Dubai is gearing up for the 54th UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad), celebrating the nation’s unity, heritage, and progress from December 1 to 3, 2025. The citywide festivities promise spectacular fireworks, live concerts, cultural parades, retail promotions, and family entertainment, offering an immersive experience for residents and tourists alike.
Organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s program blends culture, gastronomy, hospitality, and innovation, highlighting Dubai’s unique mix of tradition and modernity.
Theme and Community Celebrations
The 2025 UAE National Day celebrations, themed ‘United’, feature cultural showcases, gastronomic experiences, and interactive family activities across more than 20 city locations.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of DFRE, said:
“The 54th Eid Al Etihad reflects the unity, pride, and progress of our extraordinary nation, celebrating both our heritage and forward-looking vision.”
Through parades, performances, and storytelling, Dubai emphasizes the shared values and cultural richness that bring together people from nearly 200 nationalities.
Eid Al Etihad Parade
The annual parade, held in collaboration with Dubai Police, will take place at City Walk on December 1 at 4 PM, featuring over 1,000 participants including:
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Dubai Police Marching Band
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Horse-mounted officers
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KHDA students and community members
The parade celebrates national unity, pride, and community spirit through marching bands, performances, and ceremonial displays.
Cultural Performances Across Dubai
Residents and visitors can enjoy traditional Emirati performances, including:
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Al Ayala, Al Harbia, Yola, and Liwa dances
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Live folk crafts and storytelling
Hatta will host enhanced fireworks, folk performances, and illuminated streets, offering a scenic and patriotic experience amidst nature.
Dubai Frame, Children’s City, and Mushrif Park will also host cultural workshops, theatre sessions, and military band performances from December 2 to 3.
Fireworks Displays Across Iconic Destinations
The UAE National Day fireworks will light up Dubai’s skyline at several iconic locations, including:
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Dubai Festival City Mall – Fireworks at 8 PM on Dec 2, followed by Balqees concert
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Hatta Mountains – Patriotic fireworks at 8 PM, Dec 2
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Souk Al Seef – Heritage-inspired display at 9 PM, Dec 2
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Bluewaters & The Beach, JBR – Fireworks and seaside dining at 9 PM
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Burj Khalifa – Flag-colored display by Brand Dubai
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Global Village – Daily fireworks and UAE-themed drone shows Dec 1-3
Live Concerts and Entertainment
Dubai’s National Day concerts include:
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Diana Haddad – Free concert on Dec 1 at City Walk, 8 PM
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Balqees – Star performance at Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City, Dec 2 at 8 PM
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Shamma Hamdan – Khaleeji music concert on Dec 2, 8 PM
Daily performances across City Walk showcase Emirati culture, with musicians, dancers, and street performers creating a festival atmosphere.
Other entertainment highlights:
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Al Wasl Season at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai – Until May 2026
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Dubai Opera – Two nights of Kuwaiti comedy “Ayal Iblees”, Dec 1-2
Shopping and Family-Friendly Activities
Dubai’s malls are offering special National Day promotions, festive decor, and interactive experiences from December 1-3:
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Dubai Festival City Mall – Double BLUE points for AED1,000–10,000 purchases, food markets, carnival games, and workshops
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City Centre Mirdif – Fashion showcases, hands-on workshops, and cultural events
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Ibn Battuta Mall – Interactive art zones, music, poetry, and family workshops under “Expressions with Art”
Visitors can enjoy culinary experiences, traditional crafts, and creative activities, making it a complete family celebration.
Dubai’s 54th UAE National Day promises unforgettable experiences, combining fireworks, concerts, parades, and cultural festivities, celebrating the spirit of unity, heritage, and modernity in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
