The best way to get the end-of-year cheer started? Immersing yourself in the patriotic spirit with the UAE National Day holidays. Celebrated each year at the beginning of December, the holiday marks the coming together of all seven emirates into a harmonious union. As the royal shades of green, white, black and red take over the streets, here’s how you can make the most of the upcoming long weekend. Staycations, holiday packages, themed dinners, firework displays and places to see and be seen at—this is the only guide you need to the best UAE National Day events this year.
When is UAE National Day?
- Eid Al Etihad will take place on December 2 across the region. This will be followed by another holiday for the public sector on December 3rd.
- Since UAE National Day falls on a Monday, you may have spotted the silver lining already.
- A 5 day weekend in Dubai as a national holiday has been declared as well as across the country.
How do you celebrate UAE National Day?
- So, what do people do on National Day? We are glad you asked.
- Across the country, there is a patriotic fervor in the air as restaurants, hotels, resorts, museums and iconic landmarks imbue themselves in the spirit of the occasion.
- Perhaps you are looking to feast your eyes—and your phone lens—on magnificent firework displays? Or maybe you are hoping to make the most of the long weekend with a leisurely staycation?
- Regardless of what you are looking for, the country is geared up to ensure that this UAE National Day holiday is one to remember.
Best UAE National Day holiday packages and staycations to try
One&Only Royal Mirage
Your home away from home… The quickest way to get into the spirit of the UAE National Day celebrations in Dubai is to check in to this quintessential Arabian oasis. Spread over 65 acres of lush greenery, the Arabian-inspired domes and arches will monopolize your camera roll—or at least until you make the most of your private beach access.
One&Only Royal Mirage
Need to know: Those on the hunt for National Day getaways in UAE will want to check out One&Only Royal Mirage’s villa escape package for some luxurious pampering. In addition to daily breakfast, checking in to the beach garden villa comes with a string of benefits. Choose from a slew of in-villa add-ons, including a complimentary hammam treatment, personal training session and the option of a lunch or dinner prepared by your personal chef.
Book reservations here or visit One&Only Royal Mirage – King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 399 9999
One&Only One Za’abeel
So, we hear you are looking for the best getaway for National Day weekend? One&Only One Za’abeel has you covered. With its finger on the throbbing pulse of the city, this urban escape offers the chance to soar among the clouds with guest rooms, suites and a sky pool villa for views unlike any other.
One&Only One Za’abeel
Need to know: For making it a weekend to remember, One&Only One Za’abeel is serving exclusive benefits to UAE residents. Enjoy up to 20% off on room rates and all dining outlets as part of the UAE ultimate staycation package along with daily breakfast at Aelia.
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Book reservations here or visit One&Only One Za’abeel – Street – Za’abeel – Za’abeel 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 666 1777
Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort
We have three words for you: desert pool villas. Skip the everyday grind and revel your senses in the luxury of your own tranquil haven. With idyllic views of sun-kissed dunes as far as the eye can see and a plethora of tempting pool villas to choose from, you might have a hard time coming back to everyday life on Monday—consider yourself warned.
Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort
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Need to know: While you are browsing through National Day offers in UAE, you won’t want to miss on what Bab Al Shams has to offer. Embracing the spirit of the occasion, the desert resort is delivering a special UAE residents rate from 1st to 4th December. The offer also includes daily breakfast at Zala, falconry display and a short camel ride.
Book reservations here or visit Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort – Al Qudra Road – opposite Endurance City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 809 6100
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Experience UAE National Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi at a desert resort unlike any other. Set on the outskirts of the city, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara makes for a quick drive for skipping the bustle of urban life behind. Instead, immerse your senses in a desert oasis with over fifty pool villas to choose from. Dine under the starlit skies and feast your eyes on the vistas with camelback rides—this is your license to live like royalty.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
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Need to know: From 29th November to 3rd December, the desert resort is offering exclusive room rates starting at AED 1,830 in honor of the UAE National Day holidays. When you manage to tear yourself away from the sumptuous confines of your pool villa, there is a robust roster of activities to be explored: from desert hikes and mindfulness dune walks to ice baths and heat therapy sessions that ensure you’ll emerge feeling like a whole new version of you.
Book reservations here or visit Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara – Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort – Al Mirayr – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9712 886 2088
The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah
Looking to immerse yourself in UAE’s rich heritage this National Day? There are few better spots than from the luxury suites at The Chedi Al Bait. Nestled in Sharjah, the property offers a collection of seven heritage houses. Meticulous attention has been devoted to preserving the original woodwork and carpentry to honor the legacy of the historic manors.
