On Thursday, the 5th of December, the United Arab Emirates celebrates its 48th National Day, giving Emiratis and expats alike a much-needed four-day long weekend.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), stated the following: “Our partners in the public and private sectors have once again extended their wholehearted support to draw up an exciting program that will give an insight into the true essence of Emirati hospitality and traditions, and give visitors the opportunity to feel that they are a part of Dubai’s diverse, multicultural family. Besides, thanks to our diverse high-quality retail and events offering, there is something for everyone to enjoy this National Day in Dubai.”
The event will have a number of concerts, fireworks, traditional shows, and family-friendly activities. Here are a few events you shouldn’t miss if you’re in Dubai for the long weekend.
Concerts
This year’s Emirati National Day Celebrations will have plenty of free-to-attend concerts headlined by a myriad of regional stars. The names include Balqees, Hussain Al Jassmi, Hamad Al Amri, Eida Al Menhali and Mohamed Al Shehhi. Kuwaiti star, Essa Al-Marzouq, will be there as well to entertain the public with a series of music performances.
Fireworks
If Dubai is known for one thing, it is their massive fireworks displays. Here is a schedule of the colorful festivities throughout Dubai.
La Mer
December 1st and 2nd – 8:30 p.m.
The Pointe
December 2nd – 8 p.m.
Al Seef – 8 p.m.
The Beach – 9 p.m.
Global Village – 9 p.m.
Faces of the Nation
On the 2nd of December, shoppers at Dubai Festival City Mall can enjoy a tailored IMAGINE show, which will be held at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.; each will be followed by a special fireworks display.
This event will also include a traditional Ayala dance performance, which will take place at Festival Bay at 2 p.m.
Legacy of Our Ancestors
The Dubai Mall is organizing a new activity celebrating the UAE’s rich history with flags, scarves, and magnet pin giveaways throughout the three days of the event, from the 30th of November until the 2nd of December, in addition to a performance by a traditional band on the 2nd of December.
Founding Fathers Exhibition
The Etihad Museum is hosting a new exhibition celebrating the nation’s heritage with photographs from different periods of Emirati history, showing chronologically how the seven Emirates came together and established the union in December of 1971.
Traditional Bands
Throughout the malls of Dubai, a number of traditional bands will perform to the entertainment of the public. Here is the schedule.
December 2 – The Dubai Mall
November 29, December 1 and 2 – Al Nakheel Mall
November 29, December 1 to 3 – City Walk, The Outlet Village, Box Park, City Centre Midrif City Centre Deira, Mall Of Emirates and Dubai Festival City.
Must-sees
Throughout the first five days of December, major attractions in the UAE will hold special shows for all to experience. Burj Khalifa is going to stage a special LED show while the Dubai Fountain will have its own specially-curated display as well.
Bluewaters, La Mer, Al Seef, Box Park, City Walk, The Beach, Last Exit and The Outlet Village
These locations are planning a number of family-oriented activities so that there is something for everyone. For the entertainment of your kids, a number of activities have been put in place by Meeras, including arts and crafts, face painting, Arabic clay pot painting, and much more.
WE SAID THIS: Happy National Day, UAE!