UAE National Day 2020 long weekend: 49 things to do

With this year’s UAE National Day celebrations coinciding with a five-day public holiday across the UAE. Here are all the things you can do this long weekend.

WATCH THE FIREWORKS: This year, you can head to either side of town to watch the firework shows in Dubai. Showcase your Emirati pride this 49th UAE National Day at The Pointe while witnessing a special UAE National Day Show inspired by the spirit of Dubai by Emirati composer, Ihab Darwish including a live orchestra and a firework show at 9pm. Or head down to Festival City to see the fireworks there. They will also showcase a special Imagine show that is UAE themed. Another spot to host the fireworks is Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi.

GO SHOPPING: UAE National Day celebrations will once again extend to the city’s malls and shopping destinations with The Dubai Mall, Nakheel Mall, City Centre Deira, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Outlet Mall offering savings of 50-70 per cent off selected items from 28 November to 5 December.

SEE THE CITY LIGHT UP: Each evening from November 28 to December 5, some of Dubai’s most iconic and recognisable landmarks will light up as part of the UAE National Day celebrations. The Dubai Frame, in Zabeel Park, will project a UAE National Day greeting while the world famous Burj Al Arab hotel in Jumeirah will alight with the colours of the UAE flag, from 7pm until 11pm.

WATCH THE SEEDS OF THE UNION SHOW: Seeds of the Union”, a spectacular National Day show will take the form of a moving sculpture surrounded by sea and illuminated by digital visuals portraying themes inspired by the UAE’s history and values. Staged in Abu Dhabi, the show will be broadcast live to an audience of millions in the UAE and beyond, ensuring residents can unite in celebration from the safety of their homes.

SEE THE CITYWIDE DECORATIONS: Residents and visitors travelling around Dubai during the National Day celebration period will be dazzled by eye-catching light installations at some of the city’s most prominent buildings, locations and streets. Large National Day greetings will be illuminated near the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road and opposite the entrance to Dubai Parks & Resorts. Lights will be installed on the main roads to and from Sharjah from Dubai, at Dubai Festival City opposite the Volvo dealership branch, at the Al Khawaneej Last Exit and on the way to Global Village. Smaller installations will be located at the Dubai World Trade Centre roundabout, on Umm Suqeim Road, Al Seef Street, near the Etihad Museum and at the Global Village exit towards Sharjah.

SEE MODESH AND DANA LIVE AT LA PERLE: This UAE National Day Celebration, kids can do see Modesh and Dana live at La Perle. From December 1 to 5, tickets cost Dh70 for kids and Dhh199 for adults for the special Modesh package. You can now experience the enchanting world of La Perle with complimentary popcorn. Featuring world-class artists performing breathtaking and extraordinary acts including acrobatics, contortion, flying, diving and even motorcycles defying gravity. This limited-time La Perle show will be running throughout the week from Tuesday to Saturday. From 4pm shows with dining seatings from 2.15pm to 3.15pm and 5.30pm to 7pm and a 7pm show with dinner seatings from 5.15pm to 6.15pm only.

CELEBRATE WITH PISTACHIO WAFFLES AT EGGSPECTATION: To celebrate the 49th UAE National Day, Eggspectation is creating limited-edition rose petal and pistachio waffles to commemorate the day. On the first three days of December for Dh39, customers will be able to purchase the limited edition items from the iconic Canadian brand that is celebrating flavours of the UAE this National Day.

WESLODGE’S PATRIOTIC DESSERT: Celebrate UAE National Day throughout the week at Weslodge Saloon and indulge in a specially extended “two can dine” offer from Monday, November 30 to Wednesday, December 2. The four-course dinner of sharing dishes includes scorched Wagyu with yuzu, truffle and radish and including a whole Seabass. The culinary team at Weslodge Saloon have also created a patriotic twist on their dessert, serving up Pistachio Baklava Cheese tart with honey pistachio, walnut and rose flavoured cream cheese. Along with two complimentary beverages for Dh150 per person.

AL MASHOWAS FREE ARABIC QAHWA: The Emirati cuisine restaurant is hosting an Arabic Majlis from December 1 to 5 with complimentary Arabic qahwa and dates all day, complete with an Arabian sand artist and a local weaver. An authentic Arabian afternoon tea experience with live cooking stations is running daily from 4pm onwards, with traditional cuisine for only Dh60. Diners can also take advantage of a traditional Emirati breakfast offering from 10am onwards for only Dh125 for two.

