Here are our top picks on things to do this long weekend. Scroll below the movie section to see more National Day special activities in the UAE.
Before that, check out our guide to all the places featuring fireworks over the weekend.
Alone this weekend? That's OK. We got you covered on how to begin to enjoy your own company.
Coffee for Dh1
Tub Of Butter invites guests to help them celebrate their first birthday by giving away the gift of caffeine at Dh1 on Wednesday, 29th and Thursday, 30th November.
Free Yas Waterworld ticket at Ferrari World
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is planning to celebrate National Day in thrilling style. From traditional dancers to stilt walkers, the Ferrari branded theme park will dress up with UAE National decorations, flags, banners, lights and lanterns and more.
Ferrari World is also running its resident National Day offer for all UAE residents who hold a valid Emirates ID. With each purchase of a Bronze admission ticket to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, guests will be able to redeem one complimentary ticket of the same value to Yas Waterworld.
Location Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Dates of offer Till December 3
Camel milk icecream at Ruya
Ruya, located at the Grosvenor House Dubai Marina, will be celebrating UAE National Day on December 2 with a unique dessert; exclusively available on that day. Camel milk has been an essential ingredient for centuries in UAE dining culture. In order to commemorate the national holiday this year, Rüya Dubai have created a very unique ‘Baklava with Camel Milk Ice Cream’ dessert.
Location Ruya Restaurant & Lounge, Grosvenor House Dubai Cost Dh50 for the dessert Date December 2 only Contact +971 4 3999 123 Email info@ruyadubai.com
Discounted staycation at Tilal Liwa Hotel
Tilal Liwa Hotel, a 5-star leisure resort perched on the edge of Rub Al Khali Desert will celebrate the UAE’s 46th year of the Union with A special weekend package for a fun-filled holiday experience starting from Dhs746. The offer gives a family of two adults and two children (six years or younger) a stay overlooking the beautiful hotel gardens or the vast desert. The package includes complimentary breakfast and dinner at the Al Badiya Restaurant.
Location Tilal Liwa Hotel, Abu Dhabi Cost for National Day package Dh746 onwards for family of four (two adults and two children) – non inclusive of service charges or fee Dates applicable November 30 to December 3 Contact 800 85 46835 Email reservations.tilal@danathotels.com
One hour free at Flip Out Dubai
Kids and adults across the UAE can enjoy Flip Out Dubai’s special long weekend offer. When you buy one hour, you’ll get a second hour absolutely free. With an hour’s bouncing normally costing from Dh80 per person, per hour at the region’s largest trampoline park, making this family-friendly offer the perfect way to keep kids entertained over the long weekend.
Location Flip Out Dubai Cost Dh80 per hour per person (Get second hour free) Dates November 30 to December 3 Contact 600 567 568 Website
Find more National Day special activities after the movie recommendations below.
Movies
Better Watch Out
Cast: Levi Miller, Ed Oxenbould, Olivia DeJonge, Dacre Montgomery, Virginia Madsen, Patrick Warburton
Releasing on November 30
Paddington 2
Cast: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville and Hugh Grant, Sally Hawkins
Releasing on November 30
Daddy's Home 2
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell, Linda Cardellini, John Cena, John Lithgow and Mel Gibson
Releasing on November 30
More National Day activities
Head to Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah Island's waterfront promenade will feature fireworks, live cultural performances and festive activities this National Day weekend. Visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy live cultural performances, food trucks, traditional photo booths, and live stage performances from Ayalla, Habriya, and Yolla band. The venue will also include a photo booth allowing visitors to get a taste of being a local Emirati dressed in an Abaya or Kendora. Other activities include henna and sand artists, caricature drawings, and calligraphy. The National Day celebrations will conclude on December 2nd with music band performances, and a four-minute-long fireworks show at 9pm.
Location Al Maryah Island Dates December 1 and 2 Cost Free entry
Book Cleartrip activities at 46 per cent off
Cleartrip is offering 46 per cent off on 46 activities from their National Day collection which can be found on their website. The activities include mini golf, kids’ activities, boat tours, cruises and much more to be enjoyed in the UAE. The offer is 46 per cent cashback on your booking up to a maximum amount of Dh350 using the coupon code UAE46.
