UAE citizens and residents are preparing to enjoy a long weekend, as the UAE Cabinet has officially announced the National Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi.
Public and private sector workers will get a long weekend in celebration of the UAE’s 54th National Day. Authorities announced that employees would be granted leave on Monday and Tuesday, i.e., December 1 and 2.
The team behind the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations has unveiled this year’s nationwide programme, with the theme “United”.
To encourage participation, the Eid Al Etihad team has created an online hub with inspirational guides, activity ideas, and suggestions for families and communities looking to celebrate, discover, and learn together.
There’s also an official song playlist, featuring tracks that capture the joy, pride, and spirit of the occasion, available on the Eid Al Etihad YouTube channel.
If you want a getaway, check out some fantastic places to stay.
National Day events in Abu Dhabi
Eid Al Etihad ceremony screenings
While we’re still awaiting confirmation of the official ceremony, here are the screenings taking place across Abu Dhabi where you can catch the live streaming.
- Abu Dhabi: Public screenings of the official ceremony will be held in Khalifa City, Al Falah, Al Shamkha, and several Majlis venues, including Al Hawasim, Al Khatm, Al Shawamekh, and Shakhbout City.
- Al Dhafra: Broadcasts at Al Dhafra Public Park in Madinat Zayed, Liwa Oasis, Al Shabahana Park in Al Sila’, Al Harat Park in Bida Mutawa’, the public park on Delma Island, Zayed Al Khair Park in Ghayathi, and the Majlis of Mohammed Al Falahi Al Yasi.
- Al Ain: Viewers can watch near Al Ain International Airport and in majlis locations, including Al Tuwayya, Al Masoudi, Al Foah, and Al Maqam.
Fireworks for National Day Celebration in Abu Dhabi
Fireworks are usually a key feature in National Day celebrations, and the 54th Eid Al Etihad extravaganza is no different. Several places across the capital are sure to light up over the long weekend – take a look and get there early for the best front-row seats.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
The Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental will host several festivities for National Day. On December 2, get ready for a shower of fireworks to illuminate the hotel’s beachfront starting at 9:15 pm.
Before watching the skies light up, be sure to take some time to explore the Eid Al Etihad grand dome, which will be offering a host of activities from November 29 to December 3.
On Tuesday December 2, you can check out a traditional Al Ayala dance from 4pm to 10pm, while the kids get stuck into some pottery workshops.
Details:
Date: 2 December
Timings: 9:15 pm
For more information, call 02 690 9000
Location: West Corniche Road – Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Yas Bay
There are many excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes where you can catch the fireworks display on this national day at Yas Bay. We recommend heading to Bushra or Siddharta Lounge as prime locations.
The waterfront will be transforming into a full festival over Eid Al Etihad, complete with plenty of activities for all the family. Stroll through the 54-flag garden, tour the traditional courtyard for a spot of henna and calligraphy set up to look like the 1970s.
Each evening will end with a huge fireworks display at 9 pm. Remember to make time for it as you explore all of the other decades of the UAE.
From the vintage promenade to the imagination yard and the local flavours market filled with Emirati snacks – register now and secure your spot!
Details:
Date: 1-3 December
Timings: Daily at 9 pm
Register here
Location: Yas Bay, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Festival
As part of the celebrations for Eid Al Etihad, the UAE will showcase its rich diversity of traditions and the legacy of the nation’s founder, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Visitors can experience Emirati heritage and culture through arts and crafts, a spread of various delicacies, and many fun activities suited for all ages.
One of the major highlights of the festival during the National Day celebration in Abu Dhabi is the fireworks and drone show, from 1-3 December.
- Weekly Emirates Fountain performances, laser and hologram shows and drone shows every Saturday at 10 PM.
- Folkloric shows
- Emirati civilisation pavilions
- Global civilisation pavilions
- Glow and Flower Garden
- Hop on the tall Ferris wheel
- Al Forsan Sports resort
- Traditional cooking competition
- Racing and sailing festivals
- Falconry competitions
Details:
Date: 1-3 December
Timings: TBC
For tickets and more, visit SZF
Location: Al Wathbah – Al-Wathba South – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Mother of the Nation Festival Fireworks
Across both Al Ain and Al Dhafra, Eid Al Etihad celebrations will be kicking off at the family festival in the shape of a dazzling fireworks display.
Visitors will receive UAE flags and in Al Ain, the festival will also be hosting a spectacular Eid Al Etihad concert featuring a line-up of regional stars performing their greatest hits and beloved UAE national songs.
Details:
Date: 2 December
Timings: TBC
Prices: AED 25 onwards
For tickets and more, visit MOTN
Location: Al Ain and Al Dhafra
National Day At Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi is the perfect hotel for the long weekend celebration, and they’re really amping up the flavours and fun this Eid Al Etihad.
Indulge in a rich array of Eid Al Etihad favourites at Sahha, including traditional Lamb Ouzi, succulent Lamb Harris, Chicken Shish Tawook, all prepared on the live grill station. From fresh shawarma to a rich selection of Arabic desserts, it’s a complete culinary feast!
Alternatively, you could head to Pearl Lounge for two unforgettable evenings of live BBQ grill! Indulge in a thoughtfully curated family-style menu, perfect for sharing and savouring together.
