UAE National Day fireworks: All the best spots to view the displays in Dubai, Abu Dhabi

It will be all eyes on the skies this UAE National Day with firework displays across the country, running through the long weekend. Here’s a guide to the best spots to catch the dazzling event over December 1-3 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi’s Corniche: As a highlight of National Day weekend, on December 2 Abu Dhabi’s night skies will be illuminated by the popular National Day fireworks display at 9pm. Dazzling spectacles of colour will light up the city skyline with the Abu Dhabi Corniche serving as an ideal spot to take in the views with family.

Yas Island: The Abu Dhabi island will kick off the celebrations from December 1, with the opening of Yas Bay Waterfront. The venue is also ideal to catch the fireworks which will be hosted every night at 9pm from December 1 to 3. Visitors can expect a line-up of daily entertainment, activations, events and more.

Al Maryah Island: The popular venue is hosting a two-day festival, running across December 2 and 3, where it will explore the history of the UAE and its achievements. But it will also make for a great spot to catch the night skies light up across the two days at 9pm.

Additional spots: The garden city of Al Ain, Al Dhafra and Bawabat Al Sharq Mall will also feature their own fireworks displays. While the former two venues will see skies light up at 9pm on December 2, the latter will a set off at 8pm.

Expo 2020 Dubai: There will be firework displays taking place at Expo 2020 Dubai during all four days of the National Day holiday, between December 1 and 4. The displays will take place each day at Al Wasl Avenue at 8pm.

Global Village: The popular attraction will have Emirati artist Khalid Mohammed perform on December 1, along with performances by the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) Dubai will see more than 60 young musicians playing their rendition of the UAE national anthem as well as popular classical pieces by contemporary composers during a 60-minute long concert across three nights. Visitors to the destination will be treated to traditional musical fireworks displays on December 1, 2 and 3 at 9pm.

Atlantis The Palm and The Pointe: The hotel will celebrate the weekend with fireworks on December 2 and 3 from 8pm. On Thursday, guests can watch displays at The Pointe from the shores of Atlantis, The Palm and on Friday, flip sides as Atlantis hosts a display over the waters of The Palm.

Dubai Festival City: Emirati singer and actor Rashed Al Nuaimi will perform at the mall on December 2 at 7.55pm before fireworks set off at 8pm and again at 10pm, followed by a themed National Day fountain and laser spectacle.

The Beach, JBR: The Beach, opposite JBR is offering a venue to catch the dazzling fireworks, along with live entertainment for the family. Musicians and live band performances ranging from authentic Arabic music, including shows from an oud trio and up-and-coming Sudanese star Amjad Shakir known for his famous covers of English songs including John Legend’s ‘All of me’, as well as his appearance on season three of MBC’s ‘The Voice’ in 2015. Fireworks at 8.30pm on December 2.

La Mer: In celebration of UAE’s National Day, La Mer is hosting a fireworks display, coupled with vintage jazz performances. Visitors can take in the music, the live performances from December 2 to 4 and catch the fireworks on December 3 at 8.30pm.

Bluewaters Island: Over on Bluewaters Island, there will be lights shows every three hours at Dubai’s newest attraction Ain Dubai from 6.30pm to 10pm from December 1 to 3, which will be complemented by a three-minute fireworks show taking place at 8.30pm on December 2.

Additional spots in Dubai: The Etisalat Beach Canteen at Jumeirah Beach behind Sunset Mall and Burj Al Arab beach are perfect places to view the spectacular displays marking this momentous event in UAE history.