This year’s Eid al Etihad (previously called National Day) celebrations mark 54 years of unification for the United Arab Emirates.
Early December is one of the most wonderful times of year to be in Dubai. Not only do you experience fantastic mild weather, but there is always so much going on, from the joy of many seasonal events returning to the great outdoors to winter festivals, markets and, of course, the birth of the nation of the UAE.
Eid Al Etihad – ‘ Celebration of the Union’ – is marked annually on 2 December as the day the country of the United Arab Emirates was formed in 1971 under a Federal Constitutional Monarchy. Several days are declared as ‘public holidays’ depending on what day of the week December 2nd falls upon.
In 2025, the Eid Al Etihad holiday has been announced for 1st & 2nd December, making a 4-day long weekend for many people in the UAE.
Dubai National Day Events & Fireworks 2025
We strongly advise booking early for restaurants offering fireworks views and expect to pay significantly more than usual.
Global Village
Always a fun way to mark National Day in the UAE, Dubai Global Village will be putting on special shows to mark Eid al Etihad from 27 November -3 December this year.
This year’s celebration will honour the theme of unity and will boast magnificent decorations as well as 10 cultural installations. There will be chances to learn about local handicrafts and try local foods, as well as enjoy the festive ambience. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of performances, including ‘from the desert to the stars’, between the 1st and 3rd December.
On the 1st and 2nd December, there will be a UAE-themed drone show and fireworks to really celebrate the occasion!
The normal entry fee to Global Village applies to participating in these events.
Bluewaters & JBR
Bluewaters and the popular beachfront area JBR always celebrate in style with a magnificent fireworks display. This year the show is due to start at 9.00 pm.
Learn more at bluewatersdubai.ae
Al Seef & Dubai Creek
This beautiful waterfront venue, adjacent to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and overlooking Dubai Creek, is at the cultural heart of the city. You can expect a traditional national day atmosphere, with food stalls and some special events. Fireworks are also scheduled for 9.00 pm.
City Walk
We still await final news of what festivities will take place at this popular city venue in 2025.
Jalsat Moments at CocaCola Arena, City Walk is due to take place on Thursday, 28 November 2024. This stage show will showcase performances by Ayed Yousef, Eida Al-Menhali, Nabill Shuail and Abdulaziz Al-Duwaihi.
Dubai Festival City
Dubai Festival City will be pulling out all the stops this year, with fireworks and a performance by renowned songstress Balqees.
Doors open at 18.00, with fireworks at 20.00, followed by the live performance by Balqees at 20.10.
Learn more at dubaifestivalcity.com
Downtown Dubai
We are awaiting news of an official Eid al-Etihad events for the Burj Khalifa and the surrounding Downtown area of the city. The normal Burj Lightshow and Fountain Show program will run throughout the long weekend with no doubt a UAE flag-coloured theme.
If you want front-row seats at one of the nearby restaurants, make sure you check out our guide to the best dining venues on Burj Lake, most premium venues will no doubt be taking reservations well in advance for outside seating.
If you’ll be heading down the road to the capital Abu Dhabi, don’t forget to check out their line-up of Eid al Etihad weekend events and special offers here
Expo City
In the run-up to Eid Al Etihad, Expo City is hosting the second edition of Dhai Dubai – a light-art festival, as well as the first ever Festival of Cake! Over the long weekend, there will be a variety of events and live-performances taking place in the impressive Al Wasl Dome.
UAE Flag Garden
Thousands of UAE flags have been planted in.a remarkable ‘garden’ adjacent to one of the UAE’s most iconic landmarks – the Burj Al Arab.
The garden is open from 31 October 2025 until 10 Jan 2026 – Umm Suqeim
Al Shindagha Museum
Celebrate the history and culture of the UAE at this open-air heritage museum. There will be live performances, traditional displays as well as light projections and special exhibitions.
Hatta
For a slightly different Eid Al Etihad, why not head to the mountains of Hatta for a shirt staycation? There will be traditional performances as well as the chance to get closer to nature with biking, hiking and kayaking opportunities. On the 2 December, the Hatta sign will light up the sky with a mesmerizing firework display at 8.00pm.
National Day Events & Cultural Traditions in Dubai
Along with fireworks, flags, and festivals, there are many traditional events that you will see all over town. Here’s what you might expect to see and experience:
- Al Ayala Dance – Also known as Ayyala, yowalah or stick dancing, is an Emirati traditional group dance with separate groups of males and females. Men in their kanduras face one another in rows with bamboo sticks, whilst musicians move between them. Girls in traditional dress (far more colourful than the usual black) will stand in front, tossing their long black hair from side to side. (The dance is so important to the country’s heritage it is now recorded on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Items of Humanity)
- Yola Dance – Also known as Yowla, Yollah or al-yawlah is a traditional weapons dance or victory dance involving boys or men swinging sticks, swords or (replica!) rifles.
- Falconry Displays – a highly valued custom in the UAE, falconry displays help visitors understand the importance of these birds of prey to Bedouin life.
- Ishy Bilady – the country’s national anthem will be played loud and clear throughout events over the weekend – you can pick up some pointers on the words here.
For learning more about the country’s culture and heritage, we strongly recommend you include a visit to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in your Dubai itinerary.
Attraction Discounts & Special Events in Dubai
National Day also brings with it a number of fantastic offers for residents and tourists alike. We’re still collating deals now (expect many to be announced rather last minute!), but look out for:
Dubai Parks and Resorts
There will be special promotions and events across Dubai Parks and Resorts throughout the National Day weekend.
Learn more at legolanddubai.ae
City Centre Malls
There are usually special offers at City Centre Malls throughout the city over the national day weekend. As well as enjoying some retail therapy, visitors will be treated to a variety of cultural performances including Al Harbia and Ayala dancing.
Learn more about the SHARE reward scheme here.
Save on attractions throughout Dubai
There’s always some great retail savings to be had over the National Day long weekend, particular if you’re a Dubai resident with an EID.
- More information coming soon!
More coming soon as we update this round up on National Day events in Dubai for 2025
Other Things Visitors Should Know About Eid Al Etihad (National Day) in Dubai
- In 2025, schools, Government offices and most businesses will have Monday and Tuesday off to celebrate this special occasion – visitors should be mindful of this if they need any sort of visa processing etc.
- If you have a car, public parking is free! (but be mindful that everywhere can be INCREDIBLY busy!)
- Want to get dressed up? Go for it! Traditional dress in the colours of the UAE flag, locals and residents alike wear the UAE’s colours of red, green, white and black with pride, you should feel free to do the same.
You can check out everything happening across the city during the rest of December here.
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
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