Guide to the official 54th National Day celebrations
Save the date for the UAE National Day 2025 as the nation prepares for a remarkable programme of events marking its 54th anniversary. As every year, the official UAE National Day celebrations, now formally titled Eid Al Etihad, promise an unforgettable showcase of culture, heritage and unity.
UAE National Day Celebration 2025
The 54th UAE National Day celebrations will unfold across all seven emirates, featuring several days of cultural events, performances and public activities. The year 2025 marks more than half a century since the United Arab Emirates was formed.
The official name for these celebrations is “Eid Al Etihad”. In Arabic, Etihad means union, which is in line with the unification of the emirates to form this beautiful country.
The celebration for National Day takes December 2nd, 2025, a day that is among UAE public holidays. This year, the UAE is set to broadcast its entire 54th UAE National Day show live across the country, encouraging citizens and residents to unite in celebration of the nation’s establishment.
This nationwide broadcast forms a key part of the UAE National Day events guide and ensures that everyone, regardless of where they live, can take part in the festivities.
The UAE National Day 2025 shows and performances are held under the theme “United”, calling on the more than 200 nationalities who call the UAE home to join community events and express their patriotic pride. Expect a wide variety of activities for the UAE’s 54th National Day, from cultural performances to family-friendly celebrations.
People from across the UAE can watch the celebrations live on December 2 via local TV channels, cinemas and selected public areas. Viewing locations will be announced soon if you plan to stream in groups.
Long Weekend Awaits
Public and private sector employees will enjoy a long weekend to mark the UAE National Day celebrations. Authorities have confirmed that workers will receive public holidays on Monday and Tuesday, 1 and 2 December 2025. Under the unified UAE Government holiday calendar, both sectors receive the same number of public holidays.
Where to Watch Eid Al Etihad Fireworks in the UAE 2025
The UAE will light up the skies for its 54th National Day with spectacular fireworks across the Emirates from 27th November to 3rd December 2025.
DUBAI
Dubai will host vibrant celebrations at Global Village and The Beach at JBR, featuring fireworks, drone shows and cultural performances throughout the holiday period.
GLOBAL VILLAGE
- Fireworks: 1, 2 and 3 December 2025
- Timing: 09:00 pm
- Drone shows: 1 and 2 December
THE BEACH AT JBR
- Fireworks: 2 December
- Timing: 09:00 pm
ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi will mark the occasion with stunning displays at Yas Island Waterfront and Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, supported by family-friendly activities, traditional performances and festive exhibits.
YAS ISLAND WATERFRONT
- Fireworks: 2nd and 3rd December
- Timing: 09:00 pm
EMIRATES PALACE MANDARIN ORIENTAL
- Fireworks: 2nd December 2025
- Timing: 09:15 pm
Where to participate in the official 54th National Day 2025 celebrations?
A grand ceremony typically attended by the UAE Rulers serves as the centrepiece of the nationwide celebrations.
Last year’s show was staged at Jebel Hafeet National Park with the dramatic mountainous backdrop underscoring the UAE’s deep connection to nature. The performance featured the London Philharmonic Orchestra alongside a distinguished group of Emirati musicians.
Each annual show pays tribute to the nation’s heritage while offering a glimpse into its future. The 51st National Day show in 2022, for instance, featured an Etihad Rail train signalling a new era of public transport ahead of the passenger line launching in 2026.
While the specific venue for the ceremony has not yet been announced, organisers have released a comprehensive list of locations across all emirates where the event will be broadcast live.
Further updates will be published on the official Eid Al Etihad website and social media channels.
WHERE TO WATCH THE UAE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS 2025
- Abu Dhabi: Khalifa City, Al Falah City and Al Shamkha City.
- Al Dhafra: Madinat Zayed Public Park, Liwa Oasis, Al Shahbana Park in Al Sila’, Harat Parks in Beda Al Mutawa, Delma Island Public Park, Zayed Al Khair Park in Ghayathi and Majlis Mohammad Al Falahi Al Yasi.
- Dubai: Al Khawaneej, Global Village and Dubai Festival City Mall.
- Sharjah: Al Suyoh Park and Kshisha Park.
- Ajman: Marsa Ajman, Al Jurf Family Park and Al Waraqa Park.
- Umm Al Quwain: Al Khor Waterfront.
- Ras Al Khaimah: Corniche Al Qawasim and the RAK Flagpole.
- Fujairah: Umbrella Beach.
The ceremony will also be broadcast on local television channels and streamed via the Eid Al Etihad YouTube channel and official website, ensuring that the UAE National Day public events are accessible to all. Will you be in the capital? Add the National Day activities in Abu Dhabi to your list of things to do.
FAQs About the UAE National Day Celebration
Why is National Day celebrated?
The event marks the federal union of the emirates in 1971 and the formal nationalisation. The UAE National Day will celebrate 54 years of the union.
Are the shops open during celebrations for the 54th National Day celebration in the UAE?
National Day is among the official holidays in the UAE, so schools, most businesses and public offices are closed. However, eateries, malls and entertainment venues would be open. We recommend checking in advance before heading over.
That concludes our coverage of the official National Day celebration, which will take place in Al Ain. The UAE National Day fireworks in Dubai are an anticipated event as well. Catching them in action is among the many activities during National Day in Dubai.
Have you already set your sights on an overseas trip? The National Day holiday packages in Dubai may also be considered.
Those in search of travel destinations closer to home can look into the UAE road trip destinations in UAE for National Day. Make the most of the Eid Al Etihad weekend.
