UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)
Citywide
Every 2 December the United Arab Emirates celebrates Eid Al Etihad, the anniversary of the federation founded in 1971. In 2026, for the 55th anniversary, 2 and 3 December are public holidays; Dubai sets off fireworks at several sites, from the Marina to Hatta, and stages free concerts and shows.
Dates
- 2 December 2026 – 3 December 2026 — 2026 (public holidays)
- 2 December 2027 – 3 December 2027 — 2027 (fixed date; holidays to be confirmed, the government may move them to the weekend)
Source: Gulf News, « UAE public holidays 2026 » — accessed 19 October 2026
The anniversary of the union
On 2 December 1971, several Gulf emirates, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, joined together to form the United Arab Emirates. The anniversary of the federation, Eid Al Etihad, "Union Day", is the country's national day. 2 December 2026 marks the 55th anniversary.
The official UAE portal lists Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026 as public holidays. The government can move these days to create a long weekend, as in 2025, when they were placed on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 December; the decision is announced a few weeks beforehand.
What happens in Dubai
The 2026 programme has not been published yet. In 2025, for the 54th anniversary, Dubai offered:
- fireworks on 2 December: at Dubai Festival City and Hatta at 8 pm local time, then at Souk Al Seef, Bluewaters and The Beach at JBR at 9 pm;
- at Global Village, fireworks and a drone show at 9 pm from 1 to 3 December, and an operetta twice a day;
- at City Walk, a mounted police parade on 1 December at 4 pm and free concerts at 8 pm;
- shows at more than 20 sites across the city.
The streets fill with flags in the national colours, red, green, white and black, and many residents decorate their cars. Car decoration is regulated each year by the police: windows and plates must stay clear, with no flagpoles or spray-string cans, on pain of a fine. Sabaro advises against decorating a hire car.
Understanding the day
The Etihad Museum in Jumeirah 1 tells the story of the founding of the state in 1971; it is the visit to make around 2 December. It is described on our Jumeirah page.
When to come and where to stay
Early December is one of the best times of year in Dubai: average highs of about 27 to 31 °C and the sea around 25 °C. Several highlights follow one another:
- 27 to 29 November, the Emirates Dubai 7s rugby tournament;
- 2 December, National Day;
- from 4 December, the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Sabaro advises booking early for these public holidays. To watch the JBR or Bluewaters fireworks from your hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai and Address Beach Resort are on JBR beach, and Banyan Tree Dubai is on Bluewaters Island. For Souk Al Seef, Al Seef Heritage Hotel is on the promenade itself. For Hatta, JA Hatta Fort.
Large gatherings call for caution. Foreign ministries do not all give the same advice. Your country's advice:
Your country's advice is shown in the box at the top of the page.
Our guide to Dubai and the regional situation has the details.
Frequently asked questions
When is UAE National Day?
On 2 December, the anniversary of the 1971 federation. In 2026, 2 and 3 December are public holidays, unless the government announces a move.
Where can I see fireworks in Dubai?
In 2025, at Dubai Festival City and Hatta at 8 pm, at Souk Al Seef, Bluewaters and The Beach at JBR at 9 pm, and at Global Village from 1 to 3 December. The 2026 programme has not been published yet.
Is Global Village open over National Day?
Yes. On public holidays it opens from 4 pm to 1 am, and in 2025 it held fireworks and drone shows every evening from 1 to 3 December.
Where can I learn about the federation's history?
At the Etihad Museum in Jumeirah 1, devoted to the founding of the state in 1971.