There is no shortage of events taking place around the UAE this National Day. We have looked around and picked 10 events that we think you'll enjoy attending during the course of the national holiday week.
Learn more about UAE National Day here.
UAE National Day celebration
Citizens and residents are invited to join in the celebration with a dazzling performance and spectacular fireworks at Business Bay, next to Dubai Design District. It’s a great way to celebrate the UAE’s 44th birthday with your family and friends.
LocationDubai Design District Waterfront When Tuesday, December 1 at 6pm Cost Free. Ticket holders only, get tickets here
Downtown Dubai parade
The now traditional parade at Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard is back. From biker clubs and schools to government institutions and companies, all groups are welcome to participate in the parade to make this year's National Day celebrations a memorable one. Line up on the sidewalk and take it all in and feel the energy of the nation.
LocationMohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai When Saturday, November 28 between 3pm and 5pm Cost Free
UAE National Day boat parade
Back for another year, enjoy the boat parade at the Dubai Marina Yacht Club. Take the family along and see a number of yachts and boats with UAE themed decorations cruise the canal at Dubai Marina. There will also be a number of activities for kids including face painting, raffle draws and even a treasure hunt. You can’t afford to miss this red, black, white, and green flotilla.
LocationDubai Marina Yacht Club When Wednesday, December 2 between 12pm and 6pm
Flag Martyr Exhibition
Organised by the Watani Al Emarat Foundation, the exhibition follows the story of Salem Suhail Khamis, who is considered the first martyr of the UAE killed in defence of his homeland. He was the commander of six comrades at the Great Tunb Island. On Monday, November 30, 1971, at 6am, Salem Suhail Khamis led a battle in defence of Great Tunb Island against attackers where he was martyred protecting an important part of his homeland and carrying his homeland’s flag high and refusing to let it fall.
LocationDubai Airport When Until Thursday, December 3
Journey to the Union
“Journey to the Union” is being organised by the Watani Al Emarat Foundation to showcase the early crucial steps taken on the way to the founding of the UAE on December 2, 1971. It focuses on the key factors that led to the establishment of the modern federal state, with a unified identity, an early intellectual trend that grew and solidified itself in the UAE long before the founding fathers evoked the Spirit of the Union.
LocationDubai Festival City Mall When Until Thursday, December 3
Dubai Police celebration
Dubai Police are holding lots of activities around the Emirate, including an open sports day, carnival and military parade featuring the mounted police and band and, of course, a parade of their famous supercar fleet and bikes.
LocationMohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai When Tuesday, December 1 to Thursday, December 3
Fireworks display
It wouldn’t be National Day without an all-out fireworks display. This year the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing have arranged for the sky at the beach at JBR to be illuminated with a no-expense-spared display that will certainly keep everyone entertained.
LocationThe Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence When Wednesday, December 2 to Friday, December 4, daily at 8.30pm
Masters of Dirt
The world’s leading freestyle extravaganza presented by XDubai will mesmerise you. Featuring 17 of the world’s leading international FMX, BMX, MTB, Quad and Snowmobile riders, two fire cube artists, six Fuel Girls, and a live DJ, you’re going to find it hard to keep up! Great for young adults.
LocationDubai World Trade Centre WhenWednesday, December 2 to Friday, December 4
Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby 7s
One of the most popular sporting events Dubai is back! The tournament is expected to attract more than 100,000 spectators and we have a full guide coming out very, very soon!
LocationThe Sevens Stadium, Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) When Thursday, December 3 to Saturday, December 5
Cycling parade
Why not get active and celebrate National Day with a 37km Cycle Parade? Be part of history as the cycling parade attempts to create the first and largest UAE “moving flag” through the streets of Dubai. The parade will pass under the shadows of some the city’s most iconic buildings along the way, beginning at foot of Burj Khalifa. The cycle parade is not a race and families with children from the age of 10 are welcome to join in the fun.
LocationMohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai When Wednesday, December 2
