UAE National Day 2021: 33 Fantastic things to do with the family over the long weekend

It’s time for another lovely long weekend and for some more fun – perfect timing too, as the weather cools and makes being out and about a joyful expedition. Want to see a colourful fly past or relax with a staycation? Brunch with animals? Or introduce the kids to some old stage classics? Here’s a list of things for you to do over the National Day weekend.

Infinity des Lumières: Head to the digital art centre this weekend for a dive into art. Kids under 15 get into the exhibits featuring the works of Van Gogh and Hokusai free. Accompanying adults pay Dh125. With 130 projectors and 58 speakers, in a 2,700 metre-square venue within The Dubai Mall, it brings to life contemporary art through 3,000 HD digital moving images.

Costa Coffee: Love that morning cup of Joe? Well, this Thursday head over to this café for a 50 per cent discount on everything in store all day long. This is perfect time to try out offerings such as the Gingerbread Latte or Twix Latte, Twix Hot Chocolate and Twix Frostino.

Eat with the animals at The Green Planet: Have yourself a picnic at Dubai’s indoor rainforest, which has more than 3,000 species of flora and fauna. The events at the biodome kick-off at 9.30am, where visitors will meet trained biologists and animal experts. An hour later, there’s an Animal Adventures presentation – one that features Allen the Burmese python, Kiwi the Tarantula, and Thatcher the Anteater. For those feeling peckish, there’s plenty of food on the buffet table including made-to-order omelets, pancakes, burgers, sausages, hotdogs as well as a quesadilla and taco station. Full up and looking for something to do? There are exciting games, music, soft play area activities too. DETAILS: The kid-friendly brunch kicks-off from this Friday and costs Dh49 for kids and Dh175 for adults. Kids under five get in free. Upgrade for Dh60 – this gets you full access to the biodome. Timings: 9am-12pm. Read more about The Green Planet here: https://gn24.ae/ca15e76173ea000

Get your cake at Lapita Dubai Parks and Resorts: This Polynesian-inspired hotel is located smack in the middle of Dubai Parks and Resorts – and that means you can spend the day exploring the themed parks Riverland Dubai, Legoland Water Park, Legoland Dubai, Motiongate Dubai and Bollywood Parks Dubai. To kick things off, on December 2, the hotel will host a cake-cutting ceremony at breakfast. Alongside their slices of cake, guests can snack on Emirati treats with complimentary traditional Luqaimat from 12pm-2pm on the day. Want to check out a live band? Head to the all-day dining restaurant Kalea, where an Emirati group will perform.

Check out the Roll DXB Pop-Up Rink at Dubai Autodrome: Rush past each other with speed; when you enter the pop-up you can race friends or family down the tracks and show them who’s boss. DETAILS: Offer valid on December 2; Dh50 per person, per session.

Pickl: Get yourself a free ice cream sando (pictured) when you eat at this restaurant. On December 2, all who dine-in will get the free ice cream sando. Your options are: vanilla and salted caramel, double chocolate and strawberry cheesecake.

Dubai Design District: Check out a graffiti mural created on a canvas of multiple skateboard decks. This uber Instagrammable installation will be created live at a ‘This is Off the Wall’ event at The Block skate park on November 30. Dubai-based street artist Ramy Elzaghawy (pictured) will create the skate-inspired visual during the three-hour event. DETAILS: The mural will be up until December 4.

Atlantis, The Palm: If you stay at this resort next weekend, you will not only get a 35 per cent discount on rooms and suites but also unlimited access to the Aquaventure waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium. In the evenings on December 2 and 3, you can see dazzling fireworks. Celebrations begin on Thursday - from 10am, guests will be welcomed by Al Mazyood Emirati band. Guests can also visit a traditional Emirati kitchen on the front lawns of Atlantis from 2pm to sample Emirati sweets and fawallah, including Luqaimat (small bites), Chebab (Emirati pancakes) and Khameer bread (Emirati flatbread. The resort’s Ambassador Lagoon will also showcase divers carrying the UAE national flag as well a special commemorative sculpture 10 metres deep in the middle of the lagoon.

Italian restaurant Marea in Dubai International Financial Centre is serving diners up a treat this Thursday. In celebration of UAE’s National Day the Michelin-star eatery has crafted a chocolate almond tart, which will be complimentary for all who eat lunch or dinner there. The dessert is made of rich caramelised hazelnut filling and comes with white chocolate creameux.

A traditionally Arabic meal at The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm: On December 2 and 3, you can feast on mouthwatering ouzi, succulent servings of lamb, and end your meal with a stopover at the dessert station. DETAILS: The Arabic buffet-style lunch costs Dh250 (Adult); Dh125 (child). Kids under six years of age eat free. Timing: 12pm-3pm at Cordelia.

Expo 2020 is not called the world’s greatest show for nothing – there are 192 country pavilions showcasing futuristic tech, there’s the world’s biggest 360-degree projection dome which projects shows, virtual reality and augmented reality segments and so so much more. DETAILS: Kids under 18 and those over 65 go free; one-day tickets are Dh95.