A winter garden celebration
Celebrate the 46th UAE National Day at The St. Regis Dubai with a unique event held at the Winter Garden Market. Join in on the festivities with friends and family, with an array of National Day themed attractions, live entertainment and an assortment of Emirati culinary delicacies.
Location Winter Garden Market, St. Regis Dubai Date Wednesday, 29 November 2017 Timings 6pm-8pm
Patriotic nail art for the girls
Queens Beauty Lounge, located at JLT and Marina, is celebrating National Day by offering a range of UAE flag inspired nail art available in matte or sparkle finish. Nails can be adorned with the colours of the UAE flag and for the more adventurous customers, nails can be glossed over with bedazzling sparkle and glitter.
Locations Cluster Y, Swiss Tower, JLT and Trident Marina-scape, Marina Boulevard Walk, Marina Cost Dh100 for a full set of nails or Dh10 for each finger Dates November 30 to December 7; 10am to 8:30pm Contact 04 421 4267 (JLT) or 04 427 9689 (Marina).
Head to IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure launched holiday promotions for the entire family. Starting from November 30 to December 3, tickets to the indoor theme park will be available in-park and online with a savings of Dh46 each on both adult and junior ticket prices. The park will also feature traditional Emirati music and entertainment, which includes, Ayylah dancers, an Emirati traditional band, Falcon displays, and Arabic specialty sweets and beverages.
Location IMG Worlds of Adventure Dates Discounts of Dh46 valid from November 30 to December 3 Website
Fun celebrations at Bay Avenue
Bay Avenue is set to commemorate the UAE’s 46th National Day with activities for everyone. Bringing the essence of Emirati culture to life, visitors can learn the traditional and noble art of falconry. Talented henna artists will embellish guests’ hands while Emirati “Al Habban” dancers will perform the most popular battle scene dance in the UAE’s culture.
Several workshops including sand bottle art, bracelet making, face painting and cookies decoration are set to keep the kids engaged in fun filled, hands-on activities.
Location Bay Avenue, Business Bay Dates 1 and 2 December Timings 6pm – 9pm (Friday, 1 December) and 4pm – 9pm (Saturday, 2 December)
Cultural celebration at Wafi
Wafi Mall, has lined up an exciting set of cultural and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy on December 1 and 2. Activities include henna artists, falcon show, live performances and more. The highlight of the weekend is a spectacular light and sound Show that will be projected across the Pyramids building in the Central Courtyard at Wafi Mall.
Location Main Atrium and Courtyard, Wafi Mall Dates December 1 and 2 Timing 2pm onwards
#LETYOURCOLOURSFLY at Yas Island
Held at Yas Marina Circuit’s North Grandstand and the North Oasis, the National Day Colours celebration will take place from 2pm to 9pm, with activities for guests of all ages. A highlight of the celebrations will be a spectacular firework display at 9pm. As part of the 46th National Day celebrations attendees will be to ‘win big’ with a giant prize give-away. The lucky winners will walk away with amazing Yas Island prizes including experience bundles, hotel stays, dining offers and lots of amazing Yas Island and Yas Marina Circuit goodies.
Location Yas Marina Circuit’s North Grandstand Price Free Date Saturday 2nd December Time Gates open at 2pm with the firework display commencing at 9pm Parking Limited parking will be available via the East entrance and will be allocated on first come first served basis. Register your attendance here
Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina
The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina invites you to celebrate the spirit of the union at Blue Orange this Saturday, December 2 with a special National Day Lunch. Featuring live cooking stations, music and entertainment from Luis the Juggler, it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon with the family with one of Dubai’s most beautiful views providing the backdrop.
Location Blue Orange, The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina Cost Dh249 including soft beverages; Dh399 including house beverages; Kids under 12 eat free Dates and timings December 2, 12.30pm-3.30pm Contact +971 04 511 7373
Heritage celebration in Ajman
Ajman is celebrating National Day over six days, from 29 November to 4 December with a range of activities in participation with government departments and the hospitality sector. Celebrations take place at the Heritage Village at Marsa Ajman with a kids play area and bazaar featuring 20 different shops offering handicrafts, traditional fashion and other products. There will also be performances by traditional bands and Ajman Stud will be showcasing horses. There will also be a special corner dedicated to the martyrs who sacrificed themselves for the glory and safety of their country and also on show are Ajman museum; villages of desert, coast and urban life, and alternative medicine.
