The UAE's National Day, which annually falls on December 2, is coming up, and with this being the country's 50th year, or its golden jubilee, it’s going to be an action-packed long weekend.
If you’re planning to spend it in Dubai, here’s a list of some cool places to visit and activities to try out.
Visit Hatta
Hatta is the place to be as the official ceremony for the 50th UAE National Day will take place there, with a spectacular open-air theatrical show taking viewers on a journey through the area's history.
According to Shaikha Al Ketbi, head of creative strategy of the Year of the 50th, the show will be staged at Hatta Dam.
“The floating theatrical experience will take viewers on a journey through the land's history in the lead up to the inception of the union and across the 50 years that followed. Through unparalleled creative and artistic storytelling, the show will also shed light on the achievements of today and offer a unique glimpse into the promising future that awaits everyone who calls the UAE home."
The show will take place every day over a period of nine days, and last for about 90 minutes.
Saturday, December 4 to Sunday, December 12; 4.25pm-6.05pm; Dh300 per person; Hatta Dam; dubai.platinumlist.net
Expo 2020 Dubai
Whether you've been there countless times before, or planning your first visit, there's always plenty to do at Expo 2020, and now offers the perfect outdoor temperature for exploring the vast site.
From watching Al Wasl Dome light up at night to the daily performances at Jubilee Park, it’s impossible to cover everything in a day, although the wealth of cool food and beverage offerings will help keep you fuelled.
There will be a huge line-up of shows throughout National Day week, including a drone show, while individual pavilions may have their own offerings for the occasion. More details will be announced soon.
Dh95 for a day pass; expo2020dubai.com
Beach Canteen
Good news for food lovers: Dubai’s immensely popular dining pop-up, Etisalat Beach Canteen, is back, and this year it’s celebrating the UAE’s 50th anniversary. It'll be going on for 17 days, when visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of dining concepts, live music and children’s activities at the Jumeirah Beach venue.
Thursday, November 25 to Saturday, December 11; Jumeirah Beach Dubai, behind Sunset Mall; beachcanteen.ae
Ain Dubai
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A bystander at Ain Dubai for the attraction's official opening on Bluewaters Island on Thursday, October 21. All photos: Christopher Whiteoak / The National -
Guests step off the cabin after the first ride on Ain Dubai -
There was a jubilant atmosphere on Bluewaters Island on Thursday as the world's largest and tallest observation wheel opened to the public -
'The National' reporter Janice Rodrigues at Ain Dubai on opening day -
The wheel stands at 250 metres tall -
Tickets for the first day were completely sold out, as were tickets for the sunset slot on Friday -
A single rotation takes about 38 minutes and guests can see Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah from the attraction's 48 cabins -
For safety reasons, Ain Dubai has kept a maximum capacity of 10 people per cabin -
Tickets from Dh130 for adults and Dh100 for children -
Sajan Antonie, 44, at the official opening of Ain Dubai -
Filipa Gameiro, 30, and Jose Nuno, 28, on an Ain Dubai cabin for the first ride -
Guests step aboard a cabin for the first ride on Ain Dubai -
A view from the cabin of Ain Dubai -
Inside one of the cabins -
The view from the top -
Guests can view Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah from the attraction's 48 cabins -
Taking photos of the view -
An illustration of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on the ground beneath Ain Dubai -
Views of the Dubai skyline -
Views from the top -
One of the youngest guests to ride first on Ain Dubai -
The wheel towers 250 metres above the ground -
Inside the cabin -
Setting off for the first ride -
A DJ booth is seen in one of the Ain Dubai capsule pods. Photo: Thoraya Abdullahi / The National -
A DJ booth is seen in one of the Ain Dubai capsule pods. Photo: Thoraya Abdullahi / The National
Ain Dubai, the world’s highest observation wheel, started spinning in Dubai a few weeks ago, and if you haven’t already been, this is a prime opportunity to see it.
There are a number of packages and time options available, and a rotation will give you some of the best views Dubai has to offer.
During the National Day weekend, guests can also expect the official Hatta celebration broadcast live on the big screens, Emirati music playing across the venue, Al Ayyala performers, traditional Arabian decor, a henna station and more.
To cap it all off, expect three hourly light shows from 6.30pm to 10pm throughout the weekend, and a three-minute fireworks spectacle at 8.30pm on December 2. All guests purchasing a standard views experience for December 1, 2 and 3 will also receive an Dh50 voucher towards their next ride to use from January 2 to March 31, 2022.
