Photo: Sam Rawadi
It’s that time of the year again that has been long-anticipated by UAE residents: the National Day festivities combined with a long weekend. As always, the country has plenty to offer during this period, and for those looking to make the best of their time off, vacations in idyllic destinations await.
Here’s the Vogue Arabia guide to the best things to get up to this National Day weekend.
Restaurants
La Maison Ani
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On December 2 and from 8pm onwards, a three-piece jazz band will serenade guests with a repertoire of soul, funk, and disco classics as they dig into the restaurant’s delectable French-Mediterranean offerings. The stunning views at La Maison Ani also include the water fountains which will dance to the tune of the UAE’s national anthem come Friday, alongside a spectacular LED light show.
Monno
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The Emirati-owned restaurant will be serving up a limited-edition UAE flag pizza prepared in true Neapolitan style on December 2. Equal parts delicious and Instagram-worthy, the UAE flag pizza is created using made in-house dough and traditional San Marzano DOP tomato sauce, with toppings including creamy mozzarella fior di latte from Napoli, fresh rocket, and black olives.
Jumeirah
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From themed food to experiences showcasing national pride coupled with fireworks displays, Jumeirah has a lot in store for the weekend. At Burj Al Arab’s Sahn Eddar and Jumeirah Mina A’Salam’s Samar Lounge & Margaux, indulge in traditional afternoon tea with limited edition themed desserts on display. Jumeirah Mina A’Salam’s Hanaaya restaurant is also offering limited-edition Emirati-inspired lamb shoulder ouzi, for the holiday while Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s Pearl Lounge is treating guests to locally inspired dishes including a camel milk floating island dessert, a golden latte with a 24K gold dust, and more.
Concerts
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UAE National Day celebrations are incomplete without concerts featuring the residents’ favorite stars. Taking the stage this year at the iconic Al Hosn are Hussain Al Jassmi (December 1) and Hamad Al Ameri (December 3). At the Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, a double-header concert will take place with singers Balqees and Fouad Abdelwahed.
Diamond-certified American singer-songwriter and nine-time Grammy Award nominee Post Malone will also return to Abu Dhabi for a special outdoor concert at Etihad Park on December 3.
Carine
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To mark National Day, the restaurant has extended its exquisite French-Mediterranean breakfast to the weekend. From 9am-1pm, guests can take a seat on the terrace or indoors, to enjoy the special Petit Dejeuner which includes freshly baked bread, an extensive selection of eggs; scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, a classic eggs benedict, omelet, shakshouka, French toast with homemade jam, and crepes.
Farzi
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UAE’s beloved Indian restaurant is offering a four-course set menu combining traditional Indian comfort food flavors with contemporary flair throughout the four-day weekend. Highlights include the palak patta chaat, Lahori paneer tikka with pesto naan, murg tikka pasanda, butternut squash ghatta curry with chilli rogan and jeera pulao, Afghani pista korma, and for dessert, the phirni oxide which blends sweetened risotto rice with sweet crumble and frozen cream mousse.
Staycations
Mövenpick Resort, Ras Al Khaimah
Located on Ras Al Khaimah’s spectacular Al Marjan Island, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Arabian Peninsula, Mövenpick Resort is offering National Day staycation deals starting at AED 1100, available on December 1 and 2. Guests will have the opportunity to relax and unwind in a Deluxe Island Sea View Room, while enjoying the impressive hotel breakfast at The Market. The hotel features an idyllic 300m stretch of white sandy beach, with every room featuring a balcony and unrivaled sea views.
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
This long weekend, the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is offering a special Brunch and Stay package at AED 1121, through which guests can start their day with the Islander’s brunch from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday at the Vespa & Brasserie Terrace with a complimentary breakfast the following morning and late checkout at 5pm.
Al Habtoor Polo Resort, Dubai
An unmissable retreat for nature loves, the Al Habtoor Polo Resort’s National Day package includes a two-night stay in a Deluxe room with Polo View or Executive Suit, breakfast buffet at Andalucía, afternoon tea at the Equestrian lounge from 3pm-6pm, as well as complimentary poll access to the resort’s beach and pool.
Park Hyatt, Dubai
The Dubai Creek-side destination is offering a 25% discount on all suites, whether for a short staycation or a week-long break. Guests can enjoy breakfast at Brasserie du Park while enjoying either al fresco dining with views over the marina.
Rosewood Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
The hotel’s National Day offers start at AED 1,051 and include unlimited access to its stunning rooftop pool, a wide range of detoxing offerings at the juice bar, and an extravagant breakfast at Aqua restaurant. Every guest checking in on December 2 and 3 will also be welcomed with a spread of homemade Arabic sweets themed with the UAE flag, and also have the exclusive experience of visiting the first-ever Ripe Market hosted on Al Maryah Island.
Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Dubai
Dubbed the city’s coolest neighborhood hangout, the hotel’s National Day offer includes daily breakfast, 20% off dining at either Lah Lah, the pan-Asian kitchen or Social Company, the hip dine and chill venue, and 30% off spa treatments at Native Club.
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