March 29, 2024

Get ready to celebrate the 51st UAE National Day with an array of entertainment, events and experiences taking place throughout Dubai. Across the city, citizens, visitors and residents are invited to enjoy an amazing line-up of concerts, firework displays, shopping deals, dining experiences and entertainment offers. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s UAE National Day celebrations in Dubai will run from National Day itself, 2 December, through to 11 December, providing 10 full days to mark the nation’s union and make unforgettable memories.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “The 51st UAE National Day celebrations honour the monumental growth and continuous innovation of our great nation. Supported byDubai’s prosperous retail sector, we will pursue the country’s legacy of bringing the nation and people together in a moment of unity and celebration.

The city’s wide array of festivities to celebrate National Day will showcase the best Dubai has to offer across its iconic landmarks and world-class entertainment destinations. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the globe to join the citizens and residents of Dubai as we recognise and celebrate UAE National Day together – taking pride in the nation and sharing in extraordinary and enjoyable events for all.”

CITY DECOR

Keep an eye out for beautiful city decorations when celebrating the UAE National Day festivities in Dubai. Take in the amazing structures and lighting decoration across the city which were placed by commercial lighting installers or have fun spotting the statues of the city’s favourite characters, Modesh and Dana, on the way.

From 2 to 11 December, shoppers might be lucky enough to meet with Modesh and Dana as the friends visit some of the most iconic spots in the city. To greet them, make sure to stop by the Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Walk, Dubai Festival City Mall, Gate Avenue, Ibn Battuta Mall, The Circle, Nakheel Mall, Al Khawaneej Walk, Deira City Centre and Riverland Dubai at Dubai Parks & Resorts.

FIREWORKS

Head over to some of the best spots in the city to get full views of the fabulous fireworks displays for UAE National Day, in the four colours of the UAE National flag. Don’t miss the vibrant showcases at Al Seef and The Beach opposite JBR and Bluewaters at 8PM, and The Pointe and Dubai Festival City Mall at 9PM on 2 December.

CONCERTS AND SHOWS

Get immersed in a concert experience like no other on UAE National Day, 2 December. Visit the stunning Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City for an incredible night of music featuring leading Emirati and GCC artists including Eidha Al Mehali and Dalia Mubarak. Doors open at 6:30PM, with the show running from 8:30PM to 12AM. Tickets begin at just AED 100 and can be purchased from dubai.platinumlist.net

Alternatively, on the same date, visit Dubai Festival City Mall to see Fayez Al Saeed host the opening ceremony at Festival Bay with a live concert at 8PM, followed by a specially choreographed IMAGINE and fireworks show that will light up the sky in the colours of the UAE flag at 9PM. DJ Bliss will close the night with an electrifying performance at 9.15PM.

The popular Emirati singer Shamma Hamdan will perform an unmissable live show on 2December at 8.30PM at the fountain area of City Walk.

Head over to the Dubai Opera on 2 December for an entertaining evening of stand-up comedy, singing and more with Moroccan comedian Abdul Rahman Ouaabed, popularly known as EKO. Doors will open at 7PM, with the show starting at 8PM. Ticket prices start at AED 250 and are available at Dubai Opera.

King of 90s pop, Lucky Ali, will be performing at The Agenda on 3 December as part of the Winter Music Fest, which will bring some of Bollywood’s most popular musicians to the city. Doors will open at 8PM with the show starting at 9.30PM. Ticket prices start from AED 69 and are available at dubai.platinumlist.net.

Immerse in Korean culture through a Hallyu content exhibit at the Mall of the Emirates’ Art Centre until 3 December. Experience the country’s traditions, K-film culture and K-pop including a 3D virtual reality performance of pop group BTS through this two-week-long free showcase. More information is available at Korea: Cubically Imagined.

Experience traditional music while shopping with the travelling Al Harbia band on 2 and 3 December at various malls and locations in Dubai. Enjoy the cultural tunes at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Walk, Dubai Festival City Mall, Gate Avenue, La Mer, Ibn Battuta Mall, The Circle, Nakheel Mall, The Point, Al Khawaneej Walk, The Outlet Village, Riverland Dubai at Dubai Parks & Resorts, Hatta Wadi Hub, Al Seef and Bluewaters.