Open daily; prices from Dh130 for adults and Dh100 for children; aindubai.com
Global Village
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Acrobats entertain visitors on the opening day of Global Village's 26th year. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National -
A confetti blast signals the opening of the event. -
Crowds gather to be part of the opening day. -
This year, Global Village has introduced new walkways and paths. -
Balloons on sale at Global Village. -
The enhanced seating area near the main stage. -
Visitors watch the 'PJ Masks' show. -
Artists perform on opening day. -
Visitors enter the Global Village gate. -
There have been 2,500 square metres of new streets added. -
Visitors can find games for the whole family. -
This year, there are 26 pavilions representing countries and continents including the UAE, Africa, the Americas, China, Europe, India, South Korea, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine and Russia. -
Rides in action on opening day. -
The entrance to the Iraq pavilion, which is new this year. -
A mascot parades at the India pavilion. -
Children enjoy the rides at Global Village. -
Families pour in on opening day.
This family-friendly venue is a favourite during the National Day long weekend, and this year will be no exception. Book your tickets online, which is cheaper than buying them at the gate, and stroll through the vast space which has a new look, a revamped floating market, a sweet Railway Market, a new fire-breathing dragon and other new attractions.
The venue has also launched its series of live music concerts for the first time since the pandemic began, with performances taking place every Friday.
Under the theme ‘50 Years of Togetherness’, the Luminous Years operetta will be performed by Ornina Theatrical Dance Company between December 1 and 4, on the main stage, featuring voiceovers by Emirati stars Habib Ghuloom and Fatma Alblooshi, bringing to life the UAE’s rich history. The Golden Jubilee events will also include performances by the National Youth Orchestra Dubai, which will have more than 60 young musicians play their unique rendition of the UAE national anthem as well as popular classical pieces during 60-minute-long concerts.
On December 1, Emirati artist Khalid Mohammed will give a one-night-only National Day performance on the main stage starting from 9pm, and there's a surprise planned on December 2 at 5pm. Finally, visitors can expect musical firework displays on December 1, 2 and 3 at 9pm.
Daily; 4pm-1am; Dh15 online and Dh20 at the gate; Dubailand; globalvillage.ae
Waterfront Market
The waterfront destination will be marking UAE's golden jubilee with 10 days of celebrations, starting this Thursday and continuing until Saturday, December 4. During that time, a range of indoor activities at the market’s main atrium will keep visitors entertained from 2pm to 10pm – from ayala traditional dancing and a roaming parade to a UAE museum act. There will even be a special area offering a full range of children's activities, including cards and beads, jewellery-making and colouring.
Then, from Wednesday to Saturday, December 1 to 4, the market will host an outdoor traditional Emirati heritage village on the promenade from 4pm to 10pm, complete with traditional areesh tents. Each tent will offer a different activity that celebrates the local culture, from fishnet weaving and henna art to pottery making and a traditional majlis for photo opportunities. Also expect live cooking demonstrations of popular traditional Emirati dishes.
Thursday, November 25 to Saturday, December 4; 2pm-10pm; free; Waterfront Market’s promenade and main atrium; www.waterfrontmarket.ae
THAT Concept store
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Concept store THAT launched in Mall of the Emirates on Monday, January 18. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The 4,500 square metre concept store is spread over three floors and has over 150 brands. -
It sells regional and international brands across beauty, fitness, fashion, home accessories and art. -
A sneaker wall at THAT. The store sells several limited-edition sneakers. -
A necklace made by Reem Jano at THAT. The store sells both fine and costume jewellery. -
Sunglasses on display at THAT. -
The space also features several high-tech elements like digital mirrors in the fitting rooms -
Apart from selling numerous niche brands, it also has experiences and services for customers. -
It is home to at That Fitness by Bare - the only fitness studio in Mall of the Emirates -
THAT has an art and culture space, launched in collaboration with Ayyam Gallery, which will showcase work by regional talent. -
That Barber, for men's grooming needs, located in-store. -
The space features numerous interactive exhibits -
Quirky displays at the newly-opened THAT. The store sells both fine and costume jewellery by regional and international designers -
The beauty section at THAT. The space is home to some hard-to-find brands like Lime Crime and Stila -
This is Majid Al Futtaim's first concept destination
The futuristic concept store, with branches in Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif, has an packed line-up for National Day. The first 750 customers in both stores on December 2 will receive a sweet treat in the colours of the UAE flag. There will also be complimentary henna painting at both stores from 3pm to 6pm on Thursday, December 2. Special hair braiding and nail designs will be available throughout the festivities, if you're feeling like going patriotic with a manicure in green, white, black, and red. Finally, in the Mall of the Emirates branch, Uchi M'oishi has launched a special menu in celebration of UAE National Day, with dishes such as the saffron Wagyu calypot and kunafa available until December 5.
