABI
The firework displays are one of the most anticipated National Day activities in Abu Dhabi. This year, as part of the celebrations in the capital, the fireworks will be seen in the following locations:
- Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental – 2nd December 2023
- Yas Bay Waterfront – 2nd December 2023, 09:00 pm onwards
- Sheikh Zayed Festival – 2nd December 2023, from 04:00 pm till 01:00 am (with intervals)
Want to be a part of the official festivities? Here are the complete details about the 52nd National Day Celebrations in Abu Dhabi.
NATIONAL DAY ACTIVITIES IN ABU DHABI 2023
ATTEND SHEIKH ZAYED FESTIVAL
One of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi on National Day is the much-loved Sheikh Zayed Festival. It’s a great opportunity to experience different cultures with pavilions from countries around the globe, theatre shows, cultural entertainment events and much more.
It is one of the biggest annual Abu Dhabi events in 2023 and will include a variety of acts and festivities on UAE National Day. There will be a large fireworks display and traditional Emirati art shows and performances to commemorate the occasion. The National Day celebrations will happen on December 2 and 3, from 04:00 pm to 01:00 am.
- Ticket price: AED 10 per person
- Location: Al Wathba
Children under the age of three and visitors above the age of 65 are admitted free of charge. People of determination also get free access.
GO KAYAKING IN ABU DHABI’S MANGROVES
Kayaking is one of the perfect activities in Abu Dhabi for National Day 2023. Catch sight of the thriving marine life and mangrove trees in the shallow and clear waters. There are many excellent places for Kayaking in Abu Dhabi. These also include kayaking in the Eastern Mangroves. With prices starting from as low as AED 130 for tours, we recommend you book your spot for the National Day weekend right now!
Sea Hawk Water Sports & Adventures, Noukhada and The Desert Islands Watersports Centre offer kayaking tours in Abu Dhabi.
BOOK YOURSELF A STAYCATION
Looking for some amazing UAE National Day offers in Abu Dhabi? Many of the city’s top resorts and hotels have fantastic staycation deals in Abu Dhabi for National Day 2023 for residents during the long weekend.
Book a hotel stay at Emirates Palace to enjoy perks such as resort credit, discounts on F&B and access to state-of-the-art amenities.
VISIT THE JUBAIL MANGROVE PARK
Jubail Mangrove Park has become a favourite with residents and visitors. Located in Jubail Island, the park consists of Mangrove Walk Abu Dhabi and the Qurum Walkway. It allows visitors to explore this natural wonder on foot.
This beautiful destination is such a lovely place to visit. You can explore the mangrove sanctuary yourself or book a guided tour with one of the park rangers for a fun and educational experience!
- Location: Jubail Island
- Timings: 07:00 am to 09:00 pm (Last entry at 08:00 pm)
- Contact: +971-2-448-0011 | +971-56-260-7636
NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS AT SEAWORLD
Abu Dhabi’s newest attraction, Sea World Yas Island, is all set to celebrate the National Day. There will be many activities for you to enjoy, including traditional dances and marine-inspired demonstrations.
- Ticket price: From AED 375
- Date and timings: From 1st December 2023 – 3rd December 2023, 10:00 am to 07:00 pm
- Contact: +971-600-511-115
- Location: Yas Island
THEMED NATIONAL DAY ACTIVITIES AT KHALIDIYA PALACE RAYHAAN BY ROTANA
Looking for more things to do in Abu Dhabi for National Day? Have non-stop fun at the hotel lobby in Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, where various activities await you. There will be a complimentary henna application for guests, a falcon man, a yula show, a cake-cutting ceremony and more!
- Date and timings: 2nd December 2023, 11:00 am to 02:30 pm
- Location: Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, Corniche Road, Al Khubeirah
- Contact: +971-2-657-0000
NATIONAL DAY FOOD SPECIAL
If you’re looking for brunches, buffets or National Day discounts on food, here are some places you can explore to celebrate the day.
BUFFET AT SAHHA
Nestled in the opulent Grand Hyatt Hotel Abu Dhabi, Sahha will feature a delightful buffet on the 52nd National Day. You can enjoy the traditional delicacies and Arabic coffee.
- Cost: AED 240 with soft drinks
- Date and timings: 2nd December 2023, 06:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- Location: Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel, West Corniche
- Contact: +971-2-510-1234
A DINING EXTRAVAGANZA AT BAB AL QASR
The finest chefs in Abu Dhabi will prepare a National Day inspired feast at Bab Al Qasr. You can avail 52% discount on both brunch and dinner buffets on 2nd December 2023. Enjoy the live performance by Rosario whilst you indulge in flavourful food.
Rosemary Lounge is also offering a 52% discount on tea, coffee, cakes and pastries for the day. You’ll be pleased to know that Bab Al Qasr is one of the best beach resorts in Abu Dhabi.
- Date: 2nd December 2023
- Location: Bab Al Qasr
- Contact: +971-2-205-3032
AFTERNOON TEA AT PEARL LOUNGE
Encapsulate the cultural essence of UAE’s heritage at Pearl Lounge on National Day. The afternoon tea features an array of exquisite delicacies, hot bevvies and mocktails.
- Cost: AED 160
- Date and timings: From 1st December to 3rd December 2023, 03:00 pm to 07:00 pm
- Location: Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel, West Corniche
- Contact: +971-2-510-1234
NATIONAL DAY THEMED BREAKFAST AND LUNCH AT KHALIDIYA PALACE RAYHAAN BY ROTANA
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana has organised a themed National Day lunch at their Horizon restaurant and a lazy breakfast (which you can choose to be served anywhere between 07:00 am to 09:00 pm.
The lunch will feature an international buffet with Ouzi and an array of Arabic sweets. There will also be plenty of fun activities for the kiddos.
- Cost:
- Lunch: AED 149 for adults | AED 75 for children
- Breakfast: AED 199 for two | AED 399 with pool access | AED 699 with couple’s massage
- Date and timings:
- Lunch: 2nd December 2033, 12:30 pm to 03:30 pm
- Breakfast: 2nd December 2023, 07:00 am to 09:00 pm
- Location: Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, Corniche Road, Al Khubeirah
- Contact: +971-2-657-0000
FAQS ABOUT THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI FOR NATIONAL DAY WEEKEND
WHAT IS THE DATE OF THE 52ND UAE NATIONAL DAY 2023?
The UAE’s 52nd National Day will be celebrated on Saturday, 2nd December.
WHERE CAN I GO FOR ROAD TRIP ON THE UAE NATIONAL DAY?
The country is full of picturesque scenery, and there are plenty of road trip destinations in UAE for National Day, including Snoopy Island in Fujairah, Jebel Jais Mountains in RAK and Khor Fakkan.
That concludes our guide to the best things to do for UAE National Day in Abu Dhabi! If you plan to travel outside the UAE capital, you can look at Dubai events for UAE National Day 2023.
Other emirates also have some amazing staycation offers for the long weekend! Discover the top National Day staycations in Dubai and hotel offers for National Day in RAK.