Ultimate guide to UAE National Day celebrations in Dubai

• UAE National Day Holiday
• Fireworks
• Programmes and Events
• Family-friendly Activities
• Dining Deals
• FAQs

The 52nd UAE National Day 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 2023 in Dubai to commemorate the union of the Trucial States. If you still haven’t figured out your plans for the long weekend, we’ve got an exciting lineup of UAE National Day events in Dubai that will guarantee a fun-filled holiday. 

WHEN IS THE UAE NATIONAL DAY?

The UAE National Day, also known as Union Day, is celebrated on 2nd December every year. It commemorates the formal nationalisation of all seven emirates in 1971. Furthermore, the UAE National Day celebration 2023 is one of the biggest annual festivals in Dubai.

With UAE public holidays this year being announced from 2nd December 2023 for the private sector, the entire country is geared up to celebrate UAE National Day 2023 in style!

WATCH THE 2023 UAE NATIONAL DAY FIREWORKS IN DUBAI

WHERE TO WATCH THE UAE NATIONAL DAY FIREWORKS IN DUBAI?

The UAE National Day fireworks displays are always highly anticipated by the residents of Dubai. You can watch the fireworks at the venues listed here.

• Festival Bay: Be at the waterfront at Dubai Festival City Mall to watch fireworks light up the night.
• Bluewaters Island: The man-made islands will host a spectacular show of fireworks on December 2. Take part in the festivities till the day after. Activities include henna applications, shopping for traditional products and more at Bluewaters Island.
• Al Seef (Dubai Creek): Watch the fireworks on UAE National Day on this creek-side destination in Dubai.
• The Beach (JBR): On December 2, the fireworks at The Beach JBR will mesmerise the populace. Bring the whole family and enjoy the many attractions at the end of the walkway.

THINGS TO DO ON UAE NATIONAL DAY IN DUBAI 2023

There are plenty of things to do in Dubai on National Day this year. Choose your favourite from the following Dubai National Day weekend activities list.

National Day Activities at Downtown Dubai: Burj Khalifa Light Show

The country’s most famous landmark lights up with the UAE flag’s 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 at Downtown Dubai
• Price: Free

Visit Dubai Festival City Mall

Dubai Festival City Mall is 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 amazing firework displays.

So, if you are still looking for things to do for National Day in Dubai, book a table at Nando’s, Al Fanar, Peppermill and other mall restaurants beforehand.

• Location: Dubai Festival City

Celebrate with Soho Garden

The Soho Garden Festival is all set to celebrate UAE National Day 2023 with a bang. Here are the deets about these UAE National Day activities in Dubai courtesy of Soho Garden Dubai:

ENRICO SANGIULIANO

The Italian musician and DJ is bringing his singing prowess to Code at Soho Garden. Sway to electronic dance hits and revel in the festivities in style.

• Location: Soho Garden DXB Meydan
• Price: Free until 12:00 midnight
• Timings: From 10:00 pm (November 30)
• Contact: +971-52-388-8849

KOROLOVA

The female Ukranian DJ and musician will make the night come alive with her techno beats.

• Location: Soho Garden Palm Jumeirah
• Price: Free until 12:00 midnight
• Timings: From 10:00 pm (November 30th)
• Contact: +971-54-233-5555

PEGGY GOU

Peggy Gou, a Berlin based Korean artist, will be performing hits like Starry Night and (It goes like) Nanana. Buy the tickets at Platinumlist!

• Location: Soho Garden Palm Jumeirah
• Price: Tickets start at AED 150
• Timings: From 10:00 pm (December 1st)
• Contact: +971-54-233-5555

X BY ADRIATIQUE

Soho Garden’s “The Oasis” will come alive with X by Adriatique. The open-air concert will feature a musical and visual extravaganza by the famous Swiss duo.