Thursday, December 2; free sweet treats to first 70 customers and henna painting; THAT concept store, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre; www.thatconceptstore.com
Madame Tussauds
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Madame Tussauds Dubai is located on Bluewaters Island, close to Ain Dubai -
Victoria Beckham poses against a Dubai backdrop at Madame Tussauds Dubai. All photos: Janice Rodrigues / The National -
Former US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are also among the political personalities -
Visitors can weight lift alongside Amna Al Haddad at Madame Tussauds Dubai -
Take a selfie with social media star Bin Baz -
Jennifer Lawrence in character as Katniss Everdeen from 'The Hunger Games' -
Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto from the 'Fast & Furious' franchise -
Chinese President Xi Jinping is also immortalised at Madame Tussauds Dubai -
Beauty mogul Kylie Jenner dazzles in front of a sparkling background and pearl swing -
The incredibly life-like wax figure of Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab -
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli holds up a bat at Madame Tussauds Dubai -
Fans can strike a pose with legendary boxer Muhammad Ali -
Model and actress Cara Delevingne is seen in the Fashion section -
Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt from the 'Mission Impossible' series -
A statue of Emirati singer Balqees Fathi dazzles in a sparkling gown -
Guests can pose on a drum set next to Lebanese pop star Nancy Ajram -
A wax figure of the beloved Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan -
Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan is a big favourite in the UAE
Another reason Bluewaters Island is the place to be this National Day weekend is Madame Tussauds Dubai. The world-famous attraction opened its first Middle East branch right at the base of Ain Dubai in October.
Inside, visitors can get up close to wax figures of some of their favourite celebrities, sporting stars and political figures. Personalities given the wax treatment in the UAE include Amna Al Haddad, Kylie Jenner, Virat Kohli, Balqees Fathi, Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Nancy Ajram.
Daily; 11am-9pm; Dh135 for adults; Bluewaters Island; madametussauds.com/dubai
Boxpark
The colourful outdoor neighbourhood will be having creative workshops for children on December 2 and 3, where they can dive into Emirati culture by learning the art of Sadu weaving, or trying the basics of Arabic calligraphy. There will also be live Tanoura and Ayyala performances three times a day on both days.
Thursday and Friday, December 2 and 3; free; Boxpark, Jumeirah; www.boxpark.ae
Al Seef
If you're looking for a glimpse of old-world charm, take a stroll to Al Seef. While adults are taking in the views from the gorgeous waterfront property, there will be arts and crafts stations available for children from 4pm to 10pm on December 1 to 3.
The UAE Marching Band and a 6-piece Ayyala dance group will add cheer to the atmosphere and early birds on December 2 can catch UAE Flag Dancers on stage. Young homegrown actors will bring to life an elaborate play produced specially for the occasion on December 3. Don’t miss out on Jalsat musical performances in between all the fun and be sure to make your way around seven kiosks – each representing one of the emirates – to learn about major milestones in local history – over the long weekend.
Wednesday to Friday, December 1-3; 5pm-9pm; free; Al Seef, Dubai Creek; www.alseef.ae
Al Khawaneej Walk
As well as seeing the greenhouse-inspired Al Khawaneej Walk decked out in all the colours of the UAE flag, visitors can expect Ayala dancers from 5pm to 9pm on December 2 and 3. There will also be a traditional eight-piece Al Harbia Band from 3pm to 9pm on December 2, and mascots Modesh and Dana will make special National Day appearances.
Three shows will take place at 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm respectively at an authentic majlis where a storyteller will take guests on a journey through the UAE’s past. Finally, expect plenty of sales on everything from clothes to perfumes at the venue over the long weekend.
Thursday and Friday, December 2 and 3; free; Al Khawaneej Walk; www.alkhawaneejwalk.ae
The View at The Palm
View the Palm Jumeirah from a whole new vantage point, from this 360-degree observation deck by Nakheel. From December 1 to 4, children four to 12 residing in the UAE can enter for free when accompanied by an adult and upon presenting their Emirates ID.
Wednesday to Saturday; December 1-4; Dh100 for adults; Palm Jumeirah; www.theviewpalm.ae
Palm West Beach
In partnership with Red Bull, the venue will feature a thrilling acrobatic skydiving show led by Red Bull athletes Sebastian Alvarez and Dani Roman on Thursday, December 2 at 5pm. Visitors can watch the stunt show just before sunset, with high-altitude moves and dances.