TRY THE SAROOD EXPERIENCE MENU: Available across Al Mashowa, Sikka Café’s La Mer, City Walk and Al Khawaneej branches, and Al Nafoorah at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the limited-edition menu pays homage to Emirati cuisine, local flavours and the spirit of togetherness and unity. Available from December 2 to 4, the menu features authentic Emirati dishes served on a sarood (the traditional woven mats) for Dh99. Beverages made of camel milk will also be available to order, paying homage to a traditional source of sustenance in the Emirati culture.

BUTCHA’S UAE COLOURED SLIDERS: The Turkish-born steakhouse and butcher shop built for meat lovers is grilling up UAE flag-themed sliders for Dh78 that come served with a homemade char-grilled patty, lettuce, tomatoes, and signature mayo. Each slider comes with different toppings, including smoked beef, caramelised onion, cheddar cheese and portobello mushroom.

SIKKA CAFE CELEBRATES WITH PISTASHIO SAHLAB: The homegrown Emirati restaurant is serving up an authentic dessert menu, featuring choices of pistachio sahlab for Dh25, a traditional Emirati milk pudding - decorated in the UAE flag colours, and layered with rose water, milk, pistachio nuts and coconut powder; and saffron milk cake for Dh35, Sikka’s own version of the tres leches cake. Additionally, guests can enjoy a celebration of local flavours through Sikka’s line-up of popular Emirati breakfast favourites for Dh95 for two. From December 2 to 4 diners at Sikka Café’s Al Khawaneej branch can also enjoy a complimentary traditional afternoon tea experience, featuring Emirati classics including lugaimatand mini chebabs available from 3pm onwards, while being entertained by a traditional oud player from 6pm onwards.

MBC CONCERTS: As part of the UAE’s 49th National Day celebrations in Dubai, DFRE and MBC invite fans of Emirati and Arabic music to a two-day concert starring some of the biggest singers from the UAE and the region. On December 2 , Burj Park in Downtown Dubai will host a performance by Balqees and Mohammed Shehhi, who is known for his poetic songs and Khaleeji style of singing. On December 3 , the open-air venue will host star Eidha Menhali, who is best known for his hit single ‘Motasoa’ and Shamma Hamdan, the first Emirati to make it to the final of ‘Arabs Got Talent’. Each evening of live music is free of charge, but guests must register in advance.

AL NAFOORAH OFFERING FREE LOGAIMAT: The Lebanese restaurant at Jumeirah Emirates Towers is serving complimentary lugaimat, the popular Emirati dessert to all diners on December 2.

BABAJI’S NATIONAL DAY PIDE: The authentic Turkish restaurant at City Walk is serving Pide inspired by the UAE flag colours, available on December 2 . Traditionally baked in a brick wood oven, the Pide is served with kashar cheese, tomatoes, olives, and spinach.

FLOWS NATIONAL DAY THEMED ACAI: Dubai’s healthy-eating hub at Jumeirah Emirates Towers is celebrating National Day with themed acai and poke bowls specially designed to mirror the red, green, white and black of the UAE flag. Special themed beverages are also available, including charcoal lemonade, beetroot latte and Matcha latte.

UAE FLAG COLOURED DIM SUM: Noodle House Dubai is dishing up vegetarian dim sum Dh49 served with Szechuan chili sauce to represent the colours of the UAE flag, available on December 2 .

EAT SOME NATIONAL DAY CUPCAKES: Share the love and celebrate UAE National Day this year by sending your nearest and dearest some bite-size delights to help spread the love and national spirit! This year Sugargram has created a special UAE National Day sleeve for the box for 25 itty bitty cupcakes. The sleeve resembles the UAE flag and features one of our most iconic buildings, the Burj Khalifa. The sleeve will be sure to spread an abundance of happiness, love and sweetness to your loved ones.

BERKAN STEAKHOUSE OFFERS FREE DESSERT: Berkan Steakhouse is a homegrown Emirati steakhouse that offers a range of signature steaks alongside internationally inspired steaks, burgers, salads, and kids’ meals. To celebrate the UAE National Day, Berkan Steakhouse will be offering free desserts from December 2 to December 3, 2020.

