To mark the occasion of the 48th UAE National Day, Dubai and all the other emirates have an exciting lineup of events and activities to celebrate the union of the Trucial States to the country that we know and love today. With UAE holidays being announced for the public and private sector from 1 to 3 December 2019 the country is geared up to celebrate UAE National Day 2019 in style! If you still haven’t figured out your plans for the long weekend, we’ve got a list of all the amazing UAE National Day events in Dubai that will guarantee a fun-filled weekend.

WHEN IS THE UAE NATIONAL DAY?

The UAE National Day aka the Union Day is celebrated on 2 December every year. It commemorates the formal nationalisation of all the seven emirates that took place in 1971. The UAE National Day celebrations is one of the biggest annual festivals in Dubai.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE UAE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION IN DUBAI?

The UAE National Day offers everyone in the country a chance to celebrate the union of the Emirates and experience some of the best aspects of Emirati culture. The major highlights of the day include fireworks, parades, traditional dances and more!

To give you an idea of what you can expect when it comes to the UAE National Day celebrations in Dubai, here’s a look at some of the activities that took place at Dubai Design District (d3) previously. These activities provide a unique glimpse into the rich traditions of the UAE, where children and adults come together to indulge in the patriotic spirit.

Now that we know a bit about what the UAE National Day offers, here is is a list of everything you can do this year to celebrate!

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR UAE NATIONAL DAY IN DUBAI 2019

There are plenty of things to do for UAE National Day in Dubai this year! Just choose your favourite from the following list of Dubai National Day events and celebrate the union between the six emirates that took place on the 2nd of December, 48 years ago.

1. FIREWORKS FOR UAE NATIONAL DAY IN DUBAI 2019

The fireworks for the UAE National Day is something that is highly anticipated by the residents of Dubai. This year, the Meraas destinations have gone all out for the UAE National Day celebrations in Dubai. If you are wondering where to watch the fireworks for the National Day in the UAE, here is the list!

WHERE TO WATCH THE UAE NATIONAL DAY FIREWORKS IN DUBAI?



Top places to watch the UAE National Day fireworks in Dubai.

La Mer – 1 and 2 December at 08:30 pm

Al Seef – 1 and 2 December at 08:00 pm

Bluewaters Island – 1 and 2 December at 09:00 pm

The Beach at JBR – 1 and 2 December at 09:00 pm

The Pointe – 2 December at 08:00 pm

Global Village – 2 December at 08:00 pm

Dubai Festival City – 2 December at 08:00 pm and 10:00 pm at Festival Bay

2. National Day Activities at Downtown Dubai: Burj Khalifa Light Show

To mark the 48th National Day in Dubai, the city’s most famous landmark will be hosting a dazzling display of the UAE’s flag colours! The Dubai Fountains will accompany the Burj Khalifa’s UAE themed light show by dancing to the national anthem and other popular ballads such as ‘Sama Dubai’, ‘Basbar Ala Forgakom’ and ‘Tawalaht Ana’.

Date: 1 – 3 December 2019

Location: Burj Khalifa and the Dancing Fountain at Downtown Dubai

Price: Free

3. UAE-themed laser show at Dubai Festival City

Dubai Festival City is also joining in with a list of activities for UAE National Day in Dubai. The highlight of the National Day events at Dubai Festival City will be the brand new IMAGINE show that will beam the colours of the UAE flag across the waters of the Festival Bay. There will also be fireworks on 2 December, along with Ayala dance performances.

Date and time: 2 December 2019, 08:00 pm and 10:00 pm

Location: Dubai Festival City

Price: Free

4. NATIONAL DAY WEEKEND AT QE2

Dubai’s most iconic floating hotel, Queen Elizabeth 2 is hosting a spectacular lineup of things do for the UAE National Day long weekend in Dubai. They’ve also got some of the of the best UAE National Day offers in Dubai. Here’s a list of QE 2 events and offers to celebrate the UAE’s 48th National Day Weekend.

