National Day in Dubai – a guide

What is National Day in Dubai and what is its significance?

UAE National Day – what is it? National Day, also known as the United Arab Emirates' national holiday, is a celebration in which the residents of the Emirates celebrate the unification of the seven emirates into one country. On 2 December 1971, the sheikhs of six emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain and Fujairah – signed an agreement to form the UAE federation. Later, the emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah joined them, creating the modern United Arab Emirates. An interesting fact is that initially, Qatar and Bahrain were also supposed to join the UAE, but ultimately these two regions decided to remain independent.

The creation of the United Arab Emirates is an event of key importance for the national identity of Emiratis. National Day is not only a political holiday, but also a cultural event that brings residents and tourists together in celebration of national tradition. The UAE flag and its distinctive colours – green, white, red and black – fly in the streets, and the inhabitants of the Emirates celebrate together in an incredible atmosphere of joy and unity. The UAE's national holiday is similar to the independence days we are familiar with in Europe.

For the United Arab Emirates, this is not the only important anniversary. The UAE's calendar of important national holidays also includes another name: Commemoration Day. How does National Day differ from Commemoration Day in the Emirates? Commemoration Day commemorates the martyrs and those who gave their lives in the service of the state, while National Day celebrates the unification of the emirates into one nation in 1971.

When is National Day celebrated in the Emirates?

National Day in Dubai is celebrated on 2 December every year. The date of the holiday is permanent and does not depend on the Muslim calendar (as is the case with other movable holidays), which makes it easy for tourists to remember. The year 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the union, which means that the celebrations will be even more spectacular. It is worth planning a trip to Dubai during this period, as it is the perfect time to experience the unique energy of the city and take part in the numerous events related to the National Day celebrations.

When planning a holiday in Dubai, tourists often consider December. This is the month of the UAE's national holiday, Christmas and many other events in Dubai. Before planning such a trip, it is worth reading what a holiday in Dubai in December looks like.

What are the traditions and symbols associated with National Day?

National Day celebrations in Dubai and the rest of the UAE are a magical time when the whole country is bustling with life. In Dubai, residents and tourists celebrate this holiday together with parades and fireworks, which are the main attractions of the celebrations. The patriotism of the Emiratis is visible at every turn. The streets of the city are decorated with national flags, balloons and decorations in national colours, and public places host artistic performances, concerts and events promoting UAE culture.

Families gather for picnics, and residents are eager to share their traditions with visitors from around the world. Arab culture blends with traditions and symbols typical of UAE residents. Military parades showcase the country's strength and unity, and in the evening, fireworks light up the sky, attracting crowds. This is also a time when shopping centres offer special deals, such as the famous Dubai Shopping Festival, which often coincides with the celebrations. Therefore, even a holiday is a good time to shop in Dubai. In connection with the traditions and national symbols of the United Arab Emirates, it is worth learning what holidays are celebrated in Dubai.

What does National Day in Dubai look like?

Patriotic celebrations in Dubai during National Day include many different activities and attractions in which both residents and tourists participate. What to do in Dubai during National Day? It is definitely worth going to the Burj Khalifa to see the world's tallest building in the national colours. But what else is there to do during the United Arab Emirates' Independence Day? What parades and celebrations does National Day Dubai offer? Where can you watch the best fireworks displays on National Day Dubai?

• Watch the fireworks displays: late in the evening, the sky above Dubai lights up with thousands of colours. The best places to watch the fireworks are Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab and Dubai Marina. These shows are an unforgettable experience for everyone.
• Watch parades and cultural shows: parades are organised throughout the city to showcase local customs and national traditions in Dubai. You can see traditional dances such as Al Ayala and falconry shows, which play an important role in Emirati culture. The military parade in Dubai, showcasing the strength of the United Arab Emirates army, is also worth seeing.
• Attend concerts and artistic performances: artists from the UAE and abroad perform on stages throughout the city, offering a mix of national and contemporary music. Concerts are often held in venues such as the Dubai Opera or in open spaces.
• Eat something delicious at culinary festivals: Dubai is famous for its variety of food, and during National Day, many restaurants serve traditional Emirati dishes such as harees and luqaimat at promotional prices.
• Take the whole family to special events: parks and entertainment centres organise special events that provide plenty of attractions for children and adults alike. Global Village is the perfect place to combine fun with learning about UAE culture.

Other attractions in Dubai can be booked on the Two Continents website.

Attractions and events during National Day in other emirates

Special events in Dubai are not the only attractions during National Day in the United Arab Emirates. You can also enjoy military parades in Abu Dhabi and other smaller emirates such as Sharjah or Ras Al-Khaimah. Concerts and cultural events are held throughout the country, so no matter where you are spending your holiday in the United Arab Emirates, you will certainly be able to take part in the celebration of such an important anniversary as National Day.

Tips for tourists before National Day in Dubai

When planning a visit to Dubai during National Day, it is worth remembering a few important things: Public transport during National Day can be very crowded. It is a day of celebration when many people have time off, so even the waiting time for a taxi, especially in the evening, can be significantly longer. Are shops open during National Day in Dubai? Yes, shops and shopping centres are open as usual during National Day. Attractions and accommodation will be even more crowded during this period, so it is worth booking in advance. When it comes to accommodation during this period, it is worth choosing a proven solution and booking accommodation in Dubai in private apartments from Two Continents.

Questions and answers (FAQ):

• What attractions await tourists during National Day in Dubai?

During National Day, the United Arab Emirates' national holiday in Dubai, tourists can enjoy attractions such as fireworks displays, special light shows at the Burj Khalifa, cultural and culinary events in restaurants and cultural centres, as well as festive promotions in shops and beautifully decorated cities in national colours.

• Is National Day in Dubai a day off from work and school?

Yes, the United Arab Emirates' National Day is an official public holiday, which means it is a day off from work and school in Dubai and the other emirates. Government offices and businesses are closed, but shops and the tourism sector operate as normal.

• Where can you see the best fireworks displays in Dubai on National Day?

The best place to watch the National Day fireworks displays is at well-known locations in the city, such as under the Burj Khalifa, on Palm Jumeirah, at the Burj Al Arab or in Dubai Marina, where the light shows are breathtaking.