How to celebrate July 4 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: American Independence Day

Make the most of the American holiday with these activities and deals

Celebrate American Independence Day by ordering from Clinton Street Bakery or visiting Black Tap for a themed milkshake. 

American Independence Day falls at the weekend this year, and there are loads of ways to celebrate all things red, white and blue on July 4. Whether you’re looking to get out of your house (in a safe, socially responsible manner, of course), or keep the festivities at home with loved ones, here are some ways to have some star-spangled fun.

Tuck into a limited-edition CrazyShake

Black Tap, the brand known for its big burgers, is bringing back its limited-edition CrazyShake for the weekend. The Red, White and Blue Bake Shake features vanilla ice cream and red, white and blue sprinkles, with a vanilla-frosted rim. It’s also topped with a red, white and blue cake slice, whipped cream and a cherry.

Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4; Dh62 at The Dubai Mall and Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi, branches, Dh69 at the Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai, and Rixos Premium Dubai branches; Black Tap, www.blacktapme.com

Enjoy a themed brunch

Distillery Gastropub is celebrating American Independence Day on Saturday with a brunch from 1pm to 4pm, complete with Uncle Sam-inspired decor – that means American flags, cowboy hats and all things stars and stripes. Expect classic American rock 'n' roll and country music, while enjoying a three-course meal (served to the table to ensure social distancing).

Some of the dishes on the menu include hickory barbecue or spicy Buffalo wings or popcorn prawns to start, and an ‘American Dog’, a slow-cooked brisket with potato skins or baked mac and cheese as mains.

Saturday July 4, 1pm-4pm; Dh149 with soft drinks, Dh229 with house beverages; Distillery Gastropub, Souk Al Manzil, Downtown Dubai; 054 998 2003, www.distillerydubai.com

Make it an all-American weekend with Perry & Blackwelder’s

The American smokehouse is making a case to keep the celebrations going all weekend, with a limited-edition menu available on Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4. The Yankee Classics menu is priced at Dh199 for two and includes dishes such as the red, white and blue cheese chicken wings, Empire State sliders, Coney Island hot dogs, New York baked cheesecake and toffee apples.

Hollywood box office hits will also be showing, such as Rocky, The A-Team and Top Gun playing in the venue and a playlist of classic American rock hits. Also, themed drinks have been created for the weekend, all priced at Dh30 each.

Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4; Dh199 for two; Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai; 800 666 353.

Meanwhile …

Those wanting to make this year’