VISIT THE BURJ KHALIFA AND GET A FREE ENTERTAINMENT TICKET: In honour of the 49th National Day, if you purchase a ticket for At the Top Burj Khalifa for an extra Dh 49 spend you will receive a pass to experience another exciting attraction for free. These attractions include the EKart Zabeel, the Dolby Screen at Reel Cinemas, Dig It over at The Spring Souk, the Dubai Ice Rink and the VR Park at The Dubai Mall along with Dh100 credit to enjoy the park

ENJOY A FABULOUS NATIONAL DAY AT JBR: With the whole of the UAE gearing up for the annual National Day celebration on December 2, JBR, Dubai’s beachfront destination, is getting ready to host a packed schedule of free entertainment and activities over four days which will appeal to all. From December 2 to 5, JBR will be decorated in the colours of the UAE flag, and visitors can enjoy roaming entertainment with jugglers, stilt walkers, ribbon dancers, and musicians in action from 4pm to 8pm each day.

DESIGNED FOR SHARING CHARITY ART EXHIBITION: The ‘Designed for Sharing’ charity art exhibition running from Sunday, November 29 until Thursday, December 3, 2020. In collaboration with Fantini Mosaici, The Galleria will display 19 mosaic tables in the shape of the UAE map. The exhibition’s pieces will highlight some of the nation’s greatest landmarks and values that make the UAE the special place it is. Designed with intricate detail, each piece was created by an influential member of the community to celebrate the diversity of the nation.

CELEBRATE UAE’S 49TH AT RADISSON RED: Guests can dive into a menu of main course items for just Dh49 each whether at the casual and cosy OUIBar + Terrace or want to lounge by the pool at RED Roof. A selection of scrumptious dishes such as the best RED + round burger, spicy tandoori chicken, veg Thai curry and more are up for grabs on a menu that is packed with bold local flavours next to international classics at the spacious indoor and outdoor seating of OUIBar + Terrace. Loungers at RED Roof can also choose from a selection of nutritious sandwiches and salads for Dh49 alongside more indulgent options and a menu of beverages and freshly made smoothies to boot.

ENJOY A NATIONAL DAY BUFFET: This UAE National Day, guests can look forward to commemorating the occasion with authentic Emirati cuisine at Amaseena. You will be welcomed with a customary saffron custard drink. At dinner, you can savour locally inspired dishes including the much-loved lamb ouzi and a live grill station with shish tawook, lamb chops, shish kebab and lamb kofta. Guest can also enjoy fresh local seafood and those with a sweet tooth can sample the sweet logaimat and chibab pancakes for Dh299 per person.

FREE NATIONAL DAY COOKIE PUZZLE KIT: This UAE National Day any kids who visit Harvey Nichols Dubai will a free UAE Flag Puzzle Cookie kit. Free kits will be distributed to kids in-store from December 1 to 5, 2020.

FREE STICKY DATE PUDDING AT THE SELFISH BULL: Celebrate National Day and five days off with a free sticky date pudding at The Selfish Bull. Created exclusively for the national day long weekend, this special sticky date pudding pays tribute to Arabian flavours with chunks of juicy Medjool dates, encapsulated by warm sponge cake, with notes of caramel, and served with vanilla ice cream. This item comes free with every main course from December 1 to 5.

BRUNCH AND CAKE’S NATIONAL DAY CROISSANT: To celebrate the UAE’s 49th National Day, Brunch & Cake has put all of their buttery love into creating a limited-edition Date and Pistachio Jam filled Croissant. On December 2 for one-day-only, the first 100 dine-in customers will receive this croissant on the house.

UAE HOSPITALITY AT HOME WITH ARABIAN TEA HOUSE: This National Day Deliveroo has partnered with favourite local hotspot, Arabian Tea House for a very special giveaway. In true Arabian Tea House fashion, customers that order via Deliveroo on 2nd of December will be able to get their hands on an iconic salt n pepper shaker, that is a signature of the brand since it launched. The custom made shakers celebrate the traditions of the UAE, and is a perfect keepsake to celebrate national day every day at home.

RAFFLES NATIONAL DAY AFTERNOON TEA EXPERIENCE: “Treasures of Arabia” an Arabian themed Afternoon Tea experience, offering an authentic Middle Eastern journey while paying homage to the beautiful UAE. Carefully curated in a treasure box inspired by the 1001 nights folk tales, enjoy savoury bites and oriental sweets such as crispy Osmaliyeh wrapped shrimps, falafel with white sesame, stuffed apricot kashta and pistachio, date and more. All for Dh160 per person.

