Ultimate Guide to UAE National Day Celebrations in Dubai 2025
The 54th UAE National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, is just around the corner and it’s time to celebrate the tremendous growth of the country we are all proud to call home! Several things are happening for National Day 2025 in Dubai to commemorate the union of the Trucial States. In case you have not yet made up your mind about where you want to spend your holidays, we have an exciting series of UAE national day events in Dubai that will ensure that you enjoy a wonderful time.
UAE NATIONAL DAY 2025: EID AL ETIHAD
Eid Al Etihad, which was previously called the UAE National Day, is celebrated on 2 nd December each year. It remembers the official nationalisation of the seven emirates in 1971. Like all before it, this year is a celebration of this wonderful union.
As the official UAE public holidays are set on 1st and 2 nd December 2025, the communities all over the country are gearing towards a festive four-day holiday full of celebrations, colour and nationalism.
WATCH THE 2025 UAE NATIONAL DAY FIREWORKS IN DUBAI
What is the location of UAE National day fireworks in Dubai?
When the Dubai residents expect the fireworks displays during the UAE National Day, it is always thrilling.
You can watch the fireworks at:
Festival Bay: Meet at Dubai Festival City Mall waterfront on 2 nd December 08:00 pm to enjoy fireworks that would illuminate the night.
Islands of bluewater: On December 2 nd, 09:00 pm, the manmade islands will accommodate a magnificent firework demonstration. Participate in the celebrations until the next day. There are activities such as henna applications, shopping of traditional products among others at the Bluewaters Island.
Al Seef (Dubai Creek): This is a creek-side location in Dubai where one can witness the fireworks on 2 nd December at 09:00 pm.
The Beach (JBR): On 2 nd December at 09:00 pm, the fireworks in The Beach JBR will amuse the people. Take the entire family and see the numerous attractions at the terminal end of the walkway.
Global Village: Global Village will have spectacular UAE National day fire*\wecks 1 st -3 rd December 09:00 pm. There is also an opportunity to watch a drone show with the UAE-themed immersion on 1st and 2nd December.
Hatta Sign: Visit the fireworks on 2 nd December at 08: 00 pm at this picturesque mountain location in Dubai.
THINGS TO DO ON UAE NATIONAL DAY IN DUBAI 2025
There are plenty of things to do in Dubai on Eid Al Etihad this year. Choose your favourite from the following Dubai National Day holiday activities list.
National Day Activities at Downtown Dubai: Burj Khalifa Light Show
The country’s most famous landmark lights up with the UAE flag colours every year, and this year looks to be no different! The Dubai Fountains will accompany the UAE-themed light show at Burj Khalifa by swaying to local ballads and music. It’s among the light shows in Dubai that everyone looks forward to!
Location: Burj Khalifa and the Dancing Fountain in Downtown Dubai
Price: Free
Parade at City Walk
One of the top UAE National Day events in Dubai that can be highlighted is the Eid Al Etihad Parade that will be held on the first day of September 1 st December, at 04.00 pm at City Walk with its colorful theme. Over a thousand Dubai Police, KHDA and government agencies walk down the boulevard and it is an emotional scene of unity and pride. the boulevard, creating a moving display of unity and pride.
Celebrate with music in concert
The UAE National Day 2025 will be accompanied by numerous spectacular artists whose concerts will be held in the city. The following are the most thrilling ones in Dubai:
Balqees live at Festival Bay
Mark the 54th Eid Al Etihad at one of the best national day events in Dubai, Balqees Festival Bay. Have a night of strong vocals, popular hits and a colorful audience in the Dubai Festival City Mall. The final event of the night is an eye-lights fireworks display that gives a proper farewell to the proud spirit of the UAE.
Location: Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall
Price: AED 75 – AED 200
Date and Time: 2nd December, 08:10 pm
Live concerts at City Walk
City Walk will be filled with music as one of the events that cannot be missed during the National Day in Dubai. On 1st December, Diana Haddad will shine on the stage, and Shamma Hamdan will make her strong vocal on the stage on 2 nd December. The two concerts are free and, therefore, you just need to turn up and have fun.
Location: City Walk
Price: Free
Date and Time: 1st and 2nd December, 08:00 pm
FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO FOR UAE NATIONAL DAY 2025
The next best thing about the UAE National Day festivities is that most of the popular retail and restaurant places have exciting activities. These are the activities to attend UAE National Day in Dubai around the hotspots of the city.
EXPERIENCE A DESERT ADVENTURE
A desert adventure is among the best things to do for UAE National Day. And what could be better than gathering the family and heading out to Sonara Camp for the long holiday?
This premium spot offers feasts carefully curated by their resident chef. Besides a delicious dinner spread, visitors can go on camel rides, try volleyball, archery, sandboarding, a falcon show, soft archery and more. These activities truly exemplify some of the country’s best characteristics. Choose from various packages available.
Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road, Margham Gate
Contact: +971-50-336-7909 Walk around Global Village
What better place for some fun with your family than Global Village, the international fair with pavilions for different countries. From 27th November to 3rd December, explore ten immersive cultural installations, marvel at live performances and enjoy a special concert by Khalid Mohammed on 1st December.
The main stage hosts the enchanting operetta “From The Desert To The Stars” twice daily from 1st to 3rd December, complemented by spectacular nightly fireworks and drone shows.
If you decide on strolling along instead of joining the crowds, you’ll find yourself surrounded by UAE themes – with the UAE Pavillion offering the best of the country’s food, clothing and more.
