We hope you’ve got the lyrics to ‘Ishy Bilady’ (the UAE National Anthem) down pat. The UAE National Day, which falls on December 2, is here and the country is celebrating 2024’s last long weekend. The 53rd National Day holidays run from Friday, November 30 to December 3. This year the official name of the celebrations is ‘Eid Al Etihad’ to commemorate the union of the seven emirates in 1971 to form the UAE. We’ve rounded up the 40 best things to do around the UAE, from fireworks and parades to events and offers.
1. Celebrate National Day with afternoon tea
SLS Bar is serving a luxe National Day Afternoon from December 2 to December 6 with savoury and sweet treats reflecting the country’s heritage on the menu. An oud player will set the mood with Emirati music after a ceremonial cake cutting at 5pm.
AED 249 for two; call 04 607 0737 or email sbar.dubai@slshotels.com
2. Dip into UAE Flag-themed dim sums at the Noodle House
The Asian restaurant chain is paying tribute to the UAE by giving their lip-smacking dumplings a makeover in the colours of the UAE flag until December 3. Chow down on stuffings of minced beef, ginger, garlic, and onion slathered in a spicy Szechuan sauce.
Five dumplings for AED 25; all locations of The Noodle House
3. Try AED 53 dishes at Bombay Borough
Indian-fusion restaurant Bombay Borough in DIFC is offering a special menu of five dishes for AED 53 each to celebrate the years of the UAE’s creation. Between December 1 and 3, you can sample Surati Lochoc cakes, Himachali Duck Siddu, and a Date ganache chocolate fondant that reflect global cooking techniques, flavours and recipes as a nod to UAE’s multiculturalism.
Call 054 995 8296 or visit the Bombay Borough website
4. Savour a bowl of Emirati harvests
Homegrown restaurant Flavour Fields in Galleria Mall Al Wasl is introducing a new Local Harvest Bowl that’s stacked with farm-to-fresh ingredients sourced from around the UAE. Rich aged Camel Cheese, locally grown kale, rocket leaves and baby spinach topped with charred halloumi, marinated tomatoes, cucumbers and a dressing of Hatta honey. The AED 53 dish celebrates the country’s sustainable practices and supports community farms.
5-6. Feast on free burgers and khachapuri for Union Day
What better way to celebrate the taste of freedom than with some free, tasty food? For one day only on December 2, burger place Pickl has a buy-one-get-one-free deal on all their burgers and sandos. The offer’s only valid on dine-in.
Georgian delicacy khachapuri is on the house for diners at Society when they order a dish and a drink at the bakery-restaurant during National Day. The offer is valid on December 2 and 3 at both their Dubai and Abu Dhabi branches.
7. Take a selfie with Dubai landmarks made out of cake
Ever been gobsmacked by the game show Is It Cake? Well, that’s a question you’ll be asking yourself when you view Mister Baker’s annual UAE-themed cake on display at their Umm Suqeim outlet until December 7. As one of the country’s oldest bakeries, they paid tribute to the UAE each year with cakes whose weight matches the years since the UAE’s creation. This 53kg 3D cake features iconic Dubai landmarks such as Jumeirah Emirates, Burj Khalifa, and Burj Al Arab. It’s valued at a whopping AED 23,000, in case you’re wondering.
8. See UAE’s history through a musical at Global Village
From December 1-4, you want to make a beeline for Global Village’s main stage where a grand orchestra of 24 talented musicians and live singers, dancers and actors will perform a stunning show called Hawa Emirati. This nine-scene operatic show will tell the story of the country’s evolution and significant events in its history through the eyes of a bride and groom who get married before the Union of the State in 1971 and witness the growth of the nation.
Besides this musical extravaganza, you’ll also get to see a multitude of cultural shows across Global Village, from Liwa and Harbiya bands on the main stage. Also, make sure you visit the UAE pavilion, 971 from the Community Pavilion and the Khalifa Foundation and Hamdan Heritage Centre to collect special UAE-themed souvenirs and Emirati handicrafts.
Find more details about Global Village here
9. Partake in Emirati festivities at Jumeirah Golf Estates
Steep yourself in authentic Emirati culture on the lush green lawns of the Jumeirah Golf Estates on December 2. Celebrate the UAE’s 53rd National Day by gorging on delicious Emirati dishes prepared at live cooking stations, watching a spectacular Yowlah dance performance and more. Kids can enjoy leisurely camel and pony rides, face painting, bouncy castles and more. Entry is free!
From 12pm-6pm; Call 04 586 7777 or email jevents@dubaigolf.com
10. Gallop over to this special UAE National Day Polo game
The UAE loves its horses and polo is a game widely played in keeping with the country’s equestrian history. The Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club is hosting the annual UAE National Day Cup. The tournament’s final match takes place on December 2 and sees 5 teams such as Bin Drai, Habtoor, Mahra, Ghantoot and Ankora battle it out for the cup.
Book your seats at their website
11. Run for the country at the UAE National Day Run
Skechers is sponsoring a special UAE National Day Run at The Track, Meydan Golf on December 1. The community event is open to runners of all ages and abilities and covers three different distances – 3km, 5km, 10km and 16km. Participants will see themselves sprint or walk across cordoned-off roads area. Racers are encouraged to pin the UAE flag to their running gear or paint their face with flag colours.
