As we prepare to celebrate the 50th UAE National Day, it’s time to recognize the country’s tremendous growth. There are a number of events planned for Dubai’s National Day 2021 to commemorate the union of the Trucial States. If you still haven’t made plans for the long weekend, here is a list of 2021 UAE National Day events in Dubai that will be sure to provide you with a fun-filled holiday.
When is UAE National Day?
Every year on 2nd December, UAE National Day, also known as Union Day, is celebrated. The day commemorates the official nationalization of all seven emirates that took place in 1971. In addition, UAE National Day is one of Dubai’s largest annual festivals.
In celebration of UAE National Day 2021, the government and private sectors have announced public holidays from 1 to 3 December 2021.
UAE NATIONAL DAY IN DUBAI 2021: WHAT TO DO
In Dubai, there are plenty of things to do for UAE National Day this year. Just choose your favourite from the following list of activities. Celebrate the union between the seven emirates that took place 50 years ago on the 2nd of December.
FIREWORKS ON UAE NATIONAL DAY IN DUBAI: WHERE TO WATCH?
Dubai residents always look forward to the UAE National Day fireworks displays. Here are some venues where you can see the fireworks:
- Al Seef (Dubai Creek)
- La Mer
- The Beach (JBR)
- The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah
- Global Village on December
- Etisalat Beach Canteen
- Dubai Festival City
A BEACH CANTEEN WITH FOOD AND FUN
Celebrate UAE National Day at the bustling Etisalat Beach Canteen on Jumeirah Beach. The event will run for 17 days, but that’s not all. There will also be live entertainment and fun activities for the kids.
Want front-row seats for National Day 2021 fireworks in Dubai? For December 2, 2021, Etisalat Beach Canteen will host extravagant fireworks for National Day. This year, visitors can also enjoy Emirati traditional dance performances at the Beach Canteen. The celebrations will run until December 11, 2021.
- Location: Jumeirah
- Timings: 2:00 pm – 11:45 pm (Please note that the timings may vary. Please refer to the official Etisalat Beach Canteen website for more information)
NATIONAL DAY ACTIVITIES IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI: BURJ KHALIFA LIGHT SHOW
In honor of Dubai’s 50th National Day, the city’s landmark will be lit up with the UAE flag’s colors. The Dubai Fountains will accompany Burj Khalifa’s UAE-themed light show with local music and ballads.
- Date: 1 – 3 December 2021
- Location: Burj Khalifa and the Dancing Fountain at Downtown Dubai
- Price: Free
NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS IN GLOBAL VILLAGE: WHAT TO DO
Global Village will celebrate National Day in Dubai with a range of activities. The fireworks display and special opera will be the highlights of their lineup. As part of the celebrations, there will also be elaborate National Day Parades that will include:
- UAE Kids Quiz (Until 4 December)
- National Youth Orchestra (2 to 4 December 2021)
- Colors of the UAE (On National Day 2 December 2021)
- National Day Operetta (1 to 4 December 2021)
Enjoy the extensive entertainment, kids quiz, photography competition, concerts, shopping, and food at the Global Village in Dubai during Dubai National Day 2021.
- Date: 03 November to 04 December 2021
- Ticket: AED 15 per person for park entry (online price)
- Location: Global Village
A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE JUBILEE AT AIN DUBAI
Ain Dubai’s special offer is a great way to celebrate the 50th Jubilee. Take in breathtaking views of Dubai from a shared cabin at Ain Dubai. Visitors can also take part in other activities during celebrations at Bluewaters Island.
- Location: Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Island
- Ticket: AED 180 onwards
- Contact: +971-4-428-0411
DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY HOSTS UAE-THEMED LASER SHOW
Dubai Festival City has put together a list of activities for the UAE National Day in Dubai. Two spectacular firework displays will be the highlight of the National Day festivities at Dubai Festival City, as well as the renowned IMAGINE extravaganza, where visitors can observe the spectacular display of the UAE flag’s colors across the bay.
If you are still looking for things to do on National Day in Dubai, book a table in advance at Nando’s, Al Fanar, Peppermill, Turkish Village, Chili’s, Five Guys, Famous Dave’s, Semsom or Joe’s Crab Shack!
- Date and time: 2nd December 2021, 07:00 pm and 09:30 pm
- Location: Dubai Festival City
AT CITY CENTRE MIRDIF, EXPERIENCE A DISTINCTIVE CAR SHOW
Dubai’s City Centre Mirdif is one of the top shopping destinations. During the 50th Jubilee celebrations, City Centre Mirdif will host a range of activities and events for 14 days until December 4, 2021. There will be a unique car show featuring over 250 cars owned by Emirati car enthusiasts.
The Rooted in the Future Outdoor Market will feature 50 stalls. It will feature local talent and emerging designers.
- Location: City Centre Mirdif
- Contact: 800-22-6255
BBQ ON THE BEACH FOR THE BIG UAE BIRTHDAY
Celebrate the 50th UAE Jubilee at the Big UAE Birthday Beach BBQ at DoubleTree by Hilton at Jumeirah Beach.
To mark the special occasion, there will be fireworks at the mega feast. You can enjoy burrata made in RAK and oysters from Dibba Bay at the sumptuous dinner spread. In addition, guests can enjoy a mocktail called the “Golden Globe of the UAE” that pays homage to various historic achievements including the UAE Mars mission.
- Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dubai, Jumeirah Beach, The Walk, Dubai Marina
- Cost: AED 250 per person | AED 110 per child
- Timings: 07:00 – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-453-3333
UAE NATIONAL DAY 2021: FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO
Another great thing about the UAE National Day celebrations is that many popular retail and dining destinations also take part in them. Here are some things to do for UAE National Day in Dubai across the popular hotspots in the city.
EXPERIENCE A DESERT ADVENTURE
The best way to celebrate UAE National Day is to go on a desert adventure. What could be better than heading to Sonara Camp for the long weekend with the family?
A feast curated by the resident chef awaits you. Along with a delicious dinner spread, guests can enjoy camel rides, volleyball, archery, sandboarding, a falcon show, henna designs, Arabic calligraphy, and Ayallah dances. The activities truly exemplify the country’s 50th Golden Jubilee. Choose from a variety of packages.
- Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road, Margham Gate
- Cost: AED 580 per adult | AED 250 per child onwards
- Contact: +971-4-223-8011
Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden with your family and take in the beautiful blooms. There are some impressive flower arrangements throughout the park, including an enormous replica of the Airbus A380, Smurfs Village, and more.
- Location: Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand
- Ticket:
- Adults (12 and above): AED 55 (Aged 12 and above)
- Children (3 to 12 years): AED 40 (Aged 3 to 12) (ID required)
- Children below 3: Free of charge (ID required)
- Contact: +971-4-422-8902
MAKE A MINIATURE FLAG AT LEGOLAND DUBAI
LEGOLAND Dubai offers another UAE National Day attraction that you simply cannot miss! Lego-themed activities include building a LEGO Minifigure Flag. Get a picture with the Salute LEGO Model – it was made from 108,231 bricks and took over 470 hours to build.
- Location: LEGOLAND Dubai
- Ticket: AED 220 onwards (1-day ticket per person)
- Contact: +971-4-820-0000