Dubai: From jaw-dropping sales to concerts and fireworks to carnivals, Dubai’s got you spoilt for choice on where to go on this National Day holiday.
Dubai is all set to celebrate the country’s 45th birthday with a line-up of events and activities that will allow residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the “Spirit of the Union” and reflect UAE’s solidarity across its culturally diverse community.
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), is organising the citywide celebrations with its partners including shopping malls and retailers. The celebrations feature family-centric social, cultural and entertainment activities, as well as events aimed at showcasing Emirati culture and customs.
Malls will be transformed into entertainment centres with free-to-attend concerts featuring Arab music icons.
The National Day Super Sale will run from December 1 to 3, offering customers amazing price discounts of between 30 and 90 per cent on a range of merchandise — from apparel to electronics, and much more.
Essam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Tourism, said the National Day celebrations are a reflection of the national pride and enhance the spirit of patriotism and loyalty to the leadership and homeland.
“In Dubai, the world-class events, activities and retail promotions would help create a festive environment that will focus on UAE’s rich heritage and help bring together people of different nationalities in a celebration of the country’s cultural diversity,” Kazim said.
Highlights:
National Day Super Sale
December 1 to 3, participating malls and retail outlets in Dubai.
The sale will feature participating malls and retail outlets offering shoppers mega discounts of between 30 and 90 per cent on selected items from a range of home-grown and international brands, featuring a diverse range of merchandise. For more information, visit www.nationaldaysale.com
Shop and Win
City Centre Deira, City Centre Me’aisem and City Centre Shindagha, the three malls of the Majid Al Futtaim Properties, will run promotions to celebrate National Day. At City Centre Deira, till December 3, everyone is a winner, as visitors can shop and win instant prizes. A special customised vending machine allows shoppers to withdraw gift cards and vouchers and will also allow them to take a National Day-themed selfie that will be printed and also posted on social media.
Fireworks
December 2, The Beach opposite JBR
Join in the National Day celebrations and watch the festivities take to the skies over Dubai, thanks to a dazzling display of fireworks at 8.30pm at The Beach opposite Jumeirah Beach Residences.
Concerts
Local and regional music icons will perform live at various free-to-attend concerts to celebrate National Day. Top Arab music superstar Hussain Al Jasmi, Balqees and other artists will be in action at Burj Park on December 2 at concerts sponsored by Emaar Properties. On the same day, renowned singers Abdullah Bel Khair and Aryam will perform at Dragon Mart 2 while highly popular regional singers Mohammad Menhali and Walid Ebrahim will perform at Global Village.
In a separate series of Emirati Young Artists Concerts, all on December 1, families visiting malls can enjoy melodious hits from UAE stars including Mohammad Al Shehi at City Centre Mirdif; Shamma Hamdan at Dubai Festival City Mall; Mohammad Al Menhali at Mall of the Emirates; Faisal Al Jasem at The Beach; and Hamad Al Amri at Ibn Battuta Mall.
Carnival
Till December 4, City Walk
A colourful event featuring roaming artists, entertainment shows, souq, parades and educational activities to celebrate National Day.
Celebrations in malls
Traditional bands (UAE & GCC). Malls in Dubai, December 1-3
Traditional bands from the UAE and other GCC countries will perform in malls across Dubai, highlighting one of the vibrant aspects of the region’s rich heritage. The bands will stage traditional song-and-dance performances at Dubai Festival City Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart 2, The Beach, Boxpark, City Walk and Outlet Village.
Mall of the Emirates
National Day excitement is in store for shoppers at Mall of the Emirates with special activities aimed at spreading the sense of national pride and joy such as The Unity Stand till December 3. Shoppers can participate in constructing a massive unique monument and have their names instantly engraved on small blocks with colours of the UAE flag and then place it on the wall as a symbol of unity and togetherness. Other activities at Mall of the Emirates include a stage show called The Desert Tale featuring Dubai and UAE’s history and culture.
Mercato
Mercato has drawn up an exciting programme of activities for shoppers, families and children including storytelling, children’s interactive workshops, creating a mosaic of a giant UAE flag, Bubble Show and the National Day Cake-cutting ceremony.
Other attractions
Enjoy an adventurous journey with the Hatta Hiking event on December 2 while family entertainment destinations will be abuzz during National Day including Global Village, Dubai Parks and Resorts, and IMG World.
For more information, visit www.nationaldaydubai.com
