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The UAE National Day on December 2 is an important national event, which is dedicated to the creation of the United Arab Emirates as the union of seven emirates. It is a time of pride, celebration, and euphoria for both nationals and foreigners, and this vibrancy is best felt in Dubai. Being one of the largest emirates in the UAE, Dubai lights up during the National Day celebration with numerous fun activities including firework displays, cultural performances, and concerts. In case you are going to be around Dubai during National Day, this guide is going to lead you to the most awesome events that will help you capture the true spirit of this significant celebration.
The Significance of UAE National Day
Seven emirates including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah joined in 1972 to form the United Arab Emirates under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This event is remembered annually as a symbol of the country’s advancement, unity, and future development. This celebration is done in all seven emirates, but because Dubai is one of the more significant ones, it takes the festivities to another level, coming up with events that can be enjoyed by the residents as well as tourists.
Fireworks Extravaganza: Lighting Up Dubai’s Skyline
Fireworks are widely associated with celebrations and festive occasions, and Dubai is not shy in terms of using fireworks shows to mark the UAE National Day. Several popular places in the city make their roofs glow and attract thousands of people every year.
Best Fireworks Viewing Spots
- Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain: The best place to watch the spectacular fireworks is in the vicinity of Burj Khalifa. Because Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest structure in the world, it provides a perfect background for the bright show. Get to the area around the Dubai Fountain in time to get a good view so that you can watch the synchronized fountain show that is in conjunction with the fireworks display.
- The Palm Jumeirah: The Palm Jumeirah is also a perfect place to watch the fireworks. Sometimes, particularly during events, the Atlantis The Palm uses fireworks which light the sky, and its view is beautifully lit across the Palm. If you are a guest at one of the hotels on the Palm or a diner at a restaurant with a terrace on the Palm, you will get the best view.
- Global Village: For families, Global Village is a wonderful place where they can watch the fireworks and, at the same time, enjoy the different cultural performances. The fireworks show in Global Village can take place at the same time with or after the other celebrations that take place in other emirates to allow the visitors to have a full view of the celebrations.
I can now say how remarkable is the view of the fireworks after experiencing it in Burj Khalifa and The Palm Jumeirah. However, Global Village has its unique appeal particularly for families with kids, as it integrates the two experiences of the cultural events and the fireworks show.
Parades and Cultural Performances
Although National Day in Dubai is celebrated in a contemporary style, it is a good time to recall the history and roots of the UAE. The parades and music performances are also common during the celebration and can be regarded as a reflection of the nation’s history and culture.
Al Wathba Parade
The Al Wathba Parade is one of the most significant and entertaining events to mark the UAE National Day. Although it is not in Dubai, it is in close proximity and is a favorite destination for both locals and visitors from the other Emirates. With military bands, authentic Emirati dances, and camel-riding performers, the parade offers a glimpse into the culture and tradition of the country. It would be a perfect family trip to get familiar with the traditions of the UAE and feel the passion of the citizens for their country.
Traditional Emirati Dance and Music
The UAE National Day is celebrated by various programs across the nation, in Dubai, special events like Al Ayala (stick dance) and other cultural performances are shown. These performances are normally held in places such as La Mer, City Walk, and Dubai Mall where groups of dancers perform in squares or areas close to water bodies.
For a more interactive experience, one may visit the Dubai Heritage Village located in the Al Shindagha area which presents visitors with the chance to learn more about the traditional arts and handcrafts of the emirate, falconry, and camel riding, with live performances. When I was a visitor and had a chance to watch performances by the Al Ayala dancers against the background of modern skyscrapers of Dubai, I had a new sense of the UAE, as a country that reconciles the past with the present.
Aerial Shows: Thrilling Displays in the Sky
During the UAE National Day celebrations in Dubai, one of the long-awaited performances is an aerial show performed by the Al Fursan Aerobatic Team. These precision pilots fly, doing intricate loops, turns, and high-speed maneuvers that send the audience into cheers.
Where to Watch the Aerial Displays
Dubai Marina Beach and Palm Jumeirah are the two good places where one can easily witness the aerial show. The jets form colorful trails in the sky replicating the flag color of the UAE which includes red, green, white, and black. The aerial displays are mostly performed in the afternoon, hence you should get to the preferred place as early as possible to grab a good spot. As for me, the best place to observe it is at the promenade in Dubai Marina with the spectacular background of the Marina skyline opposite the sky filled with fast racing jets.
