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Things To Do Events & Concerts

4 days of fun: Dubai's epic calendar for Eid Al Etihad celebration has fireworks, concerts, deals and more

Your ultimate guide to the hottest events in Dubai during the last long weekend of 2024



Here's the schedule for fireworks display across Dubai
Image Credit: Gulf News Archives

Dubai: Dubai has unveiled its grand calendar of citywide celebrations as the UAE gears up to commemorate 53 years of the country’s union during this year’s Eid Al Etihad. From fireworks to food deals, we have curated a list of events planned from November 28 to December 3.

Fireworks locations and timings

Dubai’s skyline will light up with fireworks displays throughout the Eid Al Etihad weekend. These are the locations and timings:

December 1: Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR at 8pm

December 2: Hatta at 8pm and Dubai Festival City Mall at 9.10pm

December 3: Al Seef at 9pm

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Global Village will have fireworks on all three days at 9pm.

Decorations and lighting

Dubai’s malls, buildings, beaches, and landmarks will showcase vibrant displays of black, red, white, and green in honour of the UAE’s national flag.

Decorations will be installed at 11 key locations, including Clock Tower Roundabout, Hatta, and Al Khawaneej Roundabout. Lighting installations will illuminate Second Zabeel Road, Second December Street, and Al Mustaqbal Street.

Twelve flag structures will be installed at various locations including Dubai World Trade Centre, Global Village, and all major bridges.

Music, dance, entertainment and more

Eid Al Etihad 53, an event to be held at Dubai’s City Walk on December 2 from 4 to 6pm, will see over 200 performers including flag bearers, dancers, acrobats, traditional bands, and interactive acts. The celebrations will conclude with a special performance by Emirati singer, songwriter, and producer Mohamed Al Shehhi from 8 to 9pm, supported by a 10-member live band.

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Jalsat Moments will host a spectacular line-up of some of the best loved Arabic singers in a spectacular musical special happening at Coca-Cola Arena on November 28. The stage will light up with performances by singers Ayed Yousef, Eida Al Menhali, Nabeel Shuail, and Abdulaziz Al-Duwaihi.

Cirque Du Liban's Pluma Circus will head to Dubai Festival City Mall from November 28 to 30 with thrilling stunts performed by trapeze artists.

On November 30, renowned Egyptian singer Amr Diab will return to the city for an enchanting live performance at the city’s newest open-air music destination in Dubai Harbour.

Fans of grime, garage, and hip-hop music can catch the Dubai debut of legendary British band ‘The Streets’ at Coca-Cola Arena on November 30.

The AKS Dance Festival will light up Zero Gravity on November 30 and December 1, where Bollywood music lovers can enjoy popular numbers and Indo-tech vibes. The first evening of the two-day concert series will feature top DJs like Ace, Beatz, and Gautam spinning Bollywood hits, while the second day will shift focus to Indo-tech sounds with artists like 13UXZ, Basspatch, and Sartek.

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Sundance will bring the best of music and fashion to Soul Beach on November 30 and December 1, featuring Flo Rida, Sean Kingston, and Iyaz headlining day-one with a line-up of top DJs to keep the energy soaring. Day-two will amp up the excitement with headliner Jason Derulo, Fat Joe, and Ja Rule, alongside runway shows both days.

Audiences will be able to relive the charm of the Hollywood Golden Age with the spectacular stage adaptation of Singin’ in the Rain, coming to Dubai Opera from November 30 to December 14.

Multi-award-winning British rap sensation Stormzy will headline Emirates Dubai 7s on December 1 at The Sevens Stadium. The performance will be a highlight in the biggest 7s event to-date, amid a schedule of A-list performers coming to the city for the three-day sporting event.

Dubai Festival City Mall will join in the celebrations on December 2, with a live concert by Aryam kicking off at 8pm. There will also be roaming entertainment throughout the mall from 5.30pm to 10pm.

Other events

Football history will unfold at Al Maktoum Stadium on 30 November with the Kings Cup Dubai, bringing together legends like John Terry, Roberto Carlos, Paul Pogba, David Villa, and Michael Owen. The Hedge & Sachs World Royals XI will face the Kings XI in an electrifying opening match.

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Runners of all ages and skill level can join the Skechers Performance UAE National Day Run, on December 1, with options for 3km, 5km, 10km, and 21km distances. Participants can enjoy city skyline views and festive UAE colours all along the routes at The Track Meydan Golf.

Megacampus Summit, one of the world’s largest and most influential business events, will take place on December 2 and 3 at the Coca-Cola Arena, bringing together the world’s brightest minds and leading experts. Guests will hear from industry legends such as Richard Branson, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Casey Neistat and Randi Zuckerberg among others.

