National Day celebrations will not be complete without the electrifying concerts. This year, for its 51st celebrations, the UAE will play host to both local and international artists — from Balqees to Post Malone.
Whether you want to celebrate with Khaleeji-style music, or move to international beats — there are a number of artists performing this year.
Here are some of the top UAE National Day shows not to miss
Khaleeji sounds at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai
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Guest watch the show during the opening of Al Wasl Plaza at the Expo 2020 site. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Guest watch the show during the opening of Al Wasl Plaza at the Expo 2020 site. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
The inauguration of Al Wasl Plaza. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
The inauguration of Al Wasl Plaza. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid attend the opening of Al Wasl Plaza. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid stand for a photograph with members of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee. Seen with Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Reem Ibrahim Al Hashimi, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, Mattar Al Tayer, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, and Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid sit among a crowd at Al Wasl Plaza. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid attend the opening of Al Wasl Plaza. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
The awe-inspiring venue at the heart of Expo City Dubai will transform into a concert hall with acclaimed Khaleeji artists Eida Al Menhali ( known for his hit single Motasoa) and Saudi singing sensation Dalia Mubarak performing on December 2.
December 2; doors open at 6.30pm; from Dh100; Expo City Dubai; dubai.platinumlist.net
Post Malone at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi
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Post Malone will perform at Etihad Park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on December 3. AP -
The last time Post Malone performed in the capital was part of the Abu Dhabi F1 After-Race concert series in 2018. AP -
The 'Rockstar' hitmaker released his fourth studio album, 'Twelve Carat Toothache' in June. AP -
The album debuted at No 2 on the Billboard 200. AP -
'I’m excited to be returning to Abu Dhabi and performing for the incredible audience there again,' said Post Malone. AP -
The artist, who has 'always' and 'tired' tattooed under each of his eyes is part of the generation of 'Soundcloud rappers' who were discovered after posting their music on the online platform. AFP -
His music blends hip-hop, pop, R&B and trap genres and subgenres. AFP -
Post Malone performed at the Rock in Rio Lisbon festival in Lisbon in June 2022. EPA -
Post Malone has collaborated with the likes of Kanye West, 21 Savage, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat and The Weeknd. Getty Images for Spotify
Nine-time Grammy Award nominee Post Malone will perform at Etihad Park in Abu Dhabi on December 3. Concertgoers will be treated to the singer-songwriter's greatest hits, which include Circles, Better Now and I Fall Apart. Aside from regular tickets, private suites with an elevated view of the stage, complete with a drinks package, are also on offer for Dh22,500. These special suites can accommodate up to 15 people.
December 3; 6.30pm; from Dh295; Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; ticketmaster.ae
Hussain Al Jassmi and Hamad Al Ameri at Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi will play host to two Emirati singers, Hussain Al Jassmi and Hamad Al Ameri, performing on December 1 and 3 respectively. Both staple performers during National Day celebrations, Al Jassmi and Al Ameri will serenade guests from their hit Arabic set lists. Some of Al Jassmi's famous songs include Boshret Kheir, which has more than half a billion streams on YouTube and his recent single Bel Bont El3areedh. Al Ameri's songs include Einy Al Yameen and Jadeed Al Hob.
December 1 and 3; 7pm; from Dh50; Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi; ticketmaster.ae
Balqees and Fouad Abdelwahed at Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain
Emirati-Yemeni singer Balqees and Yemeni crooner Fouad Abdelwahed are taking the stage at Al Jahili Fort to celebrate National Day. Recently featured in the Fifa World Cup official soundtrack with her song Light The Sky, Balqees is also known for her hit singles Momken and Taala Tchouf. Some of Abdelwahed's famous tunes include Ana Sootek and Qalbi Elsagheer.
December 3; 7pm; from Dh150; Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain; ticketmaster.ae
Dubai Festival City Mall concerts
Performances from Emirati singer Fayez Al Saeed and DJ Bliss are part of the Dubai venue's National Day celebrations, which also include what the mall says will be its biggest fireworks display yet. Al Saeed will perform at Festival Bay, providing live music to the mall's laser, light and fountain show Imagine. The Emirati DJ will close the party with his modern twist on Arabic music.
December 2; 8pm; free entry; Dubai Festival City; www.dubaifestivalcitymall.com
Latino beats at Buddha-Bar Beach, Abu Dhabi
The eclectic venue at The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is turning up the National Day party, Latino style. Chilean DJ Carlos Campos will mix tunes on December 2. The club scene knows the DJ for his expertise in moombahton, an electronic genre derived from house music and reggaeton.
The bar's resident DJ Meerkatis will also be performing an opening set. There is no door fee for the event, and food and drinks will be priced a la carte.
December 2; 1pm-1am; Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi; 02 498 8443; buddhabarbeachabudhabi.com
Arabic show at Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
An Arabic theatrical show will be staged at the Zeman Awwal cultural space in Mall of the Emirates on Saturday. Titled Watan, meaning homeland, the show promises to lead the audience on a journey through the past and the future of the UAE, with its themes of sacrifice, will and dedication. Watan is directed by Hami Bakkar and produced by local performing arts company Adwar, which is known for promoting the Arabic language in performing arts.
November 26; 8pm; free entry; Mall of the Emirates; malloftheemirates.com
Lucky Ali at The Agenda, Dubai
Billed as India's king of indie pop, Lucky Ali is performing at The Agenda in Dubai Media City on December 3. The singer, who is known for his husky vocals, gained popularity with his 1990s smash hit O Sanam, which has 57 million streams on YouTube. Ali is known for his touching Bollywood songs, including Aa Bhi Jaa, Ek Pal Ka Jeena and Safarnama.
December 3; 8pm; from Dh69; Media City; dubai.platinumlist.net
Shamma Hamdan at City Walk, Dubai
Popular Emirati singer Shamma Hamdan is performing at City Walk on December 2. With Khaleeji hits including Moajaba and Abee Afaham, Hamdan shot to fame in 2012 when she became the first Emirati finalist in the reality TV show Arabs Got Talent. Catch her energising tunes, alongside other cultural activities across the outdoor retail complex.
December 2; 8.30pm; Al Wasl Road; citywalk.ae
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