The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah
Need to know: Among the UAE National Day offers to bookmark is The Chedi Al Bait’s offering that serves up to 25% off for guests during their stay at the historic property. And it doesn’t end there, either. There is an additional 25% off to be availed of on spa treatments and dining experiences. The deal becomes sweeter with a complimentary breakfast for two at The Restaurant.
Not quite ready for the party to end? From 1st to 3rd December, diners can relish a three-day Arabic and Emirati dinner buffet at AED 185 per person.
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Book reservations here or visit The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah – Heart of Sharjah – 79 Corniche St – Al Shiokh – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates, +9716 502 5555
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Hoping to make the most of the UAE National Day long weekend? At the other end of a two-hour drive from Dubai, you will find this beachside sanctuary. Designed as a village-inspired resort, the property will get your pulse racing even before you set foot within—with the option of paragliding into the resort from a launchpad 960 feet above sea level. Once you descend on the pristine sands of Zighy Bay, you’ll find a host of beachfront retreats, villas and suites. With the option of exploring the coastline with the resort’s traditional dhow, the family will never run out of things to do.
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Need to know: The winter escape package offers 15% savings on the property’s best available rate along with daily breakfast. With a two-course lunch available for stays that extend to four nights, you might have a hard time finding your way back home.
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Book reservations here or visit Six Senses Zighy Bay – 23°33’04. 58°39’35.، 8″N 5، Dibba 800, Oman, +9682 673 5555
Things to do: UAE National Day 2024 activities to try
UAE National Day fireworks in Dubai
For a National Day experience unlike any other, you’ll want to make sure that you grab a prime spot for reveling in Dubai’s renowned firework displays. For feasting your eyes on the awe-inspiring dance of light and sparkles across the night sky, here are the dates and venues to be at:
Bluewaters: December 1st, 8PM
Visit Bluewaters Island – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
The Beach, JBR: December 1st, 8PM
Plan your visit here or go to The Beach – Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 590 5090
Global Village: December 1st to 3rd, 9PM
Book tickets here or visit Global Village – 38C5+F57 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 362 4114
Dubai Festival City Mall: December 2nd, 9:10PM
Plan your visit here or go to Dubai Festival City Mall – Crescent Rd – Dubai Festival City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9718 003 32
Al Seef: December 3rd, 9PM
Visit Al Seef Street – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
UAE National Day fireworks in Abu Dhabi
Thrillseekers in Abu Dhabi, we know where you’ll be during the UAE National Day holidays. The city’s waterfront serves as the canvas for reflecting the riveting firework displays in the skies above. Here are all the dates and times you’ll want to bookmark:
Al Maryah Island: December 2nd and 3rd at 9PM
Visit Al Maryah Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit: December 2nd, 4PM – 10PM
Register here or visit Yas Marina Circuit – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9718 009 27
Sheikh Zayed Festival: December 1st to 3rd
Book tickets here or visit Sheikh Zayed Festival – Al Wathbah – Al-Wathba South – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9718 005 55
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental: December 2nd, 9PM
Book reservations here or visit Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental – West Corniche Road – Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9712 690 9000
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UAE Flag Garden
Every year, the sandy stretch of the Umm Suqeim beach douses itself in the colors of the UAE national flag. And 2024 is slated to be no different. Now in its eleventh year, the UAE Flag Garden returns with a mesmerizing portrait of the founding fathers, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Constructed with 11,600 flags, the flag garden makes for a scroll-stopping snap— expect the iconic silhouette of the Burj Al Arab to photobomb your selfies in the distance.
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Need to know: The UAE Flag Garden is available to visit with free entry for everyone till January 10.
Visit UAE Flag Garden – 45XW+J79 – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Museum of the Future
In less than three years, the Museum of the Future has sealed its claim as a global hub to be reckoned with, welcoming over three million visitors to its futuristic confines. For the UAE National Day holiday, its elliptical structure makes for a worthy visit with the entire family. Expect to be greeted with flags bearing the insignia of the founding fathers along with state-of-the-art technology and experiences that promise to usher tomorrow in today.
Museum of the Future
Need to know: General admission tickets to the Museum of the Future are priced at AED 149 per person with free admission granted to children under the age of four.
