National Day (Arabic: اليوم الوطني; Yawm al watani) is celebrated on December 2 each year in the United Arab Emirates. The cebrations mark the UAE’s formal nationalisation from the British Protectorate Treaties (which ended on December 1, 1971) and the eventual, federal unification of the seven emirates in 1971 which combined to form the modern-day country, headed by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the federation’s first president.
Grand celebrations are held across the country to mark the event.
A message from H.E. ABDULHAMID A K AL MULLA – UAE AMBASSADOR can be read here http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2014/11/30/national-day-of-united-arab-emirates/
Many events and activities have been planned in Dubai.
Dazzling Fireworks Show – Opposite Burj Al Arab Hotel – 6pm onwards, December 1
As part of the celebrations of UAE 43th National Day, there will be dazzling performance with the popular international magicians and spectacular fireworks shows at the Burj Al Arab. The events will take place opposite Burj Al Arab Hotel and is free of charge. However, only those who had pre-registered through the website before November 18 can only make it to the event now. The event will take place on 1st of December 2014 from 6 pm onwards.
Fireworks and ‘live’ Entertainment – : JBR beach – When: 5pm (live entertainment) and 9pm (fireworks), December 2
Expect a scintillating fireworks display at the beach opposite Jumeriah Beach Residence on Tuesday, December 2, 2014. Celebrations will be on with live entertainment from 5pm onwards and fireworks start at 9 pm.
Dance, light show, fireworks – City Walk, Al Wasl/Safa Road – Daily 2pm to 11pm, November 28 to December 2
City Walk, at the junction of Al Wasl and Al Safa Road, will be organizing events from Friday, November 28 to Tuesday, December 2. The five-day festivities will include traditional performances by Al Ayalla and Al Yolla dancers, an eventful showcase of skill by LED jugglers, face painting on the National Day, and a beautiful play on lights that illuminate the destination. The festivities will conclude on December 2 with a fireworks show that will begin at 9pm. ‘Live’ entertainment will begin at 5pm onwards each day and fireworks at 10pm.
National colours on waterfall, cultural activities, exhibitions – : Dubai Mall – till December 6
Expect several cultural activities and entertainment at the Dubai Mall to celebrate the National Day. The Watani Exhibition at the mall will offer visitors insights about the UAE’s history, including the foundation of the seven Emirates, the development of the nation and the vision of its great leaders, from November 30 to December 6, 2014, at The Dubai Mall, Star Atrium.
Arabian Pearl Exhibition, another exhibit, will provide visitors with the full history on the early days of pearl diving, traditional tools used and clothes worn, from November 28 to December 6 at The Souk Atrium.
Children’s parade featuring over 40 Emirati children, all dressed in the UAE flag colours, will march through The Dubai Mall’s ground floor reciting the National Anthem, on December 1 and 2 from 4 to 8pm. The UAE flag colours will be projected onto the mall’s Waterfall, until December 3 allowing visitors to take souvenir shots.
UAE-themed Art & Entertainment – : Dubai Outlet Mall – 10am to 12midnight, December 1-3
Dubai Outlet Mall has planned live art shows, entertainment, and a treasure hunt for the upcoming National Day celebrations. ‘Live’ painting exhibition under the central theme of ‘My UAE’ will see local artists of diverse nationalities come together Mall to create their own artworks on December 2. Artists will only use UAE flag colours – Red, Green, Black & White – in their creations. In addition, visitors can participate in a treasure hunt at the mall, with the event being broadcast live on radio.
Listen to live Arabic music: The MusicHall in Dubai is known for offering one of the most interesting and eclectic live music venues in the city. Having already attracted Arab musical stars Mashrou Leila this week it is hosting a night dedicated to Arabic music on Monday December 1. Expect a night of the all-time best Arabic hits and an all-star line-up including The Khaleeji Twins, The Chehade Brothers, Bilal Fadia Najem and more. For more information and reservations please call 971 56 270 8670.
Watch a boat parade: See boats parade up and down the Dubai Marina canal in UAE-themed decorations, including iconic buildings and indigenous wildlife. The day will also feature a line-up of family entertainment including face painting, a treasure hunt, live cooking stations and prize draws. The event is free and lasts between noon and 6pm at the Dubai Marina Yacht Club. Call 04 362 7900 for more information.
See the Graffiti scroll: If you’ve been along the Jumeirah Beach Road near Jumeirah Beach Park in the few days before UAE National Day you can’t help but have noticed an enormous graffiti wall emerging. The world record-breaking attempt at the longest ever graffiti image is a 2,180m painting called Rehlatna (Our Journey) and is a portrayal of the country’s history.
Emirati culture: The UAE has achieved much in just 43 years . There are cultural and heritage events happening all over town on National Day. Contact the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding on 04 353 661 or visit the Al Fahidi District in Bur Dubai. See the pop-up Emirati village selling local handicrafts and giving henna painting at the JA Ocean View Hotel in JBR between 5-10pm until December 3.
Please note Synergy Software Systems will be closed on 2 December.
Be aware of traffic congestion