Among the events is a food festival featuring traditional dishes provided by families and restaurants in the emirate and an exhibition of diving tools and a diving course will be on offer. There will also be a Land and Sea Carnival which extends for 1km and includes parades, bands and performances of folk-art bands, as well as a number of models and balloons that reflect the Spirit of the Union of the Emirates.
Location Heritage Village, Marsa Ajman Dates and timings November 29 to December 4; 10am onwards
Shopping and entertainment at Ibn Battuta Mall
Ibn Battuta Mall will be celebrating the UAE National Day with traditional Emirati entertainment from 28 November to 2 December. There will be a special heritage area at India Court – where falconers, henna artists, Arabic calligraphers and face painters will entertain visitors every day. Arabic coffee and dates will also be served daily from 3pm to 9pm. Traditional Al Youla dancers will add to the celebrations with their graceful moves on 1 December from 6pm to 10pm and 2 December from 4pm to 9pm at the China Court.
Location Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Dates 28 November to 2 December
Special menu at 7Elephants Dubai
From Thursday, November 30 to Thursday December 7, DIFC’s 7Elephants Dubai is taking it home with a National Day Platter menu specially curated for this historic occasion. From the UAE’s signature lamb kebab skewers marinated in saffron and turmeric, beetroot hummus mixed with tahini, yogurt, olive oil and topped off with walnuts, to The National Salad with kale quinoa, cherry tomato, and date, the feast created by the kitchen team headed by the talented Chef Mahmoud Turkmani is a mouthful of exotic flavors that’s sure to entice each’s taste buds and patriotic spirits.
Location 7Elephants Dubai, Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC Dates and timings November 30 to December 7, 12pm to 2am Contact +971 4 354 4354 Email Reservations@7elephantsdubai.com
Family fun at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain
The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi will hold an array of celebratory events at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain on the occasion of the UAE’s 46th National Day. The celebrations will take place in the central courtyard of Al Jahili Fort, where visitors can explore the history of the UAE since its foundation, through a heritage studio.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy traditional entertainment of “Harbiya” and “Ayala” performances, followed by an air show by the Emirates Falcons team, entertainment activities including competitions, popular games and puzzles, a variety of UAE heritage cuisine, a selection of handicrafts and henna, and school student’s performances. The day of celebrations will conclude with an outdoor concert by Emirati singer Harbi Al Ameri
Location Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain Dates and timings Saturday 2 December from 4.30pm to 10pm
Family day at Dubai Garden Centre
Alongside different vendors selling a variety of handicrafts, organic products and food items, there will be cultural music, free henna, free camel rides, free yoga, live Arabic cooking, cultural shops, National Day photo booth and much more at this family friendly venue this Saturday. Free National Day themed craft activities will be offered in addition to free face painting, balloon bending, bouncy castle, popcorn and candy floss and more. Festivities will start at 10 am with the national anthem.
Location Garden Souq at Dubai Garden Centre Cost Free entry and free activities Date December 2 Timings 10am to 2.30pm Contact 04 590 4000
Celebrate UAE National Day with a splash
Splash n Party will be hosting a celebratory party for the little ones to enjoy, from November 30 to December 3. The entertainment will include; stilt walkers, jugglers, dancers, LED light shows and a Mermaid show. Each entry ticket will cost Dh46 only for one child and one adult and tickets will be available at the entrance of the park.
Location Splash n Party Cost Dh46 admits one child and one adult Dates of offer November 30 to December 3 Timings 9am-9pm Contact 04 388 3008
Free activities at Copthorne Hotel Dubai
Copthorne Hotel Dubai will be beautifully decorated with patriotic UAE flags and a section of the lobby will be dedicated to traditional activities where Emirati ladies will be cooking the traditional sweet, loqimat, and a henna artist will be offering free henna design to guests and residents. A falconer with his falcon will be present on December 2 giving guests the opportunity to take their souvenir photos. The Crystal Restaurant will be offering a lunch buffet on the same day featuring Emirati dishes for Dh46.
Location Copthorne Hotel Dubai Port Saeed Cost for lunch buffet Dh46 on December 2 Contact +971 4 295 0500 Email fandbres.cdxb@millenniumhotels.com
Staying in?
Not up to braving the crowds in Dubai? Did you know that you can now order crowd-favourite McDonald's fries (more like ours as you can see) and meals on UberEats for delivery in Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi?
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