Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi has revealed an extensive line-up of events to celebrate the UAE’s 50th National Day, with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) said residents and visitors will be entertained from December 1 to 3 and even beyond.
In a statement, the emirate’s culture sector regulator said the events will invite everyone to share in the success of the nation, celebrate the last 50 years and look forward to the next five decades. The schedule of more than 20 immersive events will celebrate the UAE’s culture, diversity, and people through heritage-focussed festivals, spectacular music and dance performances, sporting activities and breathtaking fireworks displays.
Fireworks
As a highlight of National Day weekend, on December 2, Abu Dhabi’s night skies will be illuminated by the popular National Day Fireworks display. Dazzling spectacles of colour will light up the city skylines in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. Fireworks will also paint the skies above Al Maryah Island on December 2 and 3. Each exhilarating show will start at 9pm. There will also be an additional National Day Fireworks Show at Bawabat Al Sharq Mall on December 2 at 8pm.
Concerts
As well as performances in the sky, the celebrations will also see performances on the ground, with a whole host of live concerts set to thrill audiences. Popular Emirati singer Eidha Al Menhali performing at Qasr Al Hosn on November 26.
This will be followed by concerts across National Day weekend, led by Iraqi artist Majed Al Mohandis, and Iraqi singer-songwriter Aseel Hameem, who will take to the stage at Emirates Palace on December 1. Emirati singer Hamad Al Ameri will then perform at Qasr Al Hosn on December 2, and Emirati singer Ahlam closing the weekend at Louvre Abu Dhabi on December 3.
Unique performances
A unique performance will also taky to the skies at the Abu Dhabi Sports Aviation Club on December 2. A total of 16 skydivers carrying the UAE flag will creating a ‘50’ formation above the city as part of the Skydive Show and Formation Jump. Additionally, in cooperation with Jazira Club, there will be a fly-over featuring approximately 50 airplanes and local pilots, Paramotor and Parasailing Shows with the UAE flag, and for spectators watching on the big screen, gift giveaways of skydiving, parasailing and aviation vouchers.
Also on December 2, Bawabat Al Sharq Mall will host a National Day Flash Mob along with their fireworks show from 6pm to 8pm. The mall will also host the Sheikh Zayed Hologram interactive experience and screenings of Majlis the Story of the 50th, a film which uses archival footage to recount the UAE’s successful journey over the last 50 years. Both attractions will be open from 10am to 10pm until December 4.
Films and art
There will also be a film screening at Qasr Al Hosn, where there will be a special ‘50 Year’ film screening. The first 50 guests on December 2 will also be treated to a private experience of the attraction.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations will continue with Marsana at Hudayriyat Island’s special Year of the 50th activations from December 1-3, as well as celebrations at Sheikha Fatima Park and Qasr Al Muwaiji.
In addition, the Cultural Foundation will see performances of Sailing the Silk Road by the renowned Caracalla Dance Theatre, the interactive exhibition Al Mujamma, as well as art installations and screenings of films by Emirati filmmakers.
Meanwhile, Manarat Al Saadiyat will host immersive art installations and workshops over the weekend.
Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa and Al Jahili Fort will also be participating in National Day celebrations, with exhibitions of historical artefacts from life in Abu Dhabi over the last 50 years on show, and activations which embrace Emirati culture through art, music and gastronomy. In addition, over on Yas Island, the Island’s many entertainment, hospitality and dining attractions will be celebrating the UAE’s Golden Jubilee with 50 days of exclusive offers and competitions.
Seasonal events
During the festivities, two Abu Dhabi seasonal events will continue with their own attractions.
The Abu Dhabi Culinary Season will continue until December 9, celebrating the UAE’s gastronomic landscape over the last 50 years, with outlets taking guests on a food journey through a special culinary activation: the Trademark Story campaign. Taking part in the campaign are 17 malls, and over 100 restaurants, which are offering trademark dishes for a special price of Dh50.
The Abu Dhabi Winter Shopping Season will also get off to a start on December 2, and run until the end of January 2022, with exclusive deals and discounts and shop-and-win promotions.
Street lighting
Enhancing the National Day experience, the National Day Golden Jubilee light decorations will mesmerize visitors and residents. The vibrant lights adorning streetlamps and rails show modern abstract shapes, the UAE flag intertwined with a ‘50’, and the UAE emblem.
