Eid Al Etihad 2026 in Dubai: Where to Celebrate UAE National Day

On 2 December 1971, the rulers of six emirates met at Union House in Dubai and signed the agreement that created the United Arab Emirates. Ras Al Khaimah joined a few weeks later, in February 1972. Every year the country marks that day as Eid Al Etihad, and this year is a special one: 2 December 2026 is the UAE's 55th National Day.

In Dubai, the celebrations have already started. The city is running a full National Month leading up to the big day, and the holiday itself brings fireworks, heritage shows, family events and a lot of green, white, red and black across the city. This guide covers when the holiday falls, where to celebrate and what to know before you head out.

Note: The full list of 2026 events, fireworks and traffic rules is being announced in stages during November. Where this guide mentions last year's events, we will update it as this year's details are confirmed.

Eid Al Etihad 2026 at a Glance

National Day: Wednesday, 2 December 2026 (the UAE's 55th)

Public holiday: Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December, for both the public and private sectors

Long weekend: Take Friday 4 December off and you get five days, from 2 to 6 December

Dubai's National Month: 3 November to 2 December 2026

As of writing, the holiday has not been moved. The UAE Cabinet can shift public holidays to the start or end of the week, so keep an eye on official announcements in late November.

This Year's Theme: A Family of Families

2026 is the UAE's Year of Family, and the 55th Eid Al Etihad follows the same idea. The official visual identity, revealed on 8 October as the 55-day countdown began, presents the UAE as a family of families: people from many backgrounds joined by shared values and a sense of belonging. Expect a lot of family-focused events this year, from heritage activities for children to community celebrations.

Dubai's National Month

Dubai launched its National Month on 3 November, the same day as UAE Flag Day, and it runs until 2 December. It is coordinated by Brand Dubai, part of the Government of Dubai Media Office, together with government and private organisations across the city.

The programme announced so far includes Flag Day celebrations, a Flag Garden, the UAE Parade, the Eid Al Etihad festivities and a short film competition called Stories of Our Determination. The dates and locations of the main events are being released over the coming weeks.

The day before, Monday 30 November, is Commemoration Day, when the UAE honours the Emiratis who gave their lives in service of the country.

Where to Celebrate in Dubai

Etihad Museum and Union House

There is no better place to understand the day than Etihad Museum, built in Jumeirah on the site where the union was signed. Your ticket also includes Union House itself, the original meeting hall. The museum tells the story of the founding of the UAE through film, photographs, documents and personal stories of the founding fathers. Regular tickets cost around AED 25. The museum usually runs special activities over the National Day period, and in 2024 entry was free for the celebrations, so check the museum's channels for this year's plans.

Al Shindagha and Al Fahidi

To see what Dubai looked like before the union, head to the creek. Al Shindagha Museum covers the history of the city and its people in restored houses along the water, and across the creek the Al Fahidi Historical District has wind towers, small museums and narrow lanes. Both areas often host traditional music, dance and crafts around National Day. Our half-day walking route through Old Dubai links them into one easy morning.

Al Seef

Al Seef is one of the most atmospheric places to spend the evening, with heritage-style buildings, cafés and dhows along the creek. Last year it had a fireworks show on 2 December at 9 PM, and it usually hosts live performances over the holiday.

Global Village

Global Village is usually one of the busiest places in the city over Eid Al Etihad. Last year it had fireworks at 9 PM every night from 1 to 3 December, plus drone shows, alongside Emirati heritage performances and food. For tickets, hours and tips, read our guide to Global Village.

Dubai Festival City, Bluewaters and JBR

Last year, Dubai Festival City Mall had fireworks on 2 December at 8 PM, and Bluewaters Island and The Beach at JBR had their shows at 9 PM. These waterfront spots are easy to combine with dinner and are good options if you want to avoid the bigger crowds in the parks.

Dubai Parks and Resorts

Riverland Dubai at Dubai Parks and Resorts ran fireworks at 7 PM and 9:30 PM on 1 and 2 December last year, with laser shows in between. It is free to enter and works well for families.

Get Out of the City: Hatta and Al Qudra

With five days off, many residents leave the city. Hatta had its own fireworks at 8 PM on 2 December last year, and the mountains, the dam and Hatta Heritage Village make it a natural National Day trip. Our Hatta day trip guide covers the details. Book early, because Hatta is very popular over long weekends.

Closer to the city, the desert lakes at Al Qudra are perfect for a picnic or a sunset under the open sky. Read our guide to Al Qudra Lakes before you go.

Learn the Story Behind the Day

National Day is a good moment to go deeper into Emirati history and culture. Our guide to Dubai's museums and art spaces and our guide to cultural experiences in Dubai both have ideas, from Emirati food to falconry and camel racing.

Celebrating on a Budget

Many of the best National Day experiences cost nothing: the fireworks at public waterfronts, the decorations across the city, heritage performances in the old districts and the atmosphere in the parks and on the beaches. Our guide to free things to do in Dubai has more ideas for the long weekend.

Rules to Know

Every year the authorities publish rules for the celebrations, usually in the last week of November. Based on last year's rules, here is what to expect.

Car decorations. Only official UAE flags and approved Eid Al Etihad stickers are allowed. Decorations must not cover the windscreen, windows, number plates or lights.

Driving. Reckless driving, blocking traffic, passengers sitting out of windows or on the roof, and spraying foam or string at people or cars are all banned. Violations can lead to fines and the car being impounded, and in Dubai the release fee for impounded vehicles can be as high as AED 50,000.

Fireworks. Using fireworks without a permit is illegal in Dubai. Leave the fireworks to the official shows.

Practical Tips

Plan around traffic. Roads near fireworks venues, beaches and Hatta get very busy over the holiday. Use the Metro where you can, and our guide to getting around Dubai explains your options.

Arrive early for fireworks. Waterfront spots fill up an hour or more before the show.

Wear the colours. Flags, scarves and green, white, red and black outfits are everywhere on 2 December, and joining in is part of the fun.

Book ahead. Hotels, Hatta stays and popular restaurants fill up fast over the long weekend.

Final Takeaway

The 55th Eid Al Etihad is a good reason to see a different side of Dubai. Start with the story at Etihad Museum, spend an evening at the creek or at Global Village for the fireworks, and use the long weekend for a trip to Hatta or the desert. And if you are planning ahead, our guide to New Year's Eve fireworks in Dubai covers the next big night of the season.

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