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Book tickets here or visit Museum of the Future – 67CP+H4Q – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9718 002 071
Dubai Frame
As the city imbues itself with the colors of the UAE national flag, the majestic silhouette of the Dubai Frame is joining the party as well. Since it was first opened to the public in 2018, the larger-than-life picture frame has emerged as one of the city’s most prominent cultural landmarks. With UAE National Day 2024 beckoning around the corner, the structure is slated to embrace the festive colors with a spellbinding light display to honor the occasion.
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Need to know: The Dubai Frame is open from 9AM to 9PM all year round with free tickets for children under 3 years. Tickets start at AED 50 for adults with varying prices for peak hours.
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Visit Dubai Frame – Zabeel Park Jogging Track – Za’abeel – Al Kifaf – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9718 009 00
Global Village
A melting pot of cultures unlike any other, the Global Village serves as the prime spot to soak up the sights and sounds of Emirati heritage. If you are looking for ways to spend the UAE National Day weekend, the destination emerges as a worthy candidate. The slate of events is dominated by patriotic shows celebrating the Emirati spirit, themed displays and nightly fireworks to dazzle and mesmerize.
Global Village
Need to know: Weekday tickets at the Global Village start from AED 25 per person with free admission for children under the age of three years, senior citizens and people with disability.
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Book tickets here or visit Global Village – 38C5+F57 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 362 4114
Guerlain Spa
Time slows down as you step within the sandstone-hued confines of the UAE’s only Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm. As you wander down the pebbled pathways, you’ll find yourself at a temple-style courtyard with tempting treatments waiting within. If your list of things to do over the National Day weekend is topped by rest and relaxation, you’ll want to book the spirit of joy package. In honor of the occasion, the wellness sanctuary is offering a treatment inspired by the colors of the UAE flag. First, detoxify your skin with a milk scrub. Then, revel your senses in a rejuvenating massage with green ice bubbles. The journey ends with a black orchid treatment for younger, fresher skin.
Guerlain Spa
Need to know: From December 1st to 20th for the UAE National Day holidays, the spirit of joy journey can be booked at AED 2,210 per person for a three and a half hour experience.
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Book reservations here or visit Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm – West Crescent, Palm – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 440 1040
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Things to do this National Day weekend, you ask? All roads will only bring you to Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. The spirit of the 53rd UAE Union Day finds expression in a roster of fun-filled activities for the entire fam. Take your pick from calligraphy, henna, falconry displays and round out your stay with a spin at the lucky souq wheel. For the little ones, there are cake workshops, stargazing and pearl diving treasure hunts lying in wait. For making unforgettable memories, gather up your loved ones and head to a beachside cabana for a breezy Emirati-style picnic. Core memories: made.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Need to know: The seven-day extravaganza kicks off from 27th November till 3rd December with leisure, spa and cultural experiences to be explored.
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Book reservations here or visit Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental – West Corniche Road – Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9712 690 9000
Where to eat: Deals and offers for National Day weekend
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai
You have feasted your sights on all the cultural landmarks of Emirati heritage. Now, it is time to embark on a journey through the flavors classic to the region at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa. Treat yourself to an assortment of treats at the Arabic afternoon tea at the Emperor Lounge. Or if you have worked up an appetite, you’ll want to head to the UAE-themed dinner at Palm Kitchen for a taste of the region’s vibrant history.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai
Need to know: The Arabic afternoon tea experience is available from December 1st to 4th from 10AM to 8PM at AED 180 per person. The themed dinner is slated for December 2nd from 6.30PM to 10PM at AED 225 per person.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai
Book reservations here or visit Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai – Palm Jumeirah – East Crescent – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 275 4444
Bombay Borough
As the country gears up to celebrate the 53rd Union Day, Bombay Borough is celebrating with a literal interpretation of the holiday. For a limited time, the Anglo-Indian eatery is offering a slew of dishes at AED 53 each. So, what can you expect? Tangy truffle carpaccio, crunchy spinach chaat, charcoal-roasted lal maas baati and Himachal-style duck. For ending the meal on a sweet note, you will want to reach for the chocolate fondant with sticky date ganache.
Bombay Borough
Need to know: The limited-time menu is available on the UAE National Day weekend from 1st to 3rd December with five dishes available at AED 53 each.
