Celebrations light up the Emirates ahead of the year end season

UAE residents are gearing up for a long weekend as the country marks its 54th National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad. The annual celebration commemorates the founding of the UAE on December 2, 1971, when six emirates united to form a single nation. 

Ras Al Khaimah joined shortly after, in February 1972.

Authorities have declared Monday and Tuesday, December 1 and 2, as official holidays for both the public and private sectors. Regular working hours will resume on Wednesday, December 3.

A wide range of festivities is planned nationwide, from cultural performances and concerts to themed events in shopping malls. Retailers are rolling out National Day sales, and the country’s landmarks will be illuminated in red, green, white, and black.

The skies will also play their part, with fireworks displays scheduled across several emirates, drawing families outdoors to enjoy the long holiday.

This year’s National Day atmosphere comes with an added spark. Many of the planned events and public decorations will serve as a prelude to the UAE’s end-of-year celebrations, seamlessly launching the festive period that leads into Christmas, New Year, and the busy winter tourism season.

Malls and public spaces are already beginning to shift into holiday mode, meaning residents can expect a blend of National Day themes and early seasonal cheer.

Hotels across the country are offering a variety of National Day promotions, from discounted stays to family packages. With the holiday weekend marking the start of the UAE’s peak travel and leisure season, many residents are taking advantage of the deals for a short getaway or staycation.

As National Day festivities unfold, they will set the tone for a lively and colorful stretch of celebrations lasting through the end of the year.