Where to celebrate UAE National Day in Dubai

Bright skies

See the fireworks

Prepare for Dubai’s world-famous displays

This year, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fireworks shows across the city. Take your pick from Al Seef, La Mer, The Beach, Dubai Festival City, Global Village or The Pointe for a breathtaking show over Dubai’s horizon. Plan ahead and book a table at one of the waterfront restaurants for a prime vantage point, whether that’s authentic Emirati cuisine at La Mer’s Sikka Cafe or Italian doughy delights from Piazza Pizza at The Pointe. Better yet, make a day of it with a spot of shopping and entertainment.

Celebrate with the stars

Free concerts

Balqees, Hussain Al Jassmi and more 

Some of the Arab world’s biggest stars are celebrating the UAE National Day with fans at La Mer and Global Village. Build up to the occasion with a free concert by Emirati singer Eida Al Menhali on 29 November at La Mer and come back for a double concert on 1 December when local treasure Balqees Fathi and Kuwait’s Essa Al Marzouq share the stage. On 2 December, award-winning singer Hussain Al Jassmi will lead the festivities at La Mer with top hits including ‘Bawada'ak’ and ‘Boushret Kheir’. If you are spending UAE National Day at Global Village, don’t miss a performance by Hamad Al Amri at 9pm.

When: 29 November - 2 December 

Theatrical treat

La Perle

Dive into a limited-edition offer

Dubai’s award-winning theatrical extravaganza La Perle has an unbeatable deal to celebrate the 48th UAE National Day. Book your tickets online to unlock a 48% discount on Silver, Gold, Platinum and VIP seats. The 1,300-seat venue is the perfect stage for legendary director Franco Dragone’s masterpiece, which blends artistic performance, creative imagery and brilliant technology to tell an inimitable visual story inspired by Dubai’s pearl diving history. 

When: Until 3 December

New shows

IMAGINE

Watch a record-breaking spectacle at Festival City

While shopping destinations across Dubai offer memorable entertainment and activities to mark the occasion of UAE National Day, few match the grandeur of Dubai Festival City’s IMAGINE show. This stunning choreography of water, lights, lasers and music will enchant the whole family, with a bespoke edition designed for the 48th anniversary. This year’s show, titled ‘Faces of the Nation’, will celebrate the many people that call Dubai home, followed by a fireworks display at 8pm and 10pm. 

When: 2 December

Sky high

Burj Khalifa

Admire the world’s tallest building

Standing tall at 828m, Burj Khalifa will celebrate the UAE National Day in incomparable style on 2 December. The UAE flag will be projected on the iconic skyscraper in the evening, and complemented with incredible water works from The Dubai Fountain. Make sure to arrive early to grab a spot beside the fountain at The Dubai Mall or plan ahead and reserve a table with friends at one of Souk Al Bahar’s restaurant terraces for a night to remember.

When: 2 December

Treat yourself

Fun offers

Enjoy these exclusive National Day discounts

The long weekend is the perfect occasion for you to enjoy Dubai’s many memorable experiences at a discount. Delight the whole family with a trip to Dubai Dolphinarium and watch a dolphin and seal show with 25% off tickets if you show your Emirates ID. Build up your National Day excitement at Legoland, where themed activities await including a special LEGO mosaic and prized competitions. Over at The Smash Room, you can hammer away with a friend thanks to the ‘Two 2 Tango’ package deal for AED247 instead of AED399. 

When: Dubai Dolphinarium: 29 November - 7 December; The Smash Room: 1 - 3 December; Legoland Dubai: 28 November - 2 December

Big fun

For the little ones

Celebrate UAE National Day with the family

Children are in for a treat as their favourite destinations get into the long weekend spirit with exciting events and offers. Head over to OliOli in Al Quoz and enjoy 25% off the Family Pass from 29 November to 3 December and make the most of this experiential play museum. While you’re there, don’t forget to contribute to the string art installation that’s been specially commissioned for the UAE National Day. You can also plan a day out at Creek Park’s Children’s City, where families can get a taste of traditional Emirati food, dance and culture from 2 to 3 December.

When: 29 November - 3 December

Cultural thrills

Family entertainment

Shopping havens and entertainment hubs

There’s no shortage of fun for every age this UAE National Day. Apart from fireworks and concerts, Meraas’ lifestyle destinations across Dubai are inviting families to take a deep dive into the region’s legacy with heritage-centric activities from 29 November to 2 December. Enjoy Arabic clay pot painting at La Mer and Boxpark, decorate your hands with henna and explore carpet weaving at Al Seef. Be wowed by a ‘calligraffiti’ artist at Last Exit Al Khawaneej or Bluewaters; learn about burqa-making at City Walk or clap to the beat of ribbon dancers at Kite Beach. To keep the festivities going, head to Robinsons in the evenings from 28 November to 3 December for children’s activities, henna, nail art and upbeat rhythms by talented DJs. 

When: 28 November - 3 December

Park life

Quranic Park

Gain fascinating insights into the Holy Quran

Visit one of Dubai’s newest parks for an insightful exploration of Islam’s holy book, the Quran. Spread across 60 hectares, the Quranic Park was designed with the themes of peace, love and tolerance in mind. Plants that are mentioned in the Quran can be found dotted around the landscape and at the Glass House, one of the park’s main attractions. Make the most of the pleasant December weather and plan a visit to the Quranic Park this UAE National Day.