UAE gears up for a spectacular 54th Eid Al Etihad: What to expect

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates is preparing for its most anticipated holiday of the year: the 54th Eid Al Etihad, also known as UAE National Day. Following the official launch of plans on July 18 as part of Union Pledge Day, anticipation is building for a grand celebration that promises to be the nation's biggest yet.

The official public holidays for Eid Al Etihad are December 2 and 3. However, with these dates falling on a Tuesday and Wednesday in 2025, there is a strong possibility of an extended break. Commemoration Day is officially on November 30, a Sunday, but it is typically observed on December 1. This could potentially lead to a four-day weekend from December 1 to 4. Furthermore, UAE public holiday law allows for the movement of holidays to create longer breaks, opening up a slight possibility of an even longer five-day holiday for residents and visitors to enjoy.

While the official location for this year's main celebration is yet to be announced, it is confirmed to take place on Tuesday, December 2. Last year's main event was held at the stunning Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, showcasing the UAE's rich heritage and ambitions. This year, a similar large-scale ceremony is expected at another significant national landmark, captivating audiences with its spectacular visual storytelling.

In a sneak peek of what’s to come, a new behind-the-scenes film was released on July 18, providing an exciting look at the collaborators who brought last year's official ceremony in Al Ain to life. The film highlights the scale and diversity at the heart of the show, hinting at a similar level of creativity for the upcoming festivities.

Eid Al Etihad is a nationwide event, and this year will be no different. The festivities will not be confined to the main celebration site alone. In previous years, special Eid Al Etihad zones were set up in locations across the emirates, including popular destinations like Global Village, Hatta, and Festival Promenade. You can expect fireworks, drone shows, cultural performances, and patriotic decorations to light up the skies and streets in every emirate, bringing communities together in a shared spirit of national pride.

The public is invited to begin preparations for the festivities, with the launch on Union Pledge Day serving as a collective call to action. The Director of Strategic and Creative Affairs for Eid Al Etihad, Eisa Alsubousi, emphasised that the day marks "a collective beginning of celebration and collaboration," and a reaffirmation of the nation's commitment to partnership and inclusion. Get ready to experience one of the UAE's most vibrant and patriotic holidays of the year, celebrating 54 years of unity and progress. Keep an eye out for further official announcements on the holiday dates and the location of the main event.