Thursday, December 2; 5pm; Palm West Beach; 800 6254335
The Pointe
The waterfront destination will mark the UAE's 50th anniversary with a specially choreographed show at The Palm Fountain accompanied by a firework display which will sway to Bel Bont Al Areed by Emirati singer and composer Hussain Al Jassmi, on December 2 at 8pm. The world’s largest fountain will light up in UAE’s national colours of red, black, white and green. The venue is also one of the best places to watch Atlantis celebrate with a dazzling firework show on December 3.
Thursday and Friday, December 2 and 3; The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; www.thepointe.ae
Jumeirah Golf Estates Clubhouse
It's set to be a busy day at the Fire and Earth Terraces in the Jumeirah Golf Estates Clubhouse, where residents and guests are invited to join in the golden jubilee celebrations. There will be live entertainment such as Yola dancers, as well as traditional Emirati craft stations and live cooking stations featuring Emirati cuisine. The little ones can look forward to face painting, camel rides and a petting zoo with rabbits, snakes, parrots, and goats.
Thursday, December 2; 11.30am onwards; free entry; Jumeirah Golf Estates Clubhouse; 043758059
Dubai Miracle Garden
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Dubai Miracle Garden ended its 10th season in May 2022, closing for the summer. All Photos: Antonie Robertson / The National -
The world-famous Dubai attraction first opened in 2011. -
For season 10, Dubai Miracle Garden added new attractions such as a Smurfs Village. -
Inspired by the beloved blue creatures from the Belgian comics, the attraction featured the whimsical world of the characters. -
There were also Smurf Topiaries with giant green structures, and the Central Plaza welcomes visitors to see their favourite Smurf characters interact with the garden. -
Life-size mushroom houses were part of Smurfs Village in Dubai Miracle Garden. -
Visitors wander through Dubai Miracle Garden on opening day for season 10 in 2021. -
Besides the Smurfs Village, new attractions for season 10 included a three-dimensional clock, a 'floating rock' with a fountain and floral peacocks. -
A 15-metre-tall genie. -
Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the largest in the world with more than 150 million flowers and plants. -
Some of the flowers in the garden are not cultivated anywhere else in the region. -
A full-size flowery replica of an Emirates Airbus A380. -
A giant floral teddy bear at Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden recently reopened for the winter season with a host of new features. Families will be able to stroll a Smurfs Village, complete with mushroom houses, and take pictures next to their favourite Smurf characters. A floral genie and magic flying carpet carved from foliage are some of the other new highlights at the venue this year, adding to the lush greenery and record-breaking attractions.
Daily; 9am-11pm (weekends); D55 for adults, Dh40 for children 12 years and under, free entry for children aged 3 and under; Dubailand; dubaimiraclegarden.com
Times Square Centre
The quaint shopping centre has teamed up with FotoUAE and Sharaf DG to host a photo exhibition with the theme Between Seconds and Years Visitors will be able to browse through the works of 20 local photographers, showcasing of memorable moments in the UAE. The little ones can take part in a variety of ongoing workshops including card making and crafts, which will be hourly, from noon to 6pm.
Friday, November 26 to Saturday, December 4; noon-6pm; Times Square Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road
Deep Dive Dubai
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Deep Dive Dubai pool, at 60m at its deepest, offers divers a unique experience -
One of the Deep Dive Dubai pool’s biggest attractions is its sunken city -
Divers are able to explore an underwater world, complete with an abandoned streetscape, apartment, garage, arcade and other interesting features. -
Freediving and scuba diving experiences, along with courses, are offered to people of all abilities by international diving professionals -
Other features include two underwater habitats with a dry chamber, 56 underwater cameras covering all angles of the pool, and an underwater sound and mood lighting system -
It can hold 14 million litres of water, the equivalent of six Olympic-sized swimming pools -
Water is filtered and circulated every six hours, while the temperature is maintained at 30°C -
Deep Dive Dubai pays tribute to the UAE’s pearl diving heritage -
The facility opened to the public on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 -
Deep Dive Dubai offers experiences and courses across three categories: Discover, Dive and Develop, which are open to anyone aged 10 and above, from beginners to professional divers -
All experiences have a guide and equipment rentals, as do the courses -
Underwater gear, and photo and video equipment are available for rent, with videos and photos included with Discovery Dives. -
The venue is also home to the region’s largest underwater film studio, complete with a media editing room and a video wall
The world’s deepest diving pool opened in Dubai earlier this year, with its own sunken city. There are packages for every wallet and skillset, so if you’ve been thinking about taking the plunge, this might be the time.