Concerts: Celebrating Through Music
Music is an important element during the UAE National Day celebrations as many concerts are organized across Dubai for eminent personalities of local as well as international level. Traditional Arabic music, pop, and fusion, concerts are to satisfy the requirements of various musical preferences.
Coca-Cola Arena Concerts
The largest concerts are held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, and famous Arab singers such as Hussain Al Jassmi and Ahlam perform during the UAE National Day. The concerts held here are always awesome events since thousands of fans are enjoying this day through music.
The Pointe and La Mer
If you want to avoid the crowd and just enjoy the music in a relaxed environment, try The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah or La Mer at Jumeirah. Both of them provide concert events, which are held outside and are free of charge. So, visitors can hear live performances and admire the views of the waterfront. These places are commonly known to be friendly to families and children and most of the performances are held throughout the weekend.
National Day Sales
Another way you can enjoy the UAE National Day is to go shopping because, during this time, Dubai has some of the biggest sales and promotions in all the malls and stores. Big shopping malls such as The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Festival City give fantastic offers and discounts of up to 70%.
Raffles and Giveaways
During the National Day sales, many malls arrange raffles whereby lucky shoppers get to take home cars, gold, or vacations. Apart from selling products, these malls include cultural troupes, thus providing entertainment as well as an opportunity to shop. Honestly, I enjoy going to the Mall of the Emirates, because the whole atmosphere is brighter, there are National Day sales, and everything looks very festive.
Family-Friendly Activities: Fun for Kids and Adults Alike
The UAE National Day in Dubai is not only suitable for grown-ups but children and families will also have lots of things to do on this day. Families have lots of opportunities to spend time with the kids, specifically the little ones, at amusement parks as well as special kids’ events.
Theme Parks and Waterparks
Many theme parks, such as IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai Parks and Resorts, and Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, offer some family-friendly special offers during National Day. It is an entire day of entertainment with attraction rides, characters’ parades, and games that are themed on National Day.
Kite Beach and Al Seef
For families who are into outdoor activities, the Kite Beach in Jumeirah provides ample space for the children to run around while the adults get a chance to sunbathe by the shore. There are also other activities like flag making, face painting, and games all in the spirit of the National Day celebrations. Another great family place is AL Seef, situated on Dubai Creek and offering Abras traditional boat rides for children and cultural programs for kids.
Boat Parades: A Unique Maritime Celebration
Lakes and other water bodies in Dubai are also decked up for National Day celebrations featuring water parades. These boat parades are often held in Dubai Marina and the Creek, with yachts and traditional wooden boats called dhows carrying the national UAE flags sailing through the waters gracefully.
For those who wish to watch the fireworks standing on a boat, or to be active participants in the event, the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and several private tour providers are available for boat rides. Being a water sports enthusiast, witnessing the National Day boat parade on Dubai Creek was a fantastic way to witness the celebrations in the city.
Conclusion
The UAE National Day goes beyond being an official public holiday in the calendar, it unites citizens of the UAE across various professional fields and ethnic backgrounds in recognition of the country’s top achievements in every sphere and its uniqueness. Among the colorful fireworks, vibrant traditional cultural dances, and the myriad of concerts, this particular event in Dubai has something for everyone. No matter if you are living in Dubai or are just a visitor, the celebration of National Day is a very inspiring event when the city is filled with patriotic spirit. The best way is to plan your visit in advance to maximize the enjoyment of this wonderful time and do not miss the opportunity to feel the atmosphere of the UAE.
FAQs
1. What is the date for the celebration of UAE National Day?
The United Arab Emirates National Day is celebrated on December 2nd every year.
2. Is there any promotion during UAE National Day?
Yes, different malls and stores in Dubai offer massive sales and promotions on this day.
3. What are the most popular attractions during the UAE National Day?
Some of the best events to watch are fireworks displays, military parades, cultural shows, and concerts among others.
4. Are tourists allowed to be involved in celebrating the National Day?
Absolutely! The National Day celebrations are for all people and even inviteances, so it is a good show to realize what is Emirati culture.
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