UAE National Day 2024 in Dubai

The UAE celebrates National Day on December 2, alongside Martyrs' Day on November 30. Known as the Spirit of the Union, this date commemorates the unification of all seven Emirates into one nation. From dazzling fireworks to elaborate parades and glittering ceremonies, National Day is a time for locals and expatriates to come together in celebration. Imagine everything wonderful about Dubai happening on this special day: dhow races, parades, and traditional performances await your enjoyment, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display to end the evening.

Traditional Celebrations

Grand celebrations across the UAE mark National Day with fireworks, car rallies, and dance shows. People dress in the national flag's colors—red, white, black, and green—and decorate their homes, workplaces, and streets. Downtown Dubai is particularly lively, with crowds gathering to see the Burj Khalifa display the UAE flag and enjoy the fireworks. Heritage Villages celebrate in traditional style, and air shows and military processions are held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Local corniches host vibrant carnivals featuring colorful floats, while beaches become galleries for sand sculptures. As the day ends, families and friends come together to watch fireworks light up cities across the Emirates.

Events

Taking place annually at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the official UAE National Day celebration is a theatrical extravaganza featuring aerobatic displays, rousing performances, and inspirational speeches that evoke national pride. In Dubai, head to Global Village, where crowds gather to sing the national anthem, or visit the Dubai Mall to enjoy performances by ayala dancers. The Burj Khalifa usually dazzles with an impressive LED show inspired by the UAE flag, complemented by a choreographed performance at the Dubai Fountains. Don't miss the spectacular fireworks against the backdrop of the iconic Burj Al Arab. Beyond the main celebration in Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit offers exciting events, including a fantastic firework display, live music, car racing, and a fair for kids.

History of UAE National Day

Before the UAE was formed, the emirates were part of the Trucial States, a British protectorate created through treaties in the 1800s. In 1968, Britain announced plans to withdraw its forces, which led to talks of a union among the emirates. Though Bahrain and Qatar were initially part of the plan, they chose independence in 1971. The UAE officially declared independence on December 2, 1971, without Ras Al Khaimah, which joined later in February 1972. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the first president and is known as the founding father.