National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, marks the anniversary of the founding of the UAE 54 years ago, on December 2, 1971, when six of today's seven emirates united to form one country. Ras Al Khaimah joined in February 1972.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that public and private sector employees will be granted leave on Monday and Tuesday, December 1 and 2. Official working hours are to resume on Wednesday, December 3, for both sectors, the ministries said.
Celebrations are set to be held across the nation over the long weekend, from concerts and cultural events to spectacular parades, plus themed decor and discounts across malls, restaurants and hotels.
Skies across the Emirates will light up during the holiday with a number of firework displays scheduled. Here is where to watch them.
Abu Dhabi
Yas Bay Waterfront
National Day fireworks over Yas Bay Waterfront in 2024. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Two nights of firework displays will light up the Yas Island waterfront at 9pm on December 2 and 3. Celebrations begin at 3pm on both days when visitors can watch cultural performances, take part in falconry activities and enjoy the Flag Garden where 54 flags will be displayed. They can also indulge in Emirati handicrafts, coffee portraits, henna, calligraphy and other immersive installations, while home-grown restaurants will serve everything from traditional bites
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