Arabesque Nights Buffet At Lido – 28 November 2019 from 07:00 pm – 11:00 pm

The QE 2 National Day Brunch – 29 November 2019 from 01:00 pm – 04:00 pm

Free National Day Arte Makers Market – Saturday 30 November 2019 from 10:00 am – 02:00 pm

The QE2 National Day Lunch – 30 November to 2nd December 2019 from 01:00 pm – 04:00 pm

Arabian Afternoon Tea – 2 December 2019 from 03:00 pm – 05:00 pm

Qe2 Heritage Tours – 2 December 2019 from 09:00 am – 07:00 pm (times vary)

UAE National Day Family Stay Package – Offer valid from 28 November – 2nd December 2019

Visit the official website to find out the ticket prices for these UAE National Day Packages at QE 2.

5. CAMEL RACING AT AL MARMOOM DESERT

The best way to celebrate UAE National Day 2019 is to immerse yourself in the rich Emirati culture. This year, to get into the spirit for National Day in Dubai, there will be Camel Racing events taking place at the Al Marmoom Smart Camel Racing Track through our November and December. Camel Racing is one of the country’s oldest traditions and this event will give visitors a chance to see 60 camels go head to head, in an exhilarating race to the finish line. With no entry fees, this is one of the best free things to do for UAE National Day 2019.

Date: 12 November – 13 November 2019 and 4 December – 5 December 2019

Location: Al Marmoom Smart Camel Racing Track

Ticket price: Free

6. HAMAD AL AMRI LIVE AT GLOBAL VILLAGE FOR NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS

Global Village will also be hosting a range of National Day activities in Dubai to celebrate the occasion. The highlights of their line-up will be the amazing concerts for UAE National Day in Dubai. Arabic icon Hamad Al Amri will perform live on 2 December 2019 to serenade the crowd with a playlist of his hit songs. While listening to the tunes of Hamad as part of your Dubai National Day celebrations, make sure to enjoy the expansive spread of entertainment, shopping and food venues in Global Village.

Date and time: 2 December 2019 from 09:00 pm

Location: Global Village

Ticket Price: AED 15 for the entrance ticket to the park

7. Free National Day Concerts At La Mer

Apart from the spectacular display of fireworks, there are plenty of other UAE National Day activities in Dubai at La Mer to celebrate the UAE National Day weekend. On 29 November, Emirati singer, Eida Al Menhali will kick off the celebrations performing his most popular hits. The following day, pop icon Balqees and Essa Al Marzouq take the stage to entertain crowds. On 2 December, Hussain Al Jassmi will close the festival with hits like ‘Ahebek’ and ‘Boshret Kheer’! With such an interesting line-up of artists, La Mer is definitely one of the must-visit places to celebrate UAE National Day 2019. Best of all, these concerts are all free to attend!

Here is the line up of the free concerts for UAE National Day at La Mer. They are expected to come on at 08:35 pm on the respective days.

29 November 2019 – Eida Al Menhali

1 December 2019 – Balqees and Essa Al Marzouq

2 December 2019 – Hussain Al Jassmi

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES AND THINGS TO DO FOR UAE NATIONAL DAY 2019

Another great thing about the UAE National Day celebrations is that many popular outdoor retail and dining destinations are also taking part. Here are some things to do for UAE National Day in Dubai across the popular hotspots in the city.

8. DISCOUNTS AT THE POINTE

Palm Jumeirah’s popular hotspot, The Pointe, is offering visitors the chance to shop at select retail outlets with special UAE National Day discounts. The waterfront will be decked up with festive National Day decorations including kites, banners and more, creating the perfect ambience to celebrate National Day in Dubai. If you live in Palm Jumeirah, this is definitely one of the best places to visit during the National Day weekend.

