Just over half a century after the nation was officially formed, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the world’s most acclaimed global destinations. It provides some of the highest levels of personal safety and security of any major city, welcomes a diverse mix of visitors and residents who enrich its cultural landscape, and has a thriving real estate market that offers exceptional value for investors.
The UAE was officially formed as a union of six emirates on December 2, 1971 (Ras Al Khaimah would join in a few short months later). It is hard to imagine the exponential level of growth that has occurred since that day and how the landscape of the entire country has been transformed.
As the UAE continues to march forward and plan new innovations for the future, it never forgets to look back towards its roots. What used to be known as National Day eventually morphed into Union Day to mark the unification of the emirates. In 2024, the day was officially renamed Eid Al Etihad - literally ‘Festival of the Union’ - and the celebrations, taking place across every emirate, will be more special than ever. Here are some of the best ways you can celebrate the 53rd UAE National Day in Dubai.
1. Eid Al Etihad Fireworks
Whether it is New Year’s Eve, the celebration of cultural occasions like Eid, or UAE National Day, Dubai puts on spectacular fireworks displays that add a sparkle to every holiday. This year, several iconic locations in the city will host dazzling pyrotechnic displays, each carefully choreographed to reflect the nation’s spirit of unity and progress.
On December 1, the festivities will kick off at Bluewaters Island and Jumeirah Beach Residence at 8pm. The picturesque mountain region of Hatta will also be the backdrop for a National Day spectacle at 8pm on December 2, in addition to the waterfront promenade at Dubai Festival City, which will host a show at around 9pm. On Tuesday evening, the fireworks displays will have their finale at Al Seef, another popular waterfront destination in a historic district that is designed in the style of a traditional fishing village.
2. The Union Parade at City Walk
For the second consecutive year, City Walk will host the annual Union Day Parade, a thoughtful tribute to the UAE’s culture, heritage, and diversity. The parade will feature a variety of performers, including students, who will follow a route starting from the Coca-Cola Arena and winding through the main street of City Walk. After the parade, there will be live performances from Emirati singers and musical artists at the City Walk central plaza.
3. Cultural Celebrations at Heritage Sites
Watani Al Emarat, the organisation that promotes and manages cultural celebrations – especially on National Day – will be setting up special Eid Al Etihad zones in all seven emirates. Many of the key historic sites in the nation will be offering immersive cultural experiences that honour the UAE’s traditions and history.
This includes Hatta Heritage Village, Al Shindagha Museum, Etihad Museum, and the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. The entire region of Hatta will be a centre of festivities with light shows and outdoor performances, and lights will also dance across key landmarks like Dubai Frame and the Clock Tower roundabout in Deira.
Al Ain, a city in the emirate of Abu Dhabi that has helped to deepen the UAE’s cultural footprint, will be the site of the main Eid Al Etihad celebrations. This year’s theme will be all about sustainability, with the decor and the festive events in Al Ain built around that theme.
4. Festivities at Global Village
Global Village is a major cultural and entertainment destination in Dubai that has grown into an institution in its own right. Hosting a collection of pavilions themed after different countries around the world, it is a grand tribute to the UAE’s multicultural diversity. Global Village is also an ideal option for enjoying the cooler months in Dubai as it runs from October to April, and it is at the heart of festive events from Diwali to Christmas.
As part of its Eid Al Etihad celebrations, the entirety of Global Village will be decked out in local colours and will host a number of cultural events. The Hawa Emirati Operetta will run from the 1st to the 3rd of December, along with nightly fireworks at 9pm. The UAE Pavilion and Khalifa Foundation Pavilion will be serving up traditional Emirati dishes and conducting workshops around local culture and tradition.
5. Live Concerts Featuring Regional Stars
No celebration in Dubai would be complete without a musical performance, and for Eid Al Etihad, there are several lined up. The first series of concerts will be held on November 28 at Coca-Cola Arena, where Emirati singers Ayed Yousef, Eida Al Menhali, Nabeel Shuail, and Abdulaziz Al-Duwaihi will perform. The next concert will be on November 30 at Dubai Harbour, featuring Amr Diab – an icon of Arab pop who has been influencing regional music since the 80s. On the evening of Eid Al Etihad itself, Emirati singer Aryam will light up Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City.
6. Family-Friendly Fun at Expo City Dubai
Expo City is the continuing legacy of Expo 2020, which was hosted in Dubai to tremendous success despite global challenges caused by the pandemic. This mixed-use district repurposes the Expo venue, transforming it into a destination that draws visitors year-round. It has become a new centre for exhibitions and events in the city, and will accordingly be hosting its own celebrations for Eid Al Etihad. The Firdaus Orchestra, a female musical ensemble that was formed for Expo 2020, will be putting on a special themed performance combining traditional and modern musical elements. The Vision Pavilion, one of the key areas in Expo City, will present local activities such as henna painting, and will serve up some local sweet treats.
