Holiday Alert! The 51st UAE National Day is fast approaching and that means a long weekend is coming. This year's holiday will start on a Thursday and that means a 4-day weekend for the UAE residents. The celebration marks the unification of all seven emirates into one nation. This yearly celebration marks the spirit of camaraderie and patriotism and is the time when both Emiratis and expatriates gather to celebrate the oneness of this country. Are you a visitor or resident who’s looking to take advantage of the long weekend? Here are the best activities to celebrate the UAE National Day in Dubai!
Catch the latest football action on various Fanzones around Dubai
Photo: timeoutdubai
If you’re quite busy and have not been able to catch up with all the football action then the holiday is the perfect time to see the match thrills live. As a FIFA World Cup hub, there are tons of Football Fanzone that sprang up all over Dubai! From luxury hotels, bars, and pop-up fanzones by the beach, you won’t run out of places to watch and celebrate the goals of your favorite team. head to Palazzo Versace and enjoy a scrumptious treat while watching on a big screen with a view of the Dubai Canal. Fancy the good old, pub-style screening? Then heat to McGettigans’s Fanzone, it even comes with a dedicated winter zone!
See our blog on the best fan zones to see the FIFA World Cup live in Dubai to know more.
Head to the beach
Photo: lamerdubai
With the advent of the cool breeze all over Dubai, now is the perfect time to head down to the beach! During the winter, the Dubai beaches come alive with multiple pop-ups and events. There is the fanzone by Hilton Jumeirah Dubai at JBR, you can food hop on the various kiosk on Kite Beach. If you’ve not visited La Mer yet then now is the time to experience it with your family and friends. You can dine and shop, there is also the Laguna Waterpark which boasts five aqua slides, A lazy river, and a surf machine.
Enjoy the Festivities on Bluewaters Island
Bluewaters Island by MERAAS will be celebrating the UAE National Day with lined-up activities planned for everyone. Experience the traditional Emirati celebration with henna artists on the spot, falconry corners, themed performances from Ayala, Al Harbia, and Lewa troupes, and see traditional handiworks on sale from local artisans. Bluewaters Island will also have its own fireworks celebration on December 2 at 8 pm. If you want to join, be sure to be there early to get the best spot.
Take the family on a trip to LEGOLAND Dubai
Photo: Lonelyplanet
Little ones are itching for a family fun day? Then take them to LEGOLAND Dubai over the long weekend. The Dubai theme park will kick off a series of activities and entertainment for the holiday. Events include building the largest LEGO UAE Flag to commemorate the 51st UAE National Day, a park-wide scavenger hunt, and a parade of entertaining characters. When they get hungry, try the limited UAE National Day offer at Bricks Family Restaurant with food decorated in the UAE Flag theme.
Bring the tent out to Hatta
Photo: Meraas
Thinking of resetting? One of the best activities to do on the UAE National Day long weekend is by having a time off outdoors. Basking in nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city is a great way to reset your physical, mental, and spiritual self. One of the best ways to do that is to explore Hatta. Take a hike and admire the majesty of the mountains to refresh yourself. Once you’re done you can camp on-site, and live a night under the stars. You can even turn off all your gadgets to disconnect completely. Do this and you will be refreshed guaranteed
Wander Around Expo City Dubai
Photo: virtualexpodubai
This time last year was the heyday of the Expo 2020 Dubai. Whether you missed out on it completely or missed the Expo feel, this is the time to visit and wander on the site. Various winter-themed activities are lined up at Expo City Dubai. An all-star concert will be held To celebrate the UAE National Day 2022 with performances from Eida Al Menhali and Dalia Mubarak. Expo City Dubai is also airing the FIFA Matches with its own fan zone setup. Although are some fees to get inside the pavilions Expo City Dubai itself is free to enter.
See the lights on Global Village
Photo: whatson.ae
This multicultural destination/theme park is gearing up to celebrate the UAE National Day with a series of fireworks shows every night. Along with the aerial light show, expect a boatload of various entertainment. You can also roam around the site and discover new attractions such as the House of Fear and new 13 new countries.
Experience the tradition at The Waterfront Market
Photo: lovin.co
The waterfront market started its National Day celebrations last Friday, with events planned until December 4. The venue will feature live entertainment throughout, including traditional Al Ayala dancers and roaming cultural parades.
Activities dedicated to the kids are also available, where they will be able to engage in arts, crafts, and VR games. The waterfront market is also hosting an Emirati heritage village alongside the gleaming Deira Corniche waterway, featuring tents that will showcase various aspects of local culture.
