UAE National Day 2022: 13 ways to enjoy the long weekend

As the UAE celebrates its 51st National Day, these are the best activities, dining deals and staycations to help you make the most out of the long weekend. 

Activities and Events

AURA Skypool Lounge

The FACT Award-winning AURA invites guests to commemorate the United Arab Emirates National Day with a night swim in the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the famed island in the sky. At an added cost, guests can luxuriate in comfortable AURA branded robes to keep warm throughout the night. 2 December, from 8pm to 11pm. AED 250 per person.

GO: Visit auraskypool.com for reservations and more information.

Bluewaters Dubai 

Whilst a nationwide celebration takes over the city, Bluewaters Dubai will play host to skilled henna artists and traditional Emirati entertainment, celebrating local heritage and history across the National Day weekend. 2 December, from 5pm to 8pm.

GO: Visit bluewatersdubai.ae for more information.

Dubai Festival City Mall Fireworks

Commemorating 51 glorious years of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai Festival City Mall is setting the scene for major celebrations. Visitors can expect marching drumming bands, Al Ayala dancers and enjoy a cup of warm Emirati coffee for free. Emirati singer Fayez Al Saeed will take the stage to perform a 60-minute set with the IMAGINE show creating a spectacular backdrop of lasers, lights, and fountains. Plus, this year’s National Day fireworks show will last a staggering four minutes and 30 seconds. Available 1 to 5 December

GO: Visit  www.dubaifestivalcitymall.com for more information.

Emirates Palace 

An exciting range of festivities will occur under the dazzling Grand Dome at Emirates Palace, including fun-filled children’s activities, traditional Al Ayala dance performances, photo opportunities with the resident falcon and a spectacular fireworks display.

GO: Visit https://www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.

Legoland Dubai

To celebrate UAE National Day, little ones can discover their inner detectives by joining the ‘Parkwide Scavenger Hunt’ at Legoland Dubai. Their mission is to unlock the ‘secret phrase’ by deciphering various clues scattered throughout the park. The UAE National Day celebrations will also feature the appearance of beloved Legoland characters dressed in the UAE colours to celebrate the occasion. 

GO: Visit www.legoland.com for more information. 

Post Malone

Diamond-certified American singer-songwriter and nine-time Grammy Award nominee Post Malone will return to Abu Dhabi for a special outdoor concert at Etihad Park in celebration of UAE National Day. The world-renowned rapper, who has sold 95 million singles and 13 million albums in the US alone, promises to captivate the Yas Island audience with an electrifying performance over UAE National Day weekend. Tickets for the concert are available for purchase from AED 295 per person. Saturday 3 December.  

GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for more information.

Dining Deals

Carine

The FACT Award-winning Carine invites friends, families and loved ones to celebrate National Day with a remarkable Petit Dejeuner. Especially extended from the weekend, guests can enjoy a French-Mediterranean breakfast alongside coffee, tea and mocktails. Breakfast at Carine begins with a delightful basket of freshly baked bread, followed by an extensive selection of eggs. Whilst those with a sweet tooth will delight in French toast with homemade jam and homemade crepes with a choice of salted caramel, strawberry chocolate or mixed berries filling. Friday 2 December, from 9am to 12:30pm.

GO: Email reservations@carine.ae or call 04 417 9885 for reservations and more information. 

JA The Resort

JA The Resort’s National Day celebrations will feature an exclusive performance by renowned Emirati singer Fatima Zahrat Al-Ain, and her daughter Rawda. The mother-daughter duo will present traditional Emirati songs and shows along with their band members. Guests can also witness a stunning firework display and a culinary feast with a National Day buffet featuring Emirati specialities such as slow-cooked lamb ouzi, lamb thereed, chicken machboos, samak mashwi and traditional hareeth. Friday 2 December, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm. AED 550 per person.

GO: Call 04 814 5604 for reservations and more information.

La Maison Ani

This National Day, La Maison Ani invites friends, families and loved ones to celebrate the joyous occasion with a culinary adventure of exquisite dishes accompanied with a soulful and engaging live jazz band performance. Guests can enjoy delightful French-Mediterranean cuisine served within La Maison Ani’s elegant and inviting brasserie or within their tropical and vibrant terrace, where enthralling views of the Dubai Fountains choreographed to the tune of the UAE’s National Anthem await. Friday 2 December from 8pm.

GO: Email reservations@lamaisonani-restaurants.com or call 04 456 1989 for reservations and more information.

Yamanote Atelier

The FACT Award-winning Yamanote Atelier welcomes diners to browse their brand-new products specifically designed to celebrate the spirit of the union. Each year, the Yamanote culinary team curates a delicious selection of limited-edition cakes and pastries melded with Japanese flavours. This year’s selection includes the Spirit of Nation (AED 45), Flag Fruit Pie (AED 20), Dates Coconut Croissant (AED 18), Saffron Cream Brioche (AED 23) and Eclair Date (AED 23). Available from 29 November to 3 December.

GO: Visit https://yamanoteatelier.com for more information.

Staycation Offers

Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection

Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection marks the UAE’s 51st National Day with a staycation offer for those looking to celebrate the prestigious occasion. Guests can enjoy a 25% discount on their stay, a 20% discount on selected F&B outlets and complimentary breakfast the next day. Offer valid from 30 November to 5 December.

GO: Email rooms.controller@habtoorhospitality.com for reservations and more information.

Park Hyatt Dubai

As the UAE celebrates its 51st anniversary, Park Hyatt Dubai have prepared an incredible offer for guests. Book a stay between 1 and 20 December 2022 and you can enjoy up to 25% discount on all suites. Patrons can also enjoy breakfast at Brasserie du Park with views over the marina. Whether for a short staycation or a week-long break, this is the ideal offer.

GO: Visit www.parkhyattdubai.com or call 04 602 1000 for reservations and more information.

Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens

With a convenient location in the heart of the city, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, is the ideal spot for a National Day staycation. The community-focused hotel offers up to 20% off room rates to mark the occasion, with early and late check out. Staycation lovers can also enjoy an AED 200 food and beverage credit which can be redeemed at Social Company or the edgy pan-Asian kitchen and bar LAH LAH.

GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com/ZHStaycation or call 04 519 1111 for reservations and more information.