A Discover Snorkelling experience is Dh400 ($108), and includes fins, a snorkel, mask and flotation vest for a one-hour guided snorkel session, allowing guests to see the sunken city. There are also Dive experiences for divers with a certification, and Develop, for first-timers and certified divers looking to expand their skillset.
Wednesday to Sunday, noon-8pm; prices start at Dh400; Nad Al Sheba, Dubai; deepdivedubai.com
Aura Skypool Lounge
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Aura Skypool Lounge had an opening on the 50th floor of Nakheel's The Palm Tower on Wednesday, November 10. All photos: Victor Besa / The National -
Aura SkyPool is the world’s first 360º infinity pool and will open to the public on November 15. -
Guests can enjoy fantastic views of Palm Jumeirah from this vantage point. -
Inside Aura SkyPool Lounge, where there is a bar and lounge area. -
Guests can see Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa from the roof. -
The pool deck features the 750-square-metre infinity pool and comfortable sun loungers. -
There are three ticketing time slots available, for morning, afternoon or full day. -
Prices to visit start from Dh170. -
The space is open from 10am to sunset daily. -
The menu at Aura’s lounge and bar, curated by head chef Craig Best, is inspired by famous Asian cities. -
Guests looked glam on opening night. -
Guests can enjoy impressive sunset views in Dubai.
Another way to make a splash would be to head to the highest 360-degree infinity pool in the world. Located on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower, Aura Skypool, a newly opened attraction, offers some of the most stunning views of Dubai Marina, JBR and Bluewaters Island on one side and Downtown, with Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa on the other. There are different prices and packages available, depending on your zone, and the time you’re visiting. It's the perfect weather to soak in some sun and enjoy the views.
Open daily; 10am-7pm; prices are from Dh170 for a standard lounger; The Palm Tower; auraskypool.com
Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens
The hotel in The Greens will be hosting the work of Swedish contemporary artist Madeleine Kurtsdotter from Sunday, November 28 to Sunday, December 12. The exhibition will showcase a series of masterpieces that pay tribute to UAE, and shine a spotlight on its culture and traditions.
A live painting experience will also take place on Monday, November 29 from 11am to 2pm, with visitors able to see Kurtsdotter in action in the hotel’s lobby. An interactive workshop will take place on Monday, December 6 from 7pm to 9pm for only Dh60 per person. With all necessary materials provided, participants will have a chance to create their own greeting cards to mark the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.
Sunday, November 18 to Sunday, December 12; Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens; 04 519 1111
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dubai – Jumeirah Beach
The hotel is going all out with "The Big UAE Birthday Beach BBQ" in celebration of UAE's National Day at the hotel’s pristine private beach on Thursday, December 2, from 7pm to 11pm. Indulge in an enormous spread of locally sourced delicacies starring burrata made in Ras Al Khaimah and oysters from Dibba Bay, flowing starters, live grills and desserts.
A Golden Globe of the UAE themed mocktail list has been curated in an ode to the achievements of the UAE, starring the Virgin Ain Dubai Margarita Flight and The Landing To Mars. With live music and views of Ain Dubai in the distance, this might be the best way to ring in a chilled-out long weekend.
Thursday, December 2; 7pm-11pm; Dh110 per child and Dh250 per adult; DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dubai –Jumeirah Beach, JBR; 05516 68092
OliOli
Let the little ones have a blast at the children’s play museum OliOli, which features eight interactive galleries designed to educate and engage with the little ones.
This year, a collaboration between OliOli and Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has led to an immersive exhibition titled My Little World.
The exhibition, which runs until Saturday, December 4, will feature the children’s stories by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, through interactive reading sessions in Arabic and English as well as hands-on activities related to the stories, in a cool indoor desert campsite setting.
My Little World exhibition is open until Saturday, December 4; Dh126 for a general admission ticket for one child and one adult; OliOli; Al Quoz; olioli.ae/my-little-world/
Mister Baker
For a cool gift idea, or to inspire a little culinary creativity from the little ones, Mister Baker has launched a DIY cupcake decorating kit. Six plain cupcakes, three bags of icing in red, green and white and chocolate chips for the finishing touch are priced at Dh75.60. Perfect if you're looking for ways to keep children busy while teaching them something new.
Available until stocks last; Dh75.60; WhatsApp 056 400 5241 for delivery
