Expo 2020 on UAE National Day: Free things to do with the family all day

Get ready for a day of action and fun as UAE celebrates National Day. With the weather set on cool and the skies staying bright, it’s the perfect time for an Expo 2020 visit. And this weekend, things are only getting better for on December 2, all visitors get in for free. Tickets will be available at the gate, Expo 2020 announced on Tuesday. Here’s a look at all the stuff you can do on the day.

Bike around the world: On this one-hour guided tour, you will ride across 192 country pavilions and learn more about the biggest Expo event in history. Timings: 10am-11am. The tour starts at Activation Space B Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Area

Learn how to knit: Drop in at Hammur House at the Mission Possible district for a hands-on lesson on how to use finger knitting techniques to craft creatures from under the sea. Timings: 10am-6pm.

UAE National Day Ceremony: Stand tall as you witness the witness the raising of the UAE Flag on the Stage of Nations in Al Wasl Zone from 10.15am-10.45am

Prepare to be mesmerized by flashmobs that tango on the Earth Plaza in the Sustainability Zone. These dancers come all the way from the streets of Buenos Aires – the birthplace of the dance – and they bring their fine moves with them. Timings: 11.10-11.20am; 4pm-4.20pm

Daily Parade at Ghaf Avenue in Al Wasl Zone: International performers bring forth a cultural fusion of music and dance to this ‘colours of the world’ procession. As part of UAE National Day, the 'Colours of the World' Parade will feature horses from Dubai Police, the Ministry of Interior marching band and much more. Timing: 12.45pm-1.50pm

Kids Aussie Sports Games by Australian Pavilion: Head over to the Aussie Park (5-Aside Football) Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Area with the kids between 2pm and 4pm for a fun coaching class with the pros. The kids will be given on-field training to hone their skills.

Future Engineer Workshop in the Opportunity Zone: Have a creative builder on your hands? Check out one of these workshops, held between 4pm and 12am, that are sure to delight and teach innovation. | Photo for illustrative purposes.

Make 3D Art Workshop: Why settle for 2D drawings when you can give your work a whole new dimension? At this workshop the kids will learn how to. The workshops will be held between 4pm and 12am in Al Wasl Zone.

In the Young Coders Workshop, young people are introduced to the basics of coding in a fun and engaging environment. The workshops are held in Al Wasl Zone between 4pm and 12am.

Journey of a Thread: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre in Al Forsan Zone will host a craft-oriented performance that will showcase little-known facets of Emirati handicrafts from 5pm-5.30pm. Musically and artistically driven, it explores and explains the UAE’s craft story in a compelling piece of live entertainment.

Flying Piano at Pavilion Plaza in Opportunity Zone: Prepare to be baffled as you are serenaded by a piano that floats in the air. The performance melds together music, illusion and poetry. Timings: 5pm-5.30pm

The UAE National Day Ceremony screening: The UAE National Day Ceremony is screening live between 5.30pm and 7pm on December 2. It’ll be broadcast from Abu Dhabi. See it on Jubilee Stage Jubilee Zone or Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre Al Forsan Zone.

Hammour House in the Mission Possible district will host Artist Takeover Opportunity Forum from 6pm-8pm, where UAE-based artists will help you unlock your creative potential in a series of workshops. It’s perfect for kids aged 14 and over

AC Milan - Female academy: Between 6pm and 9pm, children can get coached on how football strategies and playing at Aussie Park (5-Aside Football) Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Area

Journey of the 50th (Expo 2020 Dubai Golden Jubilee Show): Embark on the story of the UAE, the progress of the last 50 years and the values that continue to carry this nation. The show, to be held in Al Wasl Plaza, is sure to be a lesson in drama and magic. Timing 7.30pm-9pm

‘Ousha & The Moon’: Tumble into the world of a 12-year-old girl’s dream, a place where the moon speaks and the threads of destiny are weaved. It’s a look into the fantastic mind of a child born without speech, whose words would one day capture the heart of a nation. Timings: 8.47-8.59 at Al Wasl Plaza