• Location: Soho Garden, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
• Price: Tickets start at AED 200
• Timings: From 08:00 pm (December 2nd)
• Contact: +971-4-457-3212

Add these events to your list of things to do in Dubai National Day 2023.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO FOR UAE NATIONAL DAY 2023

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

Enjoy a feast carefully curated by the resident chef. Apart from a delicious dinner spread, visitors can go on camel rides, enjoy volleyball, archery, sandboarding, a falcon show, henna designs, Arabic calligraphy and Ayallah dances. These activities truly do exemplify some of the country’s best characteristics. Choose from various packages available.

• Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road, Margham Gate
• Contact: +971-4-223-8011

EXPLORE THE DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN

Spend some family time amidst the gorgeous blooms at Dubai Miracle Garden. The park has some of the most impressive flower arrangements, including an enormous replica of the Airbus A380, Smurfs Village and much more.

• Location: Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand
• Ticket:
  • Adults (12 and above): AED 95 (Aged 12 and above)
  • Children (3 to 12 years): AED 80 (Aged 3 to 12) (ID required)
  • Children below 3: Free of charge (ID required)
• Contact: +971-4-422-8902

CELEBRATE AT LEGOLAND

The UAE National Day celebration in Dubai comes early to LEGOLAND Dubai. The attraction is offering not one but several activities from November 25 to December 4, 2022. Guests can participate in these National Day activities in Dubai 2023.

• UAE Union Day Scavenger Hunt: Follow clues related to UAE sustainability and unscramble letters to win a prize.
• Sustainability Build: Create a sustainable landscape with Lego bricks.
• 2023 Sustainability Pledge: Make your pledge and see initiatives taken by LEGOLAND.
• Factory Street Parade: Spot LEGOLAND characters in the Factory Street Parade

Apart from taking home an exclusive LEGO brick for the 52nd UAE National Day celebration, visitors will be given a special Lego brick depicting the current celebrations.

• Location: LEGOLAND Dubai
• Ticket: AED 295 onwards (1-day ticket per person)
• Contact: +971-4-820-0000

Dining Deals

Make the most of the festivities with these delicious deals:

Jixiang Dim Sum

Want to try some prawn har gau dim sum in the colour of the UAE flag? Visit Jixiang Dim Sum on December 2nd to savour the delightful treat. Best part? You get another order for free for the price of one. And it can be delivered via all delivery apps. The place is one of the new restaurants in Dubai.

• Price: AED 45 (buy one get one free)
• Date: December 2nd
• Location: JBR and Last Exit Al Khawaneej

Studio One Hotel

Dubai Rugby 7s falls during the UAE National Day celebration. Hop on a free bus from Studio One Hotel any time from 10:00 am until 05:00 pm. There are special dining deals waiting for you at Larte and The Irish Village over the weekend. These definitely count among the fun things to do on Dubai National Day weekend.

• Price: From AED 89
• Bus timings: 10:00 am until 05:00 pm
• Date: December 2nd to 3rd
• Location: Studio City

SHI RESTAURANT

For National Day, SHI, the first Chinese fine dining establishment on Bluewaters Island, will be crafting a special culinary tribute by preparing their famous prawn har gau dim sum in the vibrant colours of the UAE flag. Diners can savour the special dish, alongside authentic Asian staples while enjoying some of the best views of the JBR and Marina skyline.

• Price: AED 50
• Date: December 2
• Contact:+971-4-393-9990
• Location: SHI Restaurant, Bluewaters Island

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE UAE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION?

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 the Emirati culture. Like every year, there are several UAE National Day offers and events for you to look forward to. From dazzling fireworks to mega sales, staycation deals and much more, Dubai is abuzz with things to do and 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. For similar events in other emirates, explore the best things to do for UAE National Day in Sharjah.

WHERE TO GET THEMED DECORATIONS FOR THE UAE NATIONAL DAY IN DUBAI?

There are plenty of places where you can find decorative products. Shops like Carrefour will have plenty of budget options for UAE-themed decorations. If you want to take it up a notch, you can check out some of the party stores in Al Quoz for some unique National Day-themed decor.

There you have it! A list of all the things to do in Dubai on National Day. If you are heading down to any of these events, gear up with loads of UAE flags and 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.