FREE UAE THEMED DESSERT AT MAREA: Calling all patriotic sweet lovers, DIFC’s Italian restaurant, Marea is giving away a limited-edition luxe take on a classic Marea dessert. to all dinners on December 2. The UAE flag-themed dessert is made with moist layers of velvet cake with cheese frosting, topped with 24 karat gold, giving a nod to the opulence and heritage of the UAE. A complimentary dessert will be given to all tables, to guests who dine during UAE National Day.

ORDER PIZZA TO YOUR HOME: This National Day, Pinsanity welcomes the winter season with a brand new pinsa flavour – the 8PACK. The new flavour includes mozzarella cheese, smoked provola and is topped with savoury Ventricina sausage slices. Pinsa fans can also take advantage of new meal deals this long weekend, where diners can have an appetiser, two pinsa’s of their choice and two beverages from Dh56. Customers ordering directly through the brand’s website can enjoy the delicious new offers with a 30 per cent discount on their first three orders.

TRY SOME SHISH TAWOUK: This National Day, Lebanese’s fast-food chain, Malak Al Tawouk is offering guests its signature tasty Tawouk sandwich combo for Dh49. Between November 30 and December 5, guests can enjoy two large Tawouk sandwiches with two drinks at any of Malak Al Tawouk’s 5 locations in Dubai and Sharjah.

EXPLORE SOUK MADINAT THIS NATIONAL DAY: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s most iconic leisure and entertainment destinations, is giving local and international visitors several reasons to celebrate the 49th UAE National Day with a wide range of shopping and dining experiences. From spices and slippers to locally made jewellery, the Arabian bazaar provides a modern glimpse of the past that combines traditional Middle Eastern shopping culture with a mix of boutique brands, gift shops, luxury fashion and jewellery.

SPEND NATIONAL DAY AT YAS ISLAND: Yas Island is set to celebrate the UAE’s 49th National Day with a series of fantastic activities across the destination. The grand roof of W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island will be elegantly illuminated to display the UAE Flag over Yas Marina. At Yas Marina Circuit, speed fiends will be able to enjoy discounts on karting, starting at Dh49 per session for kids, Dh69 per session for juniors, and Dh105 per session for adults. For those wearing the red, green, black, and white of the UAE flag, two sessions for the price of one can be availed!

VISIT THE MOON THIS NATIONAL DAY: OliOli UAE dedicates the 49th UAE National Day to UAE’s visionary and inspiring space program with its ‘An Astronaut in Every Child’ program at its Astronaut Training Camp. The Astronaut Training Camp is created to elevate a Child’s space experience through 6 space-themed hands-on activities, which young aspiring astronauts can enjoy following their introduction to the space theme at the Museum of the Moon with a special discount.

KICK OFF THE LONG WEEKEND WITH A LADIES NIGHT: Tuesdays are dedicated to ladies at Seven Sisters. Their ‘Vibes & Views’ night in partnership with LUV Events is the ultimate girls’ night out, complete with feel-good, old school R&B tunes, female guests can dine on a sharing platter with an open bar from 6pm to 9pm for Dh85. From 9pm onwards, ladies can indulge with unlimited selected beverages and a sharing platter for Dh110 or a bubble package with unlimited selected beverages, sparkling grape and a sharing platter for Dh150.

TROPICOOL: Tropicool has launched a limited edition UAE National Day themed bowl available exclusively at the Tropicool outlet in Dubai Mall, Zabeel extension. Inspired by the UAE, this super fruit bowl can come with a healthy açaí or mango base, decorated with strawberries, blueberries, kiwis and coconut flakes to represent the UAE flag. This special bowl will be available exclusively from November 23 to December 5 at Tropicool Dubai Mall Zabeel.

GO TO KISZANIA AND GET A FREE DUBAI AQUARIUM TICKET: Over at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, kids under 12 will be able to marvel at the wonder of the underwater world for free with a purchase of any Kidzania ticket. This offer is also valid until the end of the year.

HALF OFF AT KIDZANIA ABU DHABI: For the families in Abu Dhabi, Kidzania at Yas Mall will offer 50 per cent off on Economy tickets for everyone. KidZania AbuDhabi is packed with over 40 role-playing activities for children aged 4-16, where they will learn all about jobs while interacting and having fun in the ultimate ‘edutainment’ setting. This offer is available from the November 26 until December 5.