Exclusive hotel offers

From traditional performances to fun-packed kids’ activities and special savings, Dubai’s premier hotels and attractions will unveil special experiences and exclusive offers for families.

Special staycation offers

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Dubai will offer up to 30 per cent off stays and additional savings on spa and F&B (food and beverages).

Edge Creekside Hotel will offer 25 per cent off stays over the long weekend.

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H Hotel Dubai, Stella Di Mare Dubai Marina Hotel, Novotel Bur Dubai will bring exclusive deals to give citizens and residents a pocket-friendly 20 per cent off best available rates.

At ECOS Hotel at Al Furjan Dubai and Coral Deira Dubai, there will be 15 per cent off stays.

Hatta Resorts will have an exclusive ‘Stay and Play’ offer from November 28 till December 3. Visitors can choose from a range of glamping options, including Damani Lodges, private pool Domes, Caravans, and Vintage Campers, and enjoy unlimited, complimentary access to 18 adventure activities at Hatta Outdoor in Wadi Hub. There are also options like ziplining, archery, and wall climbing.

Family offers and discounts

Motiongate Dubai will have a limited-time offer of four tickets for the price of three, for one week only. Visitors can immerse themselves in festive in-park entertainment, while enjoying traditional Emirati dance performances, delicious Emirati cuisine, and beautiful decorations.

At the Expo City Dubai Terra and Vision pavilions, residents can enjoy a 53 per cent discount on Attractions Pass tickets, available at the box office. The Vision Pavilion will showcase traditional cultural activities, immersing visitors in the UAE's rich heritage, while the Terra pavilion will offer interactive, nature-focused experiences that highlight sustainability.

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The celebration includes live performances by Al Firdaus Orchestra, a cultural Ayyala performance, and meet-and-greets with mascots Rashed and Latifa. Al Wasl Plaza will feature Emirati-themed stations with henna, luqaimat, rugag, and other local treats.

All ages will be entranced by the displays at Dubai Dolphinarium where there is 30 per cent off tickets to the dolphin and seal show during the Eid Al Etihad celebrations.

Modesh appearances

Dubai’s beloved mascot Modesh will delight families across the city with appearances across the Eid Al Etihad weekend:

December 1: Dubai Festival City Mall, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Shindagha, and City Centre Me'aisem

December 2: Dragon Mart, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, and My City Centre Al Barsha

December 3: Festival Plaza Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, and Circle Mall

Retail promotions

Shoppers can make the most of deals and sales from November 29 to December 2 on perfumes, jewellery, fashion, footwear, homeware, and apparel from renowned brands.

Food offers

Dubai’s vibrant food scene is preparing to offer an exciting mix of culinary experiences with Emirati Eats at leading citywide restaurants from November 28 to December 3, featuring exclusive tasting menus, special promotions, and events that blend traditional Emirati flavours with global influences.

Millennium Plaza Hotel will welcome foodies with special offers and dining experiences throughout the Eid Al Etihad weekend from December 1 to 3. The hotel’s Italian eatery Al Fresco will offer a 50 per cent discount for diners to enjoy Italian-inspired dishes, and the hotel’s international restaurant Al Dana will celebrate local Emirati flavours and Oriental delights in a special Eid Al Etihad brunch.

Cultural events

City Centre Mirdif will mark Eid Al Etihad from November 28 to December 3 at the Central Galleria from 4pm to 10pm. The event will showcase local talent through a range of community events, workshops, exhibitions, and entertainment. Highlights will include celebrity-led masterclasses, a games night, and a fashion corner, while engaging workshops will offer shoppers the chance to build their skills in arts and crafts. A dedicated Exhibition Corner will reflect UAE’s rich heritage and lifestyle, while traditional performances will add a cultural flair to the celebrations. A vending machine will also offer shoppers exciting rewards and giveaways, further enhancing the festive experience.

Ibn Battuta Mall and Future Bedouin will host the UAE Reimagined exhibition, a three-day event showcasing innovative artwork that honours the UAE's heritage. From December 1 to 3 between 2 and 10pm, visitors will also be able to enjoy activities such as interactive workshops for children, Burqa decorating, Khezran stick painting, bracelet making, henna art, face painting, and traditional live music.

Global Village will welcome family and friends to experience the grand "Hawa Emirati" Operetta on the Main Stage from December 1 to 3. The UAE Pavilion, "971 From the Community" Pavilion, and "Khalifa Foundation" Pavilion will each provide visitors with rich cultural experiences, authentic Emirati flavours, and unique shopping opportunities.

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