One of the most anticipated events of UAE National Day celebrations in the country is the annual Union Day Ceremony (also known as the National Day Show) – the official event celebrating the seven emirates being unified into a nation in 1971. Held in iconic locations across the country, such as the ADNEC exhibition hall in 2022 and the Hatta Dam in 2021, 2023’s festivities are travelling back to Dubai from December 5 to 12. And they’ll be held at an iconic location: Jubilee Park, Expo City.
This 52nd Union Day Ceremony is the sixth edition of the celebrations, which were first held in 2018 during the 47th National Day. After the location was revealed earlier today, tickets for the spectacular public event have also gone on sale and are up for grabs now here.
What is the theme of the 2023 National Day Show?
Much like every edition, the 52nd Union Day Ceremony also has a theme attached to it. Since Expo City is also the location of the prestigious COP28 Summit from November 30 – December 12, the Union Day Ceremony too has adopted sustainability as the theme. This year’s show features events and activities that highlight the UAE’s sustainability journey from its creation in 1971 till date.
Expect to be awed by a show full of breathtaking projections and storytelling that outlines sustainable practices passed down by Emirati ancestors, such as the UNESCO-recognised sadu weaving. The show will also dig deep into the connection between tradition and technology when it comes to achieving a greener future and offer a peek into the inspiring tales of eco-activists from the UAE and around the world.
Parades, projections, music and more
Going by past years’ National Day shows, you can also look forward to majestic military parades by the UAE’s armed forces resplendent in their uniforms. This important ceremony is often graced by the rulers of the seven emirates and the President and the Vice President of the UAE.
A live orchestra plays rousing patriotic songs while talented performers act out significant moments of UAE history on stage and processions of creative floats. Last year, audiences were mind-blown by a replica of the Etihad Rail which chugged on stage and in 2021 3D light and drone projections on a floating stage lit up the night skies of Hatta.
Tickets and how to watch UAE National Day Show
Fear not if your Arabic still isn’t up to scratch yet. The show will be conducted in Arabic and English, with “simultaneous translations” in French, Mandarin, Spanish and Russian available. Tickets cost AED 300 per person and are available on www.platinumlist.ae.
Bear in mind though that this event has free seating and spots will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Additionally, the show is also broadcast live on national Television channels and on the official Union Day website.