Dubai is set to deliver a memorable programme reflecting unity, pride, and progress for the 54th UAE National Day.
A Long Weekend Honouring 54 Years of the UAE’s Union The three-day celebration will feature: • Citywide fireworks; • Major concerts by regional stars; • Cultural performances across more than 20 locations; • Retail promotions and themed mall activities; • Exclusive hotel and attraction offers; • Sporting events and outdoor celebrations; • New experiences created especially for UAE National Day.
The programme is designed to appeal to all audiences—from families and tourists to culture enthusiasts and long-term residents—showcasing the best of Dubai’s diversity.
Parades That Celebrate Unity and Community The Eid Al Etihad Parade, held in collaboration with Dubai Police, returns on 1 December at City Walk. Featuring over 1,000 participants, including students, government entities, heritage performers, and uniformed personnel, it creates a vibrant display of national pride.
Fireworks Lighting Up the Dubai Skyline Dubai’s most anticipated UAE National Day fireworks will take place on 2 December across multiple destinations: • Dubai Festival City Mall – 8pm; • Hatta – 8pm; • Souk Al Seef – 9pm; • Bluewaters & The Beach, JBR – 9pm. From 1 to 3 December, Global Village will complement the celebrations with nightly fireworks and spectacular synchronized drone shows at 9pm.
Headline Concerts and Live Shows Across the City Dubai’s entertainment scene will be in full swing throughout the long weekend. Major highlights include: • Balqees live at Festival Bay – 2 December; • Diana Haddad at City Walk – 1 December, free entry; • Shamma Hamdan at City Walk – 2 December, free entry; • Dubai Opera hosting two nights of the popular Kuwaiti comedy Ayal Iblees; • Expo City Dubai continuing its Al Wasl Season programme.
Emirati Culture Takes Centre Stage More than 20 locations across the city will host traditional performances, including Al Ayala, Yola, Liwa, folk arts, storytelling, and handcrafted displays. In Hatta, celebrations gain a natural backdrop with illuminated streets, enhanced folk shows, cultural workshops, and a patriotic fireworks display set against the area’s dramatic mountain views.
Retail Promotions and Mall Activations From 1 to 3 December, visitors can enjoy exclusive shopping offers across Dubai’s retail destinations. These initiatives make malls one of the key gathering points during the UAE National Day holiday.
Exclusive Experiences at Dubai’s Hotels and Attractions Dubai’s leading hotels will offer special staycation packages, family promotions, themed décor, and cultural showcases. Attractions will also join the celebrations with illuminated landmarks, workshops, shows, and performances.
Culinary Experiences Inspired by the UAE Dubai Burger returns for 2025, featuring limited-edition burgers inspired by Emirati flavours, crafted by leading venues including High Joint, Sfumato, Hoe Lee Kow, Izu Burger, and Eat Beaf.
Art, Creativity, and Community Engagement A citywide student art competition, organised with KHDA, invites schools to create artworks under the theme “Proud to Belong – Celebrating Our Union, Heritage, and Future.”
A Celebration of Unity, Progress, and National Pride With heritage at its heart and innovation across every detail, Dubai’s programme for the 54th UAE National Day highlights the city’s diversity, modernity, and deep-rooted national spirit.