FAMILY ACTIVATIONS

Celebrate the spirit of UAE National Day with flag decorations and roaming entertainment all throughout Dubai Festival City Mall on 2 December. UAE nationals shopping for AED 300 or more from 1 to 5 December stand a chance to win Air Arabia tickets for two.

Visit Mercato Mall to enjoy live entertainment, musical parades and fun activities for the whole family from 2 to 4 December. Kids and adults can take part in creative workshops from local Training Courses, have their faces painted with UAE themed designs and admire the beautiful UAE lighting around the mall.

At The Pointe, alongside the breathtaking fireworks and fountain show at 9PM on 2 December, there will be activities in the event plaza for the little ones to enjoy.

Celebrate UAE National Day at La Mer and The Beach opposite JBR with special offers from 2 to 4 December. Visit The Beach opposite JBR on 2 December to sample delicious food and enjoy a spectacular firework display at 8PM. On 3 December, La Mer will host a traditional Al Harbia Band to entertain visitors.

Visit Al Khawaneej Walk, Boxpark and Last Exit Al Khawaneej for exclusive dining, shopping and entertainment deals, enjoy a true unity celebration feel with a special hospitality tent with  coffee and dates service, a falconry show and folkloric music vibes from 2 until 4 December from 4PM until 10PM. Do not miss out on the special UAE National Day Parade on 2 December at Boxpark and Last Exit Al Khawaneej.

Mark this special occasion with great dining and exclusive offers at City Walk from 2 to 4 December. Catch the Musical Bands live performances on 3 and 4 December from 6PM to 10PM at City Walk’s fountain area.

The Ibn Battuta Mall will host fun activities for children including henna artists, face painting, origami and sand bottle workshops from 2 until 4 December at the main entrance of the Egypt Court in front of Kidz Palooza.

GASTRONOMY

To make the UAE National Day celebrations extra special and memorable, restaurants across the city have gone all out with special offers and curated tasting menus and events.

At the Lido on Queen Elizabeth 2, enjoy a sumptuous buffet of authentic Arabic food, for just AED 150 per person, inclusive of soft drinks and water. Children under 6 dine for free, while children aged 6 to 11 get 50 per cent off. This offer is available on 2 and 3 December between 6.30PM to 11.00PM, and can be booked via reservations.qe2@accor.com.

From 1 to 4 December, Mondouxpastry chefs will be creating a giant UAE flag with custom crafted cream and berry cakes. All restaurant guests will be offered a slice of cake on the house to celebrate UAE National Day.

At JA Resort, join the National Day celebrations with an exclusive performance by renowned Emirati singer, Fatima Zahrat Al-Ain, and her daughter Rawda, as well as a culinary feast featuring some of the most indulgent fare. That’s not all, on 2 and 3 December, guests can enjoy a festive buffet dinner, from 7.30PM to 11.30PM, for AED 550 per person onwards, at Palmito Garden, JA the Resort.

Emirati-owned Monno Ristorante will be serving guests a limited-edition UAE Flag pizza made in true Neapolitan style, on 2 December, in honour of the UAE’s 51st National Day.

At Mangolia Bakery Springs Souk, the celebrations for UAE National Day include a special cupcake decorating workshop on 30 November from 10AM to 11AM or 4PM to 5PM. Pre-booking for a spot is required.

Rove Hotels, Project Chaiwala, and Frying Pan Adventures are back with a food and chai tour, specially curated for UAE’s National Day celebrations, in old Dubai. Discover authentic, local street food, and other treats on 3 December, from 8.45AM to 11.45AM and 10.45AM to 1.45PM, for AED 125 per person. To book a place on this limited-edition tour, visit www.fryingpanadventures.com.

Time Out Market Dubai celebrates UAE National Day with celebratory traditional dancing and activities for children from 2 to 4 December. For those celebrating over the weekend, Time Out Market Dubai’s Weekend Breakfast is available on Saturday and Sunday from 10AM until 1PM. Exclusive breakfast-inspired dishes will be served, priced from AED 32 to AED 75. Located in the beautiful Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai, the market also offers an incredible mix of cuisines, expertly curated by Time Out editors.