Yummy Dosa is always out to create a new type of dosa (pancake) and this National Day is no different. This Thursday, try the new Oman Chips Dosa. The dosa is filled with homemade green chutney, vegetables, cheese and oman chips. The dosa is served with two types of chutneys on the side. DETAILS: Cost: Dh28

Try the National Day Super Slam at Denny’s: From November 28 to December 4, you can bite into a delicious breakfast complete with eggs done as you’d like them, crispy bacon strips, sausage links, golden hash browns and all you can eat Denny’s famous, fluffy buttermilk pancakes. DETAILS: The National Day Super Slam costs Dh50.

Try the biryani meal at Dhaba Lane: Until December 2, this eatery is serving up a three-course meal - a starter, a main course with a side, dessert and a soft drink/water. There are vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and dishes include matka (earthen pot) biryanis, chicken tikka, grilled paneer tikka and Expo-themed moong dal halwa. DETAILS: Cost for a three-course meal is Dh50.

A typical Indian thali is served at Sagar Ratna: Share this offering because let’s face it, there’s too much for just one person. The thali (plate) comes with two vegetables, one bowl of lentils, four chapattis (flat bread), one dessert, one starter- think moong dal kachori, mirchi bada, cocktail samosa - rice, yoghurt raita, salad and pickle per person. Available all day from 11am -11pm, the menu is different every day. DETAILS: The thali is priced at Dh50 for two.

Watch ‘Sleeping Beauty’ play out on ice, in this modern theatrical show directed by Tatiana Navka, the Olympic champion in figure skating at Coca-Cola Arena. The main female role in the musical on ice will be performed by Tatiana Navka and Olympic figure skating champion Alina Zagitova on December 4 and 5. DETAILS: Tickets to the show at 6.45pm start at Dh185.

A sweet deal at India Palace, Golden Dragon and Sthan: India Palace; Dubai's oldest Chinese restaurant, Golden Dragon; and Sthan, known for serving food from India, Pakistan and Afghanistan are going out of their way to make the long weekend a sweet one. When you eat here, you get a 50 per cent discount of all desserts.

Bite Me Burger: Are you a burger fan? Splurge on this limited-edition serving that’s dedicated to the UAE’s National Day. The mammoth burger comes with buns stuffed with aged Wagyu beef patty, soft and tender lobster tail, foie gras complimented by sauteed trio of porcini, shiitake and oyster mushrooms, crispy onions and shaved black truffles. There are a series of topping combinations to choose from including fried quail egg, pickles, freshly sliced tomato, avocado, smoked beef bacon as well as a choice of fresh, perfect and gooey cheese such as gruyere, cheddar, brie, stilton, Monterey jack, American cheese, gouda and fontina fondu. Then come the sauces: béarnaise, peppercorn, blue cheese, or garlic butter. And finally, the sides: lobster and truffle mac and cheese, triple fried potato fries with pink Himalayan salt, caviar and crème fraiche and fried onion rings. DETAILS: This burger will only be available from December 1 to 4 for dine-in customers who pre-book. Cost: Dh500.

A dance of two cultures at Punjab Grill: Emirati and Indian cuisine come together in this offering. Wonder what that looks like? Well, there’re appetizers such as the Savoury Luqaimat; Fresh Dibba Bay oysters topped with gold flakes; mains inspired by the rich heritage of the UAE such as the Emirati-spiced Gulf shrimps and samak machboos. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s the date and camel milk brûlée. DETAILS: Dh250 for a three-course set menu. Available from November 29 until December 4.

Get half off the bill at Farzi Café: Eat here on December 2 and not only do you get dishes such as Parsi chicken curry and coriander parantha, Kerala shrimp biryani with black gram pachadi and double dairy dal makhni but also a slash on your bill. Try the Farzi Café National dessert on the day too, for Dh36.

Limited-edition Eggspectation waffles: This twist on the waffle brings together rose petals, saffron, orange blossom, rose blossom cream and crushed pistachio, topped with maple syrup. The UAE themed breakfast classic wil onlyl be available for Dh 39 on December 2.

Watch a classic show for Dh50 at Dubai Opera: Introduce your kids to the magic of theatre – and do it without breaking the bank. Until December 3, 50 guests have the chance to buy tickets to the following shows for just Dh50: Anna Karenina, December 2 at 8pm; Sound of Christmas, December 21 at 8pm; Tosca, December 27 at 8pm; Chicago! The Musical, January 5 at 8pm; and Flamenco Passion on February 5 at 2pm. Use the promocode 50for50 before you checkout on Dubai Opera’s website to score these tickets. The promocode is valid only on Silver tickets. Tickets are limited (there are only 50 per show).

Work on cupcakes with this kids: Children will love the delicious DIY cupcake-decorating kit from Mister Baker, which can be purchased in-store and includes six plain cupcakes, three bags of icing in red, green and white and chocolate chips for the finishing touch for just Dh75.60.