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Book reservations here or visit Bombay Borough – Gate Village, Building 3 – towards DIFC Parking – opposite Gate District 2 – Trade Centre – DIFC – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9715 499 58296
ATTIKO Dubai
Dazzle brighter than the fireworks as you draw up a chair at ATTIKO Dubai. From its perch on the 31st floor of W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, the rooftop lounge offers up one of the best views in the city for gazing at the captivating firework display and air show for UAE National Day.
ATTIKO Dubai
Need to know: The Sunday Social is available for a minimum of two guests on 1st December from 5PM onwards with a shared sushi set menu for AED 295 per person.
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Book reservations here or visit ATTIKO Dubai – Floor 31 – W Dubai – Mina Seyahi – King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud W – King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 350 9983
Punjab Grill
After a leisurely stroll through The Ritz-Carlton’s Venetian Village, there is only one way to end the night: with a feast fit for royalty at Punjab Grill. Make the most of the UAE National Day public holiday with the meal of a lifetime. Inspired by quintessential Emirati flavors, the set menu offers hearty soups, appetizers, fragrant biryanis and an inventive khabees to end the meal on a sweet note.
Punjab Grill
Need to know: The UAE National Day-inspired set menu is available from November 30th to December 4th at AED 275 per person.
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Book reservations here or visit Punjab Grill – The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal – 3rd St – Al Rawdah – Khor Al Maqta’a – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9715 066 83054
7 road trips to try this weekend on UAE National Day
Sir Bani Yas Islands
Out of the eight desert islands of Al Dhafra, Sir Bani Yas Island has rightfully claimed its spot as the must-visit family spot for the UAE National Day holidays. With a sprawling wildlife park that spread across half the island, the view is best enjoyed with a guided safari ride. When your feet demand some rest, you’ll want to prop them up on a lounger from the comfort of your own ocean-facing pool villa at any of the three Anantara resorts on the island.
Desert Islands Resort Spa by Anantara
Need to know: To make the most of this National Day getaway in UAE, the spa is rising to the occasion with treatments that pay an ode to time-honored Arabian rituals with traditional oils from the region.
Book reservations here or visit Desert Islands Resort Spa by Anantara – 12452, Al Ruwais – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9712 801 5400
Al Ain
Not all those who wander are lost. But once you lose yourself in the verdant greenery of Al Ain, you may not want to be found. The garden city lies at a two-hour drive and holds the distinction of having the Al Ain Oasis designated as UNESCO’s first World Heritage Site in UAE.
Plan your visit here or go to Al Ain Oasis – Al Tuhaf St – Central District – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9713 711 8251
UNESCO
Doha
If you are planning on crossing the border, there’s no better time than a five-day weekend to do it. Situated at a seven-hour drive from Dubai, the city is known for its cultural hotspots and souqs as well as its proximity to picture-perfect islands.
Plan your visit here or go to Doha – Qatar
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Jebel Jais
Have two hours to spare over the long weekend for the UAE National Day holidays? You’ll want to round up your crew and drive through the Hajar mountain range to discover Jebel Jais. The area serves as a popular tourist attraction, courtesy of the Jais flight that is credited as the longest zipline in the world. When your heartbeat finally slows down after this thrill-inducing ride, you’ll want to indulge in some luxurious glamping at the local campground.
Plan your visit here or go to Jebel Jais Flight – W4WR+V2W – Wadi Shehah – Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates
Visit Jebel Jais
Hatta
Gazing up at the starlit skies from the privacy of a luxurious dome tent: name a better view, we will wait. As a holiday favorite, Hatta offers up dome tents with private pools, private barbecue areas and scenic views of the mountains.
Book reservations here or visit Domes at Hatta Resorts by Dubai Holding – Dubai-Hatta Rd – Sufayri – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, +9714 820 5555
Domes at Hatta Resorts by Dubai Holding
Love Lake
Located an hour away from Dubai is this Instagram hotspot: a manmade lake designed as two interlocked hearts. Beyond offering up pretty selfies, there is also the promise of leisurely picnics and barbecues that entices the urban crowd into making a day trip. Fitness enthusiasts, meanwhile, will enjoy the opportunity of becoming one with the wind at the Al Qudra cycling track situated nearby.
Visit Love Lake – Al Qudra – RCP3+39 Al Lisaili, Dubai – United Arab Emirates
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Ras Al Khaimah
Some might call it the Ibiza of the UAE, but Ras Al Khaimah has a lot more to offer. With desert safaris and historic forts to be explored along with a steady influx of resorts and staycations, you won’t run out of things to do here.
Plan your visit here or visit Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates
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