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Get ready for an unmatched football experience atBudx FIFA Fan Festival at Dubai Harbour which is now open and runs throughout the National Day festivities right up until 18 December. Join in the excitement as up to 10,000 fans converge to celebrate the beautiful game in a state- of-the-art, immersive atmosphere. International artists like Brazilian diva Ludmilla, and local DJs such as Mr Shef Codes, Kaboo and Flippside will keep the electric vibes going between and after matches. Ticket prices start from AED 79 per person at Budxfifadubai.com, the venue offers access to 21+ only.

Visit the Meydan Racecourse to see the region’s most skilled horses and talented jockeys go head to head for a grand prize. This high-spirited domestic challenge runs along with the international Dubai World Cup Carnival, with races scheduled from 25 November to 19 February. Tickets start at AED 2, for more information, please visit Dubairacingclub.com.

Watch hundreds of regional and international rugby teams put their best foot forward during Emirates Dubai 7s at the Sevens Stadium, one of the largest sports and entertainment festivals in the Middle East, from 1 to 3 December. Sample delicious cuisine and enjoy family-friendly activities, including powerhouse performances by headliners Gorgon City, The Cuban Brothers and Craig David presents TS5. Book now at Dubai Rugby 7s.

Join the Skechers Performance UAE National Day Run 2022 at The Track Meydan Golf on 2 December at 7.30AM. This community challenge will see runners of all ages and abilities, from beginners to experts, come together to mark this momentous occasion. Sprint or stroll distances of 3km, 5km, 10km or 16km on the closed-off roads in this scenic area while taking in views of the city skyline along the course. Adults pay AED 175 per race while children can participate for AED 125 per race. To sign up, visit PremierOnline.

From 3 December to 17 February the world-famous Murder Mystery experience makes its way to Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai. This 90-minute interactive entertainment program allows participants to use their detective skills to solve a mystery while uncovering secrets and hidden motives along the way. All contestants can enjoy a 30-minute food and drink service on the terrace with spectacular creek views before the activity. To book a spot, visit murdermysteryexperiences.com/dubai.

From 1 until 3 December Riverland Dubai at Dubai Parks & Resorts will host special UAE National Day celebrations including arabic tents with henna, live cooking and kids face painting, folkloricentertainment from Ayala Dancers and Hag al Laila Traditional Kids Dance as well as an interactive Love the UAE activation wall. For more information visit Riverland Dubai.

For more information on all events and activities, please visit dubaicalendar.com.

RAFFLES AND PRIZES

Until 30 November download the Idealz app or visit www.idealz.com and purchase a Rosa Set worth AED 50 to gain entry into an amazing raffle that will allow the winner to take home an incredible two million dirhams (AED2,000,000) for the big UAE National Day Grand Prize. The raffle draw will take place on 2 December.

From 1 to 4 December purchase goods for AED 200 at stores excluding hypermarkets across Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif to enter into an exciting daily draw and win big. Four winners from each of the malls will be in with a chance to win 51,000 SHARE points, worth AED 5,100.

Every year, UAE National Day is celebrated on 2 December to mark the official formation of the nation and the start of the federal unification of The Emirates in 1971.

To join in the UAE National Day celebrations, check outnationaldaydubai.com for more information and @CelebrateDubai and @StyledbyDubai on social media channels.

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About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai’s retail and festival sectors and supporting the positioning of Dubai as a world-class tourism destination with year-round family entertainment, shopping and events.

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Nwaorgu Faustinus

Nwaorgu Faustinus is a citizen of Nigeria, Mass Communication graduate, freelance writer, columnist, blogger, who contributes articles, commentaries, interviews and news stories to media outfits. He worked as a trainee at NTA Yola, Adamawa State where he covered Seminars, workshops, news conferences as well as political rallies amongst others from 2000-2001. After his internship, he went back to school to complete his education at the first private poly technique - OSISATECH where he obtained HDN Certificate with upper credit in Mass Communication in 2005. He lives in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State one of the oil producing States in Nigeria.