Aquaventure Waterpark: UAE residents can now avail 40 per cent off all Aquaventure bookings made from the November 29–December 3 with the offer redeemable from December 4– 21. Visitors can also take advantage of discounted prices for fun and educational marine animal experiences and admissions to The Lost Chambers Aquarium. DETAILS: Stand-alone admission for adults are Dh159; for kids Dh139.

Kids learn papercraft at Times Square Center: Until December 4, Times Square Center will host a series of workshops and interactive exhibits. For children, there are sessions that teach card making and paper crafts.

Celebrate at Waterfront Market: Dubai’s fresh food market will host a wave of indoor and outdoor activities from tomorrow until December 4 to mark the UAE’s golden jubilee. There’s ayala traditional dancing and a roaming parade, a UAE museum act and a special area offering a number of kids’ activities including card and beads jewellery making in addition to colouring activities. The Market will also host an outdoor traditional Emirati heritage village from December 1 to 4, on the promenade alongside the Deira Corniche. Here, traditional areesh tents will offer a different activity that celebrates local culture, from fishnet weaving and henna art to pottery making and a traditional majlis offering the perfect ambiance for photo opportunities.

See an air show at Emirates Palace: From November 28th onwards, this hotel is going to be on a roll – there’s everything from 50 types of dates to sink your teeth into, to traditional dance performances, a stunning fly-by and admission to a cool kids’ play zone. From Monday to Friday, there will be a number of activities for the tots. Plus, you can catch the traditional Al Ayala Dance, air show and fireworks on Thursday. DETAILS; Family Day Passes for two adults and two kids under 12 are Dh865 and give access to the outdoor play zone, beach facilities and a treasure hunt. A full day not your style? Why not stopover for a picnic instead? On Wednesday and Thursday you can enjoy some gourmet treats between 2pm and 6pm as you see the airshow. Cost: Dh400 per person.

Legoland Dubai: From tomorrow until December 4, Legoland is in celebration mode. Take the kids over to participate in the building of the world’s largest UAE Lego minifigure flag, or take part in a flag hunt that ends with prizes won. The Legoland Dubai ‘Salute LEGO Model’, which is 2.8 meters high and made entirely out of 108,231 Lego bricks, is back too. It models the three-finger salute popularised by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and represents win, victory, and love, and symbolises work ethic, success, and love of the nation. Finally, celebrate by taking home your very own limited-edition Lego collector brick, commemorating the 50th spirit of the union.DETAILS: A full-day ticket costs Dh275

Motiongate Dubai: Play all day at the region’s largest Hollywood-inspired theme park, which is home to five movie-themed zones. There are roller coasters to ride, stunt shows to watch and film characters to meet here. When here, stop over at the Very Smurfy Café that’s come up with a new kids’ menu for Dh50. It includes a surprise gift too. Tickets start at Dh275

New adventures at Fun Block: This indoor playground has more than 20 exciting activities to choose from for kids aged between one and 12. There are fun rides such as Hello Kitty Fun House and Memo Twister; games including Jurassic Park DX and Overtake DX; and a soft play structure to choose from.

Brunch at Swissotel Al Ghurair, then go on an abra ride: This hotel is just a short walk from the lanes of Bastakiya and Al Fahidi Fort, where you are sure to get plenty of Instagram photos. Don’t forget the short abra ride for those cool pics. Over the long weekend, you will see an Arabisque twist to the “Around the World” Friday Brunch. Guests are invited to try traditional whole lamb ouzi, rose blossom mouhalabia rice and milk pudding, bundles of logaimat, along with themed beverages. For the kiddos, during brunch, there are activities such as painting, cooking and Zumba on hand. There’s also a treasure hunt around the hotel and traditional Emirati games to be played. DETAILS: The Emirati-themed brunch on December 3 at Liwan Restaurant from 12.30pm- 4pm is priced at Dh175 (adult) and Dh88 (kid). Children below six dine for free.

DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach is throwing the ‘The Big UAE Birthday Beach BBQ’on December 2, from 7pm to 11pm – and you are invited. There are to be locally-sourced delicacies such as burrata made in Ras al Khaimah and oysters from Dibba Bay; there are to be fireworks against the backdrop of Ain Dubai; and there is to be live music. DETAILS: Dh110 (child); Dh189 (adult) for dinner.

JA The Resort: Enjoy some traditional nosh, live entertainment and activities, and fireworks at this resort on December 2. Cocooned by one million-square-metres of nature, a private marina, and an 800-metre private beach, this resort will turn into the perfect getaway come 6.30pm. Foodies can enjoy local dishes such as Mahalah Zayed from Fujairah, Ligamat from Dubai, Khameer from Abu Dhabi, Al Margooga from Ras al Khaimah, Khamfroush from Sharjah, Reghagh from Ajman and Biya Mashwee from Umm al Quwain. With an exciting array of live entertainment including traditional music, belly dancers, Ayala dancers and henna, JA The Resort guarantees to delight. Don’t worry about the kids – they will enjoy a bouncy castle, face painting and flag decorating as well as MyDubai themed crafts. The evening will culminate with a lavish display of fireworks. DETAILS: UAE traditional dinner, from 6.30pm to 10pm, at Palmito Garden costs Dh225 per person.