The 43rd UAE National Day is fast approaching and everyone in the Emirates is gearing up to celebrate in style.

Whichever part of the UAE you live in, there’s no end of events for you to enjoy, including two Guinness World Record attempts. Here are some of the fun activities you can participate in.

[Related: Big Deals Digest: UAE National Day getaways]

National Day events in Dubai

Event Date Location Time Description
The Parade 29 Nov 2014 Downtown Dubai 3pm – 5pm The Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard will turn into a giant stage for a mix of entertainment including floats, mascots, folkloric dancers and Dubai Police super cars. Admission is free and spectators will be handed National Day keepsakes such as flags, balloons and clappers.
National Day Fireworks 1 Dec 2014 Burj Al Arab 6pm Enter before 5.15pm to watch performances and fireworks. Admission is for ticket-holders only. If you haven’t registered already, you can enjoy the fireworks display from afar.
Our Journey – making of the world’s longest graffiti 29  – 30 Nov 2014 Beach Park 10am – 5pm Participate in the making of a 2,180m-long graffiti scrawl with 150 world renowned graffiti artists. Expected to enter the Guinness World Records as the world’s longest graffiti, ‘Our Journey’ is to consume over 7,000 eco-friendly spray paint containers.
Go on a ‘flower flag quest’ Anyday Across Dubai Anytime The Government has attempted to set a new Guinness World Record by creating 43 huge flower flags across Dubai. The biggest flower flag is located at the fifth intersection of Sheikh Zayed Road, planted over 6,500 square meters using 105,000 seedlings. Look out for more in Bur Dubai, Deira and public parks of Dubai.
Art & craft workshops, nail art, stage shows, cake cutting and souvenir shopping 30 Nov – 3 Dec 2014 Mercato Mall 10am – 10pm From watching multicultural performances to getting your nails painted in the colors of the UAE, attend a line-up of events and family-friendly activities on the ground floor and first floor of the mall.
Waterfall flag, falconers and kids parade  27 Nov – 3 Dec 2014 The Dubai Mall 3pm – 12am Catch the UAE flag on a waterfall at the Waterfall Atrium or let your children enjoy a session of face-painting, kids parade and falcons at the ground floor of the mall.
Art and culture activities 1 – 6 Dec 2014 City Centre Mirdif/ Deira All day Each City Centre mall will host family activities such as performances of live Emirati bands, dance troupes, distribution of complimentary Arabic dates and coffee.

National Day events in Abu Dhabi

Event Date Location Time Description
Traditional activities & festivities 27 Nov 2014 Boutik Sun and Sky, Al Reem Island 5pm – 9pm Have your kids participate in a series of activities such as bungee jumping, henna tattoos and bouncy castles. Get up close with falcons and camels or watch traditional dances and the Abu Dhabi Police band show.
National Day concerts 1 – 2 Dec 2014 Across Abu Dhabi 9pm Attend concerts featuring well-known Arab and Gulf stars across various locations in Abu Dhabi.

  • Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival stage (Al Wathba): Fayez Al Saeed and Aryam perform on 1 Dec; Aida Al Menhali and Fatima Zahrat Al Ain on 2 Dec.
  • Madinat Zayed Park: Hala Turk, Moudad Al Kaabi, Rowaida Al Mahrouqi and Adel Ibrahim on 1 – 2 Dec.
  • Delma Island’s public park: Saoud Bou Sultan and Eisa Abdulla on 2 Dec.
  • Al Sila’a public park: Youssef Al Omani and Hessa on 2 Dec.
National Day Fireworks 1 – 3 Dec 2014 Across Abu Dhabi 9pm Watch choreographed fireworks in red, green and white colors across various locations in Abu Dhabi.

  • Khor Al Maqta and Abu Dhabi Corniche on 1 – 2 Dec 2014.
  • Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival stage (Al Wathba), Madinat Zayed Park, Delma Island public park and Al Sila’a public park on 2 Dec 2014.
  • Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain on 2 – 3 Dec 2014.

Events in other emirates

Event Date Location Time Description
Art and culture activities 1 – 6 Dec 2014 City Centre Ajman, City Centre Deira, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Sharjah and My City Centre, Nasseriya All day Each City Centre mall will host family activities such as performances of live Emirati bands, dance troupes, distribution of complimentary Arabic dates and coffee. City Centre Sharjah is to cut a giant C-shaped cake with visitors.
Country of Innovation, a musical play 2 Dec 2014 Flag Island, Sharjah 7:30 pm The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) will host the premiere of the musical play, lyrics of which were written by national poet Ali Al Khawar and composed by Khalid Nasser.
Sea Parade 2 Dec 2014 Sharjah Marine Museum 2 pm Watch the Sharjah Government’s sea parade at the marina of Sharjah Marine Museum.
Mega military show  2 Dec 2014 Across Ajman 9 pm Watch a mega military show from the UAE land, maritime and air forces.
Art and culture activities 2 Dec 2014 Cultural Centre – Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah 4 pm – 8 pm Head out to the Cultural Centre in your Emirate with your family to participate in a series of traditional activities.