Date: 29 November – 2 December 2019

Location: The Pointe

Price: Free

9. LIVE MARKETS AND TRADITIONAL DANCES AT AL SEEF

Along with the fireworks, Al Seef will be hosting some of the best UAE National Day events in Dubai, that range from live performances by talented Ayala dancers, Emirati drummers and more. However, the stars of the UAE National Day activities at Al Seef will be the live merchants situated in the heritage area. You’ll find artisans making sand art and pottery. There will also be henna artists, Emirati food station and a performance by Emirati singer Mohammad Al Shehhi. Mohammad on 6 December, to keep the visitors happy.

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The thrilling line-up live shows and activities for UAE National Day at Al Seef will start on 29 November go on till the 6 December, allowing you to truly immerse in the National Day spirit.

30 November to 6 December 2019 from 05:00 pm onwards

Al Seef

Free event

10. RIBBON DANCERS AT KITE BEACH

To keep the Spirit of the Union alive during the upcoming UAE National Day holidays, Kite Beach has something special planned. Throughout the National Day weekend, ribbon dancers will entertain beachgoers with a fun performance every hour starting 04:00 pm. If you live in the Jumeirah community, you shouldn’t miss out on this! It’ll be one of the best UAE National Day performances in Dubai to check out.

30 November to 6 December 2019 from 05:00 pm onwards

Kite Beach, Jumeirah

Free

11. UAE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS AT BLUEWATERS ISLAND DUBAI

The new island destination, Bluewaters Island also has its own list of things to do for UAE National Day in Dubai that place emphasis on the UAE’s vibrant culture and heritage. There will be the musician playing the Oud and hosts serving free Arabic coffee and dates. Finally, to keep the kids entertained there will be face painting and basket weaving workshops they participate in.

28 November – 2 December 2019, from 05:00 pm onwards

Bluewaters Island JBR

Free event

12. CULTURAL PERFORMANCES AT THE OUTLET VILLAGE

The indoor shopping destination of The Outlet Village is commemorating the 48th UAE National Day with loads of family-friendly UAE National Day activities. This includes vibrant performances by stilt walkers and folklore dances happening every hour around here. There will also be an art and crafts station where kids can get creative.

29 November – 2 December 2019, 02:00 pm onwards

The Outlet Village

Free event

13. FLAG DANCERS AT CITY WALK

If you are a resident of the rental apartments in City Walk, you’re in luck! Some of the best family activities for UAE National Day are taking place right where you live. During this National Day holiday in Dubai, flag dances, stilt walkers and drummers will be roaming the corridors of City Walk to mark the occasion. Kids can also get involved with the various activations taking place around the area.

29 November – 2 December 2019, 04:00 pm onwards

City Walk

Free event

KIDS ACTIVITIES FOR UAE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS IN DUBAI

Parents fear not – we have a list of all the places with activities for kids for the National Day weekend.

14. UAE NATIONAL DAY EVENTS ACROSS THE MALLS IN DUBAI

One of the best things about the UAE National Day celebrations is that all the popular malls in Dubai participate with tons of activities. As part of these National Day programs in Dubai, you’ll be able to catch talented Emirati musicians playing traditional Arabic music, kids will be able to get henna design painted on them, as well as, participate in the arts and crafts stations. There will also be balloon twisting and face painting as part of their Dubai National Day activities to keep kids entertained. You can also take advantage of the UAE national day sale taking place at the malls where most high-end brands will feature incredible discounts.

Nakheel Mall – Grand opening with live shows, promotions and chances to win a Maserati! (28 November – 3 December)

The Dubai Mall – Robotic Flags Dance, Al Ardah Band across the mall and giveaways. (1-3 December)

WAFI – Face painting, a green screen photography stall, and an arts and crafts station. (2 December)

City Center Deira – UAE Traditional Band, performances and arts and crafts (Until 7 December)

City Center Mirdif – Traditional Emirati dance performances, origami workshop, Arabic calligraphy, henna and face painting for the kids (Until 7 December)

BurJuman – Calligraphy, falconry and henna art, themed decorations. (28 November – 3 December)

Al Ghurair Center – National Pride Exhibition (Until 28 December)

The Outlet Mall – Lego brick building, face painting, colouring and live painting exhibition (28 November – 6 December 2019)

15. UAE National Day Party for Kids at Le Petit Palais

Kids of all ages are invited to join the festivities of UAE National Day at Le Petit Palais where they will get to take part in interesting games, arts and crafts sessions and more. It’s the perfect place for a day of fun for the whole family so make sure to head on down to Le Petit Palais in Dubai Mall so they can enjoy all the UAE National Day activities.

