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Celebrate the UAE's heritage, progress, and beauty with these exciting events happening across the emirate
24 November 2023
| Last updated on 30 November 2023
Check out these events and activities commemorating the unification of the seven emirates!
The annual UAE National Day celebrations typically feature fireworks shows, live music, parades, traditional performances, and other exciting activities - the 52nd edition will be no different!
For UAE residents who work from Monday to Friday, officials announced a 3-day weekend extending to Monday December 4th. Both private and public sector employees will be returning to work on Tuesday December 5th.
Make the most of the UAE National Day 2023 long weekend with any of these events and activities!
1. Watch the dazzling UAE National Day fireworks in Dubai
Every year, Dubai's night skies typically light up with its annual tradition, to commemorate the 52nd UAE National Day.
Popular go-to spots in Dubai for the yearly fireworks, such as The Pointe, Bluewaters Island, Dubai Festival City, and Al Seef are yet to be announced.
Global Village revealed they will not be doing their annual tradition of the Union Day fireworks show for 2023.
Keep an eye on this page as we'll be updating the list when further information is revealed!
2. Exclusive National Day staycation packages
With the special occasion taking place over the weekend for many residents, why not celebrate UAE National Day 2023 in style with a relaxing getaway.
Invite your friends or family and book your next staycation through Cobone, with a huge selection of options for complimentary breakfast, swimming pool and beach access, and more!
3. UAE National Day official ceremony at Expo City Dubai
This year's official ceremony for the 52nd Union Day will be held at Expo City, with a special public event from December 5 - 12 that will be open to expat residents, Emiratis, and tourists.
Event tickets will be announced soon.
4. UAE National Day celebrations at Global Village
There'll be loads in store at Global Village to commemorate the nation's 52nd Union Day, from cultural performances, themed activities, and other family-fun entertainment under the UAE's spirit of unity.
Enjoy pop-up kiosks for gorgeous henna art, falcon interactions, photo opportunities, get special UAE Union Day souvenirs, savour authentic Emirati cuisine, and marvel at artistic installation celebrating Emirati culture and heritage.
On December 1-3, visitors can watch a remarkable operetta, 'UAE's Vision,' at the park's main stage. In addition to the 30-minute show, there'll also be an exciting lineup of other spectacular performances.
Authentic Emirati cultural shows such as Yola and Ayyala are set to wow guests from December 1-3.
Image: Supplied.
5. National Day celebrations by the Dubai Police at Dragon Mart
Shopping and entertainment destination Dragon Mart is set to host Dubai Police's celebrations and traditional performances to mark the 52nd Union Day.
Marvel at a live band performing a traditional Harbiya dance on December 2 at every hour from 5:30PM to 8:30PM.
Car enthusiasts are in for a treat on December 9, as Dubai Police will be displaying a luxury, state-of-the-art performance car from their fleet. The luxury Dubai Police car show will be driven by Dubai's best, and visitors are welcome to go snap-happy with their phones.
On December 16 at 4PM, enjoy a spectacular Dubai Police Dog Show. Trained police dogs will wow and impress with dynamic performances showcasing their intelligence, agility, and skills.
There'll be a live band performance on November 25 and December 23 at 4PM, where viewers can enjoy traditional music in honour of UAE National Day.
Image: Supplied.
5. Light up your UAE Union Day weekend at City Walk
Head to City Walk this 52nd UAE Union Day for a fantastic weekend of live entertainment, from musical performances to a spectacular Union Day parade.
On December 1, watch an exciting UAE National Day parade boasting the participation of Dubai Police on horse patrol, over 60 school students, and 100 performers embracing the spirit of unity which defines the nation. Starts at 4 p.m. from the Coca-Cola Arena.
Soulful Arabic Folk musician Adel Ebrahim will be opening City Walk's celebrations with his 11-piece band on December 2 from 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Keeping the celebrations going on December 3 will be Dubai-based soul band ABRI bringing the melodies of the region at 6:30 p.m.
Lebanese songwriter and semi-finalist of The Voice Arabia Season 5, Yamane el-Hage and her 4-piece ensemble will take the stage from 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., which will be followed by another magical segment from 9 p.m.
Image: Supplied.
Editor's Note: Save this page as we'll be updating it when more events and activities are announced!
Why is UAE National Day celebrated on December 2?
Let's rewind it back to a little over half a century ago, when the United Arab Emirates gained its independence on December 2nd, 1971, and the seven emirates were united by its founding fathers.
Since then, the country commemorates its freedom from British rule every December 2nd, with its national flag flying high and displayed across the emirates in honour of the special day.
UAE National Day is often referred to as UAE Union Day.