CHECK OUT THE #IAMUAE INSTALLATION: Abu Dhabi people can visit the Galleria Mall during National Day to take part in a variety of celebrations, including experiencing the interactive #IAMUAE community installation. Located at the North Atrium near Debenhams, the installation will invite family and friends to upload a selfie and create a social media mural of the UAE’s flag using their own images. To commemorate this important day, there is also the chance to take home mementoes including pins and flags.

GO TO YAS ISLAND'S THEME PARKS: Ahead of the UAE’s 49th National Day, Yas Theme Parks are offering UAE residents an unbeatable 49 per cent discount on “two-day, two parks” ticket bundles. Guests availing the offer will be able to visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and either Yas Waterworld or Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. The offer is exclusively available online via each park’s website and will run from November 26 till 2 December.

THE BEST UAE THEMED CAKES: From celebrating the colours of the flag to being inspired by the country’s most iconic landmarks, the range of UAE-themed cakes and cupcakes at Mister Baker is a lot. Choose from a Burj Khalifa cake or a flower or ribbon cake, a photo cake with an image of your choice or country-themed cupcakes to share with family, colleagues and friends.

VISIT THE TURKISH STREET BAZAAR: From December 1 to 5, City Walk restaurants Babaji and Butcha are teaming up to host a second edition of ‘How Bazaar’, the Turkish street market pop-up featuring traditional delicacies and family-friendly entertainment. Early risers can also avail a Turkish breakfast menu available from 10am onwards.

TRY THE PARTY BRUNCH AT 1OAK: 1 OAK Restaurant and Lounge is hosting their Project Zoo Brunch, from 3pm to 6pm. Set within the terrace, adorned with tumbling green foliage and canal views, the brunch will feature a specially curated menu alongside a live set from DJ Mr Levier who will be spinning the hottest R&B and Hip-Hop beats. Packages start at Dh290 for a food menu and soft drinks, Dh350 for Ladies and Dh390 for Gentlemen.

BURJUMAN’S ACTIVITIES: BurJuman invites all nationalities and ages to celebrate together the diverse cultural aspects of the UAE, with its family-friendly Arabian event featuring a range of visually appealing and immersive experiences. Running until December 5 2020, from 3pm to 10pm daily, the mall is offering a bunch of complementary activities to experience authentic Emirati customs, including calligraphy and falconry, whilst enjoying local dates served with delicious Arabic coffee.

BREAK A WORLD RECORD AT YAS MALL: This year, Yas Mall set to break a Guinness World Record title for the ‘Largest Sand Art Structure’ in the world. Yas Mall will attempt to set the world record by creating a giant size Sand Art bottle. A team of expert artists will create an eye-catching sand visual illustrating the UAE’s National Day themes on December 2. The enormous bottle will be displayed in Town Square, Yas Mall till December 5. Shoppers and visitors of the capital are invited to watch the Guinness World Record attempt as it happens live.

GO SHOPPING AT IKEA: On the occasion of the 49th UAE National Day, IKEA, the Swedish home furnishing retailer, is giving its customers a 25 to 75 per cent discount on selected products across all stores in the UAE. With the aim of creating a better everyday life for the many people, the retailer joins the nation in the celebration and offers irresistible prices on some of IKEA’s must-have. With the start of the festive season, customers can take advantage of these offers to refresh their homes and buy holiday gifts for their loved ones.

HUTONG HOSTS A NATIONAL DAY BRUNCH: Hutong, the contemporary Northern Chinese restaurant and bar in the DIFC, is introducing a new Saturday Brunch. The new offer will launch on Saturday, December 5 coinciding with celebrations around the UAE’s 49th National Day. To further mark the occasion, Hutong will be serving a special edition Dim Sum Platter showcasing the colours of the UAE flag during lunch and dinner throughout the week, while the iconic wishing tree in the centre of the restaurant will be adorned with wishing cards featuring the flag.

FREE STICKY DATE PUDDING AT APRONS AND HAMMERS: Treat yourself over the long weekend with a free sticky date pudding from Aprons & Hammers La Mer and JBR locations with any bucket or platter. This dessert takes a Middle Eastern twist with medjoul dates wrapped in warm sponge cake, drizzled with a hot pour of caramel sauce for the ultimate drench, and served with vanilla ice cream. This item comes free with every main course from December 1 to 5.