National Day is one of the most celebrated days in the UAE, as the historical moment when the six of the seven emirates came together to form one country, on 2nd December 1971. It is a time of national pride and all the emirates of UAE burst out in cultural celebrations. Traditional dances, shows, parades and concerts with celebrity appearances are put on to remember the country’s proud heritage.
This year, as UAE celebrates its 46th National Day, find out what fun and exciting events are in store for UAE residents this weekend:
Free Yas Waterworld ticket at Ferrari World
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is planning to celebrate National Day in thrilling style. From traditional dancers to stilt walkers, the Ferrari branded theme park will dress up with UAE National decorations, flags, banners, lights and lanterns and more.
Ferrari World is also running its resident National Day offer for all UAE residents who hold a valid Emirates ID. With each purchase of a Bronze admission ticket to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, guests will be able to redeem one complimentary ticket of the same value to Yas Waterworld. The offer is valid until 3rd December 2017.
Discounted staycation at Tilal Liwa Hotel
Tilal Liwa Hotel, a 5-star leisure resort perched on the edge of Rub Al Khali Desert will celebrate the UAE’s 46th year of the Union with A special weekend package for a fun-filled holiday experience starting from AED 746. The offer gives a family of two adults and two children (6 years or younger) a stay overlooking the beautiful hotel gardens or the vast desert. The package includes complimentary breakfast and dinner at the Al Badiya Restaurant.
Fantastic fireworks at Yas Island
Yas Marina Circuit’s North Grandstand and Oasis area will be equipped with food trucks, karting, music and a family village area for vistors to enjoy. Entry is free and the massive fireworks displays will kick off at 9PM on 2nd December, the day of UAE National Day.
Head to Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah Island’s waterfront promenade will feature fireworks, live cultural performances and festive activities this National Day weekend. Visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy live cultural performances, food trucks, traditional photo booths, and live stage performances from Ayalla, Habriya, and Yolla band. The venue will also include a photo booth allowing visitors to get a taste of being a local Emirati dressed in an Abaya or Kendora. Other activities include henna and sand artists, caricature drawings, and calligraphy. Fireworks displays will take place on Al Maryah Island at 9PM on Saturday, 2nd December.
Family fun at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi will hold an array of celebratory events at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain on the occasion of the UAE’s 46th National Day. The celebrations will take place in the central courtyard of Al Jahili Fort, where visitors can explore the history of the UAE since its foundation, through a heritage studio.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy traditional entertainment of “Harbiya” and “Ayala” performances, followed by an air show by the Emirates Falcons team, entertainment activities including competitions, popular games and puzzles, a variety of UAE heritage cuisine, a selection of handicrafts and henna, and school student’s performances.
Dubai
Fireworks & festivities at Global Village
Global Village visitors will enjoy longer hours for five days coinciding with the UAE National Day weekend, from 1st-5th December, between 4PM and 2AM. During those five days, several local acts will be performing on the global village stage such as the Belad Al Khair Theatrical Show. Fireworks will also light up the night sky from 1st-3rd December at 9PM.
Camel milk icecream at Ruya
Ruya, located at the Grosvenor House Dubai Marina, will be celebrating UAE National Day with a unique dessert; exclusively available on that day for AED 50. Camel milk has been an essential ingredient for centuries in UAE dining culture. In order to commemorate the national holiday this year, Rüya Dubai have created a very unique ‘Baklava with Camel Milk Ice Cream’ dessert.
One hour free at Flip Out Dubai
Kids and adults across the UAE can enjoy Flip Out Dubai’s special long weekend offer. When you buy one hour, you’ll get a second hour absolutely free. With an hour’s bouncing normally costing from AED 80 per person, per hour at the region’s largest trampoline park, making this family-friendly offer the perfect way to keep kids entertained over the long weekend.
Head to IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure launched holiday promotions for the entire family. Starting from 30th November to 3rd December, tickets to the indoor theme park will be available in-park and online with a savings of AED 46 each on both adult and junior ticket prices. The park will also feature traditional Emirati music and entertainment, which includes, Ayylah dancers, an Emirati traditional band, Falcon displays, and Arabic specialty sweets and beverages.
Cultural celebration at Wafi
Wafi Mall, has lined up an exciting set of cultural and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy on 1st & 2nd December. Activities include henna artists, falcon show, live performances and more. The highlight of the weekend is a spectacular light and sound Show that will be projected across the Pyramids building in the Central Courtyard at Wafi Mall.
Sharjah
Mega Sales at Sharjah
The Consumer Electronics Fashion (CEF) 2017 will run from 29th November till 3rd December at theExpo Centre Sharjah, coinciding with the celebration of the 46th UAE National Day. CEF, which is the largest of its kind in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, offers the best brands in fashion, accessories, home appliances, smartphones and electronics at the best prices, through a wide range of exclusive offers on high quality products with discounts of up to 80%.
Ajman
Ajman is celebrating National Day over six days, from 29th November to 4th December with a range of activities in participation with government departments and the hospitality sector. Celebrations take place at the Heritage Village at Marsa Ajman with a kids play area and bazaar featuring 20 different shops offering handicrafts, traditional fashion and other products. There will also be performances by traditional bands and Ajman Stud will be showcasing horses. Among the events is a food festival featuring traditional dishes provided by families and restaurants in the emirate and an exhibition of diving tools and a diving course will be on offer.