Race starts at 7:30am; register here
12. Watch movies at Roxy Cinema and win 53% discounts
On December 2 and 3, cinema-goers can enjoy Roxy Cinemas can celebrate the 53rd Union Day by hunting for the number 53. Anyone who spots the number 53 on their receipt, booking confirmation, or even seat number, gets a 53% cashback on their next purchase. Find details here
13. Visit a Souq built of LEGO bricks
The children’s theme park attraction is taking the spirit of the union quite seriously this year and is leaving no stone unturned to celebrate the UAE National Day until December 3. Besides a host of events such as the UAE Scavenger Hunt, character parades and UAE flag building, the highlight, this year, is exclusive 3D glasses that allow you to watch the fireworks at Riverland Dubai explode into LEGO bricks. This year, there’s also a brand-new LEGO Souq to check out – an attraction that showcases the region’s culture and traditions using LEGO bricks. More details here
14. A UAE-themed laser show await at Riverland
The French village-themed tourist destination inside Dubai Parks and Resorts is going all out for the 53rd UAE National Day. From December 1-2, a laser show will kick off daily at 7:30pm, 8:30pm and 9:45pm. There’ll be plenty of roaming activities and entertainment around the park as well such as a Bollywood dance show and performances by Ayyala dancers.
15. Spend the day at an indoor rainforest
The Green Planet, the indoor biodome and nature park in City Walk, is hosting activities and events centred around the colours and flavours of the UAE. Until December 4, children will get flag-themed souvenirs, face painting in UAE flag colours, free henna, Arabic sweets, mosaic wall interactive activity, mashrabiya seating and entertainment. Guests can also dabble in interactive animal talks and feeding sessions and enjoy storytelling sessions under the Kapok tree.
From 10am -6pm; AED 135. More details here
16-30. See spectacular National Day fireworks
We’ve created a guide of all the free fireworks shows this UAE National Day, from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Umm Al Quwain. Dates, times, and entry prices are all listed here see you can secure the best spots to watch these pyrotechnic displays! Most of them, however, are free. Click here for fireworks guide.
31. Witness the Union Day parade at City Walk
The buzzing shopping destination has plenty planned for UAE National Day 2024. O December 2, the highlight is the annual Union Day Parade which starts at 4pm featuring 800 participants. Graduates of the Dubai Police Academy, marching bands, supercars, horses, K9 units and flag bearers will walk to the beat of drums and music. Other entertainers such as jugglers, circus acts, dancers and more will also entertain spectators. Later at 8pm, see Emirati singer-songwriter Mohamed AlShehhi perform a live concert with a 10-piece band. More details here
32. Stroll around Al Seef to see cultural dances and music
The creekside dining and entertainment destination that recreates Dubai’s heritage structures and buildings is celebrating National Day from December 2 to 3. You’ll witness an oud and qanun players as well as a Harbia band in action. See Emirati artisans at work as they showcase live pottery and Sadu weaving demonstrations and take a sip of free dates and fragrant coffee that will be served at intervals. Find details here
33. Get creative with workshops at Expo City
Eid Al Etihad is taking the main stage at Expo City Dubai from December 1-3 with activities that highlight traditional crafts like Talli weaving and Bukhoor (incense) making. Visitors can visit the Terra Pavilion for a nature walk or camel ride, snap pictures with a falcon, participate in a flag scavenger hunt and get their hands adorned with henna. You can also gorge on Emirati treats like lugaimat and regag bread.
A special 53% discount on the Attractions Pass gets you entry for AED 58.75 per person. More details here
34. Learn about UAE’s fishing at pearl diving history at Bluewaters
The UAE’s past gets the attention it deserves through beautiful storytelling by fishermen and special pearl displays at this shopping and dining destination on December 2 and 3. See natural pearls and the tools divers used to retrieve them. Roaming entertainment by fishermen singing maritime songs and performing native dances using traditional instruments will also take place.
From 6pm-10pm at The Boardwalk
35. Discover Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s Arabia Bazaar and activities
Plenty is going on at this outdoor destination. Nibble on fresh coffee and dates, catch lively performances of Ayyala dancers, see carpet weavers in action and more at the Souk’s outdoor amphitheatre. Other traditional arts that will be displayed live include fishnet making. A special corner for kids will have face painting, storytelling and more fun activities. While you’re there, leave a message on a communal art mural of the UAE map that’s on display.
From 12pm-8pm; December 2 and 3
36. Check out the UAE Reimagined Exhibition at Ibn Battuta Mall
Dubai-based Polish artist and graphic designer Future Bedouin’s special art exhibition is on display at the Egypt Court. Digital art that captures Emirati life and landscapes will be showcased here. While you peruse these captivating images, keep the kids busy with burga decorating workshops, UAE stick painting, bracelet making and henna art. You can also clock in some culture while you’re there as live shows of Yola dances take place multiple times a day. More details here
Until December 3; from 2pm-10pm
37. Saunter through thousands of UAE Flags at Flag Garden
The Flag Garden installation at Umm Suqueim Beach is back for its 11th year. The iconic National Day activation sees hundreds and thousands of UAE National Flags planted around the coast by Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel to form aerial portraits. This year, 11,600 flags have been arranged to form the images of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Entry is free
38. Have a smashing good time at Smash Room
For just one day on December 2, The Smash Room, the UAE’s only rage room has a special deal. Guests can smash 53 glass bottles for AED 53 at any of The Smash Room’s locations across the UAE. What better way to vent out all the road rage Dubai traffic leaves us with? Book here
39. See the official UAE National Day Ceremony
The Eid Al Etihad ceremony this year is being held in Al Ain. Although this year’s celebrations are not open to the public like the 2023 Union Day Show at Expo City, you can watch the event online through live broadcast on December 2. The ceremony is usually full of pageantry, parades, and storytelling through special projections and cutting-edge technology. Catch it live on the Eid Al Etihad channel
40. Attend a free art painting exhibition by an Emirati artist
The Emirates’ creative talents get a spotlight at Address Sky View this 53rd National Day. They’ve teamed up with Emirati artist Faezeh Mohammed Hassan to showcase three exclusive paintings celebrating Emirati heritage and culture. These paintings are on display until November 5 at the hotel’s lobby.