Dubai: To mark the 44th national Day celebrations, Dubai has drawn up a host of events and activities wherein several government departments will join hands to showcase the Spirit of the Union. The citywide celebrations will cover various aspects of the country’s evolution and highlight Emirati lifestyle, heritage and culture. Many events are open to the public while some are through registration only.
With the UAE home to many expatriates and visitors from around the world, the celebrations offer them an opportunity to learn about the country’s glorious past and revered traditions.
A look at the line-up of events coming your way.
Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
When: December 1
Where: Business Bay, behind Dubai Design District
A spectacular water-based show titled ‘Reflections’ will trace the story of the resourceful people of the UAE, their culture, heritage and values and how the UAE has evolved into the modern nation it is today. Entry to this event is by registration.
Fireworks show
When: December 2-4, daily at 8.30pm
Where: The Beach opposite JBR
A dazzling display of fireworks organised by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
National Market
When: November 26-29
Where: Burj Plaza
The second edition of the National Market, a platform for local vendors to display their handmade products, offering a glimpse of Emirati culture and traditions.
Roads and Transport Authority
When: November 29-December 2
Activities for employees and the public at metro stations that will showcase UAE heritage and popular Emirati cuisine. RTA will fly 1,000 pieces of the national flag at main streets in Dubai, with national flags being also used to wrap 44 taxis, 10 bus stops, Dubai World Trade Centre station, and three buses, one abra, one ferry and one water taxi. Events include a workshop for painting the UAE map using the flag’s colours, a corner for therapeutic herbs and perfumes used in the past while traditional tents at metro stations will offer traditional dishes, gifts and fun activities for children.
Heritage Village in Shindagha
When: December 2-4
Performances by folkloric bands featuring Al Harbia, Al Ayalah, Al Laiwa and the Amdemah bands; a play for families and children that will aim to encourage love for the homeland; cartoon characters Umm Khamas, Umm Salloum and Abboud will welcome visitors and pose for photos. In addition, workshops for children such as the Doll Workshop, will teach them to make dolls from recycled/used materials to highlight the importance of environmental protection. A quiz competition on heritage will offer prizes for adults and children daily at the Heritage Village Theatre. Visitors can buy traditional crafts at the souq.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa)
When: November 22- 26
A number of activities at Dewa’s head offices will have special heritage areas showcasing traditional handicrafts, a video on the founding of the Union and another highlighting social services work done by Dewa. There will also be poetry sessions, a show by schoolchildren, heritage-related competitions, and more. Dewa will also host various activities at its branches in Jebel Ali, Hudaiba, Al Quoz and Warsan.
Dubai Sports Council
When: November 25, National Sports Day
Where: Various locations in Dubai
In coordination with several governmental corporations, private entities and sports and social clubs, the DSC will organise a National Sports Day consisting of 44 events in various locations of Dubai under the motto “# UAE Unites Us”. The events include sports activities and challenges in football, handball, foot tennis, rugby, badminton, cycling, table tennis, chess, billiard, hockey, aerobics, several water sports, boat race, fly board, physical fitness training, body building, zumba, and tug of war, to name a few.
Masters of Dirt
When: December 2-4
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre
The world’s leading freestyle extravaganza presented by XDubai in partnership with Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Featuring 17 of the world’s leading international FMX, BMX, MTB, Quad and Snowmobile riders, two fire cube artists, six Fuel Girls, and a live DJ — all combined into one high-octane entertainment-fuelled arena show.
Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby 7s
When: December 3-5
Where: The Sevens Stadium
One of the most popular sporting events showcasing the best rugby players in the world, it offers action and entertainment and fun activities for the whole family. The tournament is expected to attract more than 100,000 spectators.
Dubai Airports
When: November 26
Where: Terminal 3 Entrance 3, Arrivals Hall
An employee-oriented event that will have the participation of government partners, including Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, Emirates airline, Dubai Duty Free and Dnata. The event will include hoisting of the UAE flag by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group; Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO, Dubai Airports; and senior officials from other government entities. Among the activities will be a special lunch for orphans.
UAE 44th National Day celebrations
When: November 25
Where: Godolphin Ballroom, Emirates Towers
A range of events and activities organised jointly by a group of government entities — The Office of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretariat, The General Secretariat of the Executive Council, Executive Office of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Dubai Holding. The ceremony will include a show of 30 minutes, in addition to activities at the Heritage Village, a showcase of popular local dishes, contests, giveaways and a range of traditional activities. Attendance is by invitation only.
Dubai Police
When: December 1-3
Where: Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard
As part of celebrations marking the UAE’s 44th National Day, Dubai Police will hold many activities, including an Open Sports Day; Carnival and Military Parade featuring the Mounted Police and band; a parade by supercars and bikes, and a special radio programme on the occasion of National Day on Noor Dubai radio station.
Dubai Culture
When: November 26
Where: Al Mankhool Public Library
A number of activities to be staged, including theatrical events, a children’s corner offering recreational activities, a puppet theatre, recital by young poets showing their love for the UAE, an environmental-friendly Dolls Workshop, a traditional fashion show for children, henna and showcase of traditional food.
When: November 29
Where: Al Twar Public Library
Al Twar Public Library will also host a number of activities, including theatrical events, a children’s corner, puppet theatre, a recital by young poets, dolls workshop, and a UAE corner showcasing the country’s culture and cuisine.
Hatta Village
When: November 25
The celebrations organised by Dubai Culture at Hatta Village will feature performances by folkloric bands like Al Ayalah, traditional Arab hospitality and competitions and gifts for members of the public.
Flag Martyr Exhibition
When: November 22-December 3
Where: Dubai Airport
Organised by the Watani Al Emarat Foundation, this exhibition traces the story of martyr Salem Suhail Khamis, who is considered the first martyr of the UAE killed in defence of his homeland. He was the commander of six comrades at the Great Tunb Island. On Monday, November 30, 1971, at 6am, Salem Suhail Khamis led a battle in defence of Great Tunb Island against the attackers where he was martyred protecting an important part of his homeland and carrying his homeland’s flag high and refusing to let it fall.
Journey to the Union
When: November 25-December 3
Where: Dubai Festival City Mall
Organised by Watani Al Emarat Foundation to showcase the early crucial steps taken on the way to the founding of the Union on December 2, 1971, it will focus on the key drivers that led to the establishment of the modern federal state, with a unified identity, an early intellectual trend that grew and solidified itself in the UAE long before the founding fathers evoked the Spirit of the Union.
Dubai Legal Affairs Department
When: November 29, from 11am to 1pm.
Employees of the Dubai Legal Affairs Department will join in a special programme of celebrations titled ‘Love for the Homeland’ on the occasion of the UAE’s 44th National Day.
Downtown Dubai Parade UAE National Day
Under the theme ‘Home to the World’, Emaar is organising the 5th edition of the Downtown Dubai Parade – UAE National Day, during which all residents of the UAE will get the chance to participate in celebrating the Spirit of the Union of the seven emirates.
FAI World Air Games
When: December 1-12
Where: SkyDive Dubai
Premier international multi-discipline air sports event fielding the world’s top Air Sports athletes.
FlyBoard World Cup
When: December 3-5
Where: SkyDive Dubai
Dubai hosts the second edition of XDubai Flyboard World Cup. The three-day tournament will be held with a Nations Cup day three, open to UAE citizens.