Details:
Date: Brunch: 2 December | BBQ at Pearl Lounge: 3-4 December
Timings: Brunch: 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm | BBQ at Pearl Lounge: 8 pm to 12 am
Prices: Brunch: AED 299 including soft beverages | BBQ at Pearl Lounge: AED 199 including soft beverages
For reservations, call 02 510 1234
Eid Al Etihad at Strawfire by Ross Shonhan
Head to Strawfire by Ross Shonhan for an unforgettable evening on the VIP Balcony, where you get prime row seats to the dazzling National Day fireworks in an elegant setting, complemented by an exceptional à la carte dining experience.
Don’t miss out on the special Baklava Ice Cream Monaka – a signature creation that beautifully blends Arabic tradition and Japanese artistry. This dessert reimagines the classic baklava as an ice cream, infused with rich date gel and encased in a delicate monaka wafer.
Details:
Date: 2 December
Timings: 6 pm to 12 am
Prices: A la carte
For reservations, call 02 690 7999
Community event at Seed & Bloom
Celebrate National Day with a fun-filled Community Event at Seed & Bloom Café.
Enjoy a pop-up market featuring local brands, 50% off workshops and seasonal treats. Bring the family and spend the day enjoying wholesome food, flavours and fun! There’s also complimentary pastries for all breakfast guests until 1 pm, plus a raffle, cookie decorating for kids, foccacia workshops with a massive discount, and so much more!
Details:
Date: 2 December
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Prices: For reservations, book here
Fun Activities For UAE National Day Celebrations
Kayaking At The Eastern Mangroves
A couple of hours of kayaking at the Eastern Mangroves on the National holiday weekend would be a great way to enjoy the cooler weather.
Kayak through the mangroves, looking for wildlife such as flamingos, birds and fish beneath the clear water.
Another fantastic experience is to kayak at night with a guide who can lead the way through water channels under the moonlight.
Location: Al Salam Street – Al Kheeran – Eastern Mangrove – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Camp Out For The National Day Celebration In Abu Dhabi
For a weekend away in Abu Dhabi, camping can be a fantastic budget-friendly option.
It is one of the most worthwhile experiences for an evening spent around a crackling bonfire, the glow of a flaming grill, and a starry night sky.
Abu Dhabi is known for its pleasant winters. The gradual drop in temperatures from October onwards allows residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the UAE.
During the cooler months, camping in Abu Dhabi is a fantastic alternative to staying at a fancy hotel or going to a beach club during the National Day weekend.
Below are some of the well-known spots to camp out and glamp for the National Day celebration in Abu Dhabi:
Camping Sites In Abu Dhabi
- Liwa Oasis
- Al Khazna camping site
- Al Wathba Lake Camp
- Al Dhafra Beach Abu Dhabi camping beach
- Mirfa beach
- Al Razeen desert
- Al Qua’a desert
Glamping Sites In Abu Dhabi
- Bab Al Nojoum-Hudayriyat Island
- Bab Al Nojoum-Al Mugheirah Resort
- Jabel Hafit desert park
- Green Mubazzarah chalets
- Nujum Camp at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
- Tilal Liwa
- Arabian Nights Village
Hiking During The National Day Weekend
Hiking is an adventurous and worthwhile activity during the National Day celebration in Abu Dhabi.
Take a group of friends, hire a vehicle, and head to Hatta, a few hours away, to explore the expanse of the Hajar mountains. There are several hiking trails, from easy to challenging.
Stay at a glamping site at the base of the mountains or make a day trip out of it. Either way, it is going to be a memorable experience.
When travelling in groups of 5 or more, we recommend hiring a tour guide to keep the group on the trail since a detour could take up to a few hours.
For more information on staying at the Hajar mountains.
Location: Q4Q7+GM Hatta – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
National Day Celebration In Abu Dhabi: Frequently Asked Questions
How does the UAE National Day differ from other national holidays?
The date marks the integration of all seven Emirates into a single nation, known as the Spirit of the Union. Emiratis and expatriates celebrate UAE National Day with displays of fireworks, gatherings and spectacular events.
When does the UAE celebrate National Day?
The United Arab Emirates celebrates its National Day on December 2.
In what year was the UAE founded?
On December 2, 1971, the rulers of six Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Dubai, Umm al-Quwain, Ajman and Fujairah) formally established the United Arab Emirates.
How is the UAE National Day referred to in Arabic?
Emiratis refer to the UAE National Day as “Al Yawm Al Watani.”
How was the UAE referred to 50 years ago?
UAE, or the United Arab Emirates as we now call it, was formerly known as the Trucial States.
Are there any cultural symbols associated with the UAE?
The cultural symbol consists of a golden falcon with a disc in the middle showing the UAE flag and seven stars, one for each of the seven Emirates.
To Sum Up the National Day Celebration In Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is a fantastic destination to travel to in the cooler months. There is something for everyone with tonnes of events and concerts lined up.
The National Day celebration in Abu Dhabi is much larger than in other Emirates since it is the capital city.
Whether it’s a one-day or four-day visit, the Capital is full of activities and places to see.
Abu Dhabi has everything from the world’s fastest roller coaster on Yas Island to the world’s largest Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
We hope this article has provided insight into where to be and how to participate in the National Day celebration in Abu Dhabi if you plan to visit any of the venues mentioned above for the National Day weekend.
Let us know what you think of it. We would love to hear about your experiences in the comment section below.
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