UAE National Day

UAE National Day is a unique experience!

Every year on the 2nd of December Dubai celebrates a national holiday called the UAE National Day. On UAE National Day all seven emirates of the UAE celebrate the emerge of the UAE. Out of the seven Emirates Dubai is probably the best to celebrate UAE National Day because there are many special activities organized across the city including fireworks, dance shows and car rallies. 

The history of UAE National Day

On December 2, 1971, the seven emirates Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaywayn, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah joined together. Although the emirates had signed a treaty since 1892, it was only in 1971 that the British left and the emirates became completely independent. Every year the citizens of the UAE dress up in UAE national colors, decorate their homes and streets and celebrate the day with happiness.

UAE National Day activities in Dubai

The 2nd of December is UAE National Day, but the residents of Dubai are also off on the 3rd and 4th of December. If you are in Dubai on the 2nd of December, you are lucky because you can join many activities and parties. On UAE National Day almost everyone carries the national flag and is dressed in national colors. Many places in Dubai, certainly places of national significance, are decorated with the national colors as well. Almost all hotels and tourist spots organize special activities on UAE National Day, but most people celebrate on the streets. Most of the stores are open on UAE National Day, offer special promotions and are often decorated with fur. One of the most spectacular things on UAE National Day in Dubai are the car rallies. Dubai is known for its flamboyant and expensive cars and on UAE National Day you can see the most beautiful and special cars from expensive private collections. Car spotters from all over the world will visit Dubai with their cameras!

UAE National Day fireworks

UAE National Day continues in the evening with lots of parties and a spectacular fireworks show. Try to find a restaurant, hotel bar or rooftop bar to view the fireworks but keep in mind that prices may go up on UAE National Day. There will be fireworks at many different places in Dubai including La Mer, JBR Beach, Global Village and Dubai Festival City Mall and some years near the Burj Khalifa. The fireworks shows usually start between 21:00 and 22:00 hours.