Celebrate UAE National Day with a series of vibrant and festive events that capture the essence of the occasion. Begin the day by participating in the singing of the national anthem, accompanied by the uplifting moment of the flag hoisting ceremony. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the UAE through kaleidoscopic parades featuring floats, drummers, traditionally attired men and women, and captivating marching bands.
Embrace the spirit of patriotism by donning the colors of the national flag, an expression of unity shared by individuals of all ages. As night falls, witness the sky come alive with dazzling fireworks, illuminating key locations across the country, including Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. The Geniefie trip planner can guide you to optimal vantage points to witness these breathtaking displays.
For those who revel in the hustle and bustle of celebrations, the car parade offers a unique opportunity. Explore the streets adorned with cars creatively decorated with national colours, flags, and flowers, showcasing the collective pride of the community. Utilise the Geniefie trip planner to discover more about these celebratory locations and plan your visit to ensure you make the most of the festive atmosphere during UAE National Day.
Now, we have selected some locations to highlight the places you can visit during the National Day celebration.
Places to Celebrate UAE National Day
On this day, there is no dearth of options for you to choose your favourite activity. The only bit of advice to keep in mind is that the streets get very crowded and there are diversions announced in many cities so don’t plan back to back things with no time to breathe. Given below is a list of activities that you can take part in.
1. Malls in UAE
A fun way of enjoying the UAE national day is by heading to one of the amazing malls in Dubai. The shopping deals that you will find here will blow away your mind. During the national day celebration period, you can get around 60% to 90% off. Apart from the great deals, another reason for visiting the malls are that you will get to enjoy a number of cultural activities that will be taking place. You will come across things like a cultural band playing traditional Arabic music while going around in the mall. For enjoying all this you can head to Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, The Outlet Village and City Walk 2. The best mall to head towards will be the Dubai Festival City Mall because here you will get to watch amazing fireworks free of cost. The Dubai Mall will bring to you the traditional hospitality of the UAE, with dates and coffee. There will also be a demonstration of cultural practices such as pearl harvesting shows, henna painting and many more.
Timings: All Day
Entry Fee: Not applicable, individual activities may be charged.
2. Parades
Rashid Boulevard
The parade at Rashid Boulevard is hands down the grandest one that takes place. It consists of the Dubai Police’s parade, the brass and drum section, cars from various government departments, floats of elephants, Bengal tiger and cricket bats, and dancers dressed up in their artform’s traditional attire. Along with these, there is also a section of floats dedicated to architectural marvels such as the Taj Mahal, the Big and Burj Al Arab. To follow this up we have people dressed up as iconic characters like Marilyn Munroe and Superman.
Location: Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai
Entry Fees: Not Applicable
Dubai Parks and Resorts
If you wish to go for something a little more grand and boisterous then Dubai Parks and Resort is the perfect choice for you. The circus parade complete with unicyclists will be a great experience for children and adults alike. Apart from this, the place is home to Legoland and Motiongate in case you wish to add more adventure to your trip.
Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts – Sheikh Zayed Road
Entry Fee: It is dependent on the park entrance fee.
3. Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain
Visiting the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain is on everybody’s list when they go to Dubai, but seeing these during the UAE National Day celebrations is something no one should miss. The Burj Khalifa will light up in the colours of the national flag, while Dubai Fountains will play a show choreographed to the national anthem.
Timings: Three shows starting at 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Location: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Dubai
Entry Fee: Not applicable
4. Palm Jumeirah
When celebrating the national day at Palm Jumeirah, head directly to The Pointe. Here you will get to enjoy the national day along with live music, good food and amazing fireworks. Along with these take in the natural beauty of the promenade while enjoying traditional music from local singers. You might also find some souvenirs for cheap prices because of the national day discounts.
Location: Palm Jumeirah – Al Mirziban
Timings: Fireworks start at 8:00 pm
5. Dubai Garden Centre
The national day celebrations are not a one-day affair, head down to the Dubai Garden centre on 1st December to get yourself in the festive mood. If you want to enjoy the richness of Arabic cuisine, then there can be no better place, because here you get to sample authentic Arabic food for free. If you like it then you can buy more to gobble up the whole thing with your friends and family. Apart from this, enjoy the cultural performances of dance and music that are taking place while getting a henna tattoo.
Location: 739 Sheikh Zayed Rd
Timings: 10:00 am to 2:30 pm
6. Yas Marina Circuit
If you get a chance to hit the Yas Marina Circuit because even though you won’t get to see cars chasing each other you will get a chance to experience a number of cultural activities. Since the Grand Prix would have ended only a few days ago, the excitement would still be going strong that will transform your experience of Yas Marina. The plethora of activities that Yas Marina will be hosting includes, fireworks, live stage music, heritage Village, traditional Emirati kitchen, a wide variety of food trucks and many more things.
Location: Abu Dhabi
Timings: 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Entry Fee: Available through online registration
7. Global Village
On the occasion of the National Day, the Global village organises a series of events for you to enjoy with your family including free henna drawing and face painting. In 2019, the Global Village hosted the largest number of participants for reciting the National Anthem. Seeing so many people singing their national anthem is a mesmerising scene worth witnessing. The feeling of nationalism can be felt in the air. The streets are turned into a market where you can find everything that locals need. The guests are welcomed in the traditional style with coffee and dates.
Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai
Timings: Fireworks and performances will start at 9:00 pm.
Entry Fee: AED 15 for adults. Entry for children below three and adults above 65 is free.
As you embark on your journey to celebrate the UAE National Day, let Geniefie Trip Planner be your magical companion in crafting the perfect itinerary for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re drawn to the spectacular parades, vibrant cultural events, or the breathtaking fireworks lighting up the night sky, Geniefie will help you navigate the rich tapestry of celebrations with ease. So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and let the spirit of the UAE National Day guide you through a magical adventure that will linger in your memories for years to come. Here’s to creating cherished moments and embracing the joyous spirit of unity and pride in the heart of the UAE. Safe travels and happy National Day celebrations!