28 November, 04:00 pm – 06:00 pm

Le Petit Palais, Dubai Mall

Entry fees: AED 105 per child

16. FACE PAINTING AT THE BEACH – JUMEIRAH

The Beach at JBR, is offering five full days of National Day festivities in Dubai for the whole family to enjoy. This includes face painting for the kids and even drumming workshops, where they can show off their musical talent. The UAE National Day celebrations at JBR 05:00 pm and guarantee a ton of fun! So mark your calendars!

Date and time: 28 November – 2 December, 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm

Location: The Beach

Entry fees: Free

17. ARTS AND CRAFTS STATIONS AT BOX PARK

BOX PARK will be adorned with UAE flags for their version of the UAE National Day celebrations in Dubai. There will also be a separate area with arts and crafts workshops for the little ones and loads of themed UAE National Day activities, including Arabic clay pot painting, doll making and face painting. Traditional Ayala Group and Harbiya performances will also be happening around the area

18 November – 2 December 2019, next to McDonald’s, 06:00 pm onwards.

City Walk Dubai

Free

18. National Day activities at Jumeirah Beach Park Plaza Centre

If you live in the Jumeirah community and are looking for things to do with the kids for the long weekend, Beach Park Plaza Centre has some exciting activities lined up. For two hours straight kids will get a chance to enjoy music and dance at the Kid’s Gym there. There will also be special treats and gifts, making it one of the best places to visit for the UAE National Day.

1 – 3 December 2019

Beach Park Plaza Centre, Beach Road, Jumeirah

Entry fees: AED 48 per child for two hours

19. UAE National Day at Legoland Dubai

Build and learn with Legoland Dubai’s unique kids’ activities for UAE National Day 2019. Park visitors will get to participate in special building activities at Legoland Dubai or Legoland Water Park to celebrate during the upcoming UAE National Day weekend in Dubai.

Dates: 29 November – 3 December 2019

Location: Legoland or Legoland Water Park

Entry is dependant on the ticket type

20. UAE National Day Discount at Motiongate

Motiongate Dubai is going all out for this years UAE National Day. From 28 November to 3 December, all UAE residents can avail of a special National Day Offer – Buy one Motiongate Dubai ticket at AED 275 and get the three at just AED 48 each. With this you get access to all the rides and the entertainment at the park making it one of the best places to visit on UAE National Day.

28 November – 3 December 2019

Motiongate, Dubai Parks And Resorts

Entry is dependant on the ticket type.

There you have it! A list of 20 upcoming events for UAE National Day in Dubai. If you are heading down to any of these events, make sure to gear up with loads of UAE flags and apparel to make it even more special. Shops such as Daiso, Day 2 Day and even Carrefour will have plenty of budget options for UAE themed decoration and face paints. If you want to take it up a notch, you can check out some of the party stores in Al Quoz.

Are you ready to celebrate the 48th UAE National Day? What’s your favourite way of celebrating National Day in the UAE Let us know in the comments below!

The capital city, Abu Dhabi also has something epic planned called the ‘Legacy of Our Ancestors’ which will be the main event for UAE National Day 2019. Find out all about this event and more, with this complete list of UAE National Day events in Abu Dhabi.

Soon after the UAE National Day is over, there will be just a few more weeks to welcome the New Year. If you plan to stay in the city at the end of the year, here’s a list of all the New Years 2020 events in Dubai you can attend.