Location: Global Village
Ticket: AED 25 for weekdays, AED 30 for weekends
Contact: +971-4-362-4114
Get outdoorsy at Hatta Wadi Hub
Looking for some National Day fun? Hatta Wadi Hub is a top spot among places to visit in Dubai on National Day for families and adventure junkies alike. This National Day, grab half of the outdoor packages and do not stress your wallet to make memories. Close the day off with a spectacular fireworks at 08:00 pm on 2 nd December, to make a remarkable celebration.
Location: Hatta Wadi Hub
Contact: +971-50-136-0085
HEAD TO UAE Flag Garden
The UAE has great history and a wonderful place to enjoy it is in the UAE Flag Garden, which is a real national pride. The venue is considered to be one of the best destinations to visit during the National Day in Dubai, where thousands of fluttering flags will be on the Umm Suqeim Beach in the presence of the emblematic Burj Al Arab. The timeline of this free park ends on 10 th January 2026 and the park highlights the journey and the accomplishments of the UAE inviting visitors to experience the spirit of the country in an eye-catching and memorable environment.
Location: Umm Suqeim Beach
Visit top malls of Dubai
The popular malls in Dubai are buzzing with fun, food and festivities you won’t want to miss this National Day!
Dubai Festival City Mall: Earn twin BLUE points between 28th November and 2 nd December on expenditure between AED 1,000-10,000 in the apparel stores. The Bay by Social has a vibrant food market, carnival games, archery, axe throwing, cultural events, comedy nights, workshops and interactive art installations.
City Centre Mirdif: The 54 th UAE national day on 28 th November to 3 rd December will be full of celebrations with fashion shows, interactive workshops, live cultural shows and heritage-based activities such as tote bag customisation and pottery.
Ibn Battuta Mall: Experience UAE culture from 1st to 3rd December with art, poetry, music, interactive digital zones, live shows and family workshops under the theme “Expressions with Art.”
Other Malls: Snap up deals, discounts and unforgettable experiences across Dubai’s popular shopping spots.
Other places to visit
Celebrate the 54th Eid Al Etihad by visiting some of Dubai’s most popular museums and heritage sites during the National Day holidays. Al Shindaga Museum, Al Fahidi Historial Neighbourhood and Hatta Heritage Village will also host various cultural shows, worskhops and other activities to value Emirati traditions.
Be there and see the star Dubai Frame lit up in the UAE flag colours alongside traditional shows 2 nd and 3 rd December.
Watch exciting equestrian shows and military bands on 2 nd and 3 rd December in the picturesque Mushrif park environment.
Dining to celebrate
Out of the numerous activities that you can engage in during the Dubai national day, there is also nothing like savoring your favourite foods. These are places that are offering feasts of the National Day in case you are willing to take part in a nice celebration.
Enjoy Dubai Burger- Eid Al Etihad Special
The Eid Al Etihad with Dubai Burger, a citywide feast of taste and invention, is an outstanding event in the bustling food scene of Dubai. The chosen burger restaurants are creating special edition burgers based on its Emirati ingredients to provide a new twist to a favorite staple.
From High Joint and Sfumato to Hoe Lee Kow, Izu Burger and Eat Beaf, each venue presents its own tribute to the UAE’s culinary heritage. Enjoy these exclusive creations available only during the 54th Eid Al Etihad festivities.
Palazzo Versace Dubai
Make UAE’s 54th National Day unforgettable at Palazzo Versace, one of the top luxury hotels in Dubai. Book dinner for two at any of hotel’s restaurant and claim a guaranteed return flight ticket for one person to your chosen destination. Exceptional dining, glamorous surroundings and a bonus holiday — an offer too good to miss!
Location: Al Jaddaf Waterfront
Contact: +971-4-556-8888
Grand Gourmet Restaurant
It is the high time to celebrate the big day in the UAE by having a mouth-watering meal at Grand Gourmet. Share an international lunch buffet at AED 69 and delight in a happy combination of the tastes. Bring friends, family and a hearty appetite for a midday feast that blends global tastes with warm hospitality.
Price: AED 69 per person | AED 35 for kids aged 5 to 11 years
Date & Time: 11:30 am to 03:30 pm (1st – 3rd December 2025)
Location: Asiana Grand Hotel, Deira Dubai
Contact: +971-50-509-9383
Nazcaa
Enhance the experience of celebrating the National Day in Dubai at Nazcaa, which is just as cozy as the event itself. The observation points of the Burj Khalifa and menu specifically designed on the day it will be organised make the establishment the best place to have good food, good company and the national spirit.
Price: Contact the venue
Location: 12th Floor, Address Dubai Mall
Contact: +971-4-542-4200
FAQs
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE UAE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION?
The UAE National Day takes place on the second weekend of September. It gives all representatives of the country an opportunity to celebrate the unification of the emirates. It is also a chance to enjoy some of the best examples of Emirati culture. Similar to each year, the UAE National Day has a number of offers and events. These are definitely things you should look forward to. Whether it is blinding fireworks, mega sales, or staycation offers, Dubai is buzzing with things to do. There are plenty of activities to celebrate.
HOW IS THE UAE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATED IN ABU DHABI?
Find out more about this event with this complete list of UAE National Day events in Abu Dhabi.
WHERE TO GET THEMED DECORATIONS FOR THE UAE NATIONAL DAY IN DUBAI?
You will have ample locations where you can get decorative products. Such stores as Carrefour will not be short of low-cost items in the form of UAE decorations. If you want to take it up a notch, you can check out a Day to Day near you. They offer affordable National Day–themed décor.
There you have it! A list of all the things to do in Dubai on National Day. If you are heading to any of these events, gear up with loads of UAE flags. Dress up in the national colours to make it even more special. There are plenty of options for UAE National Day staycation offers in Dubai. The top hotels and resorts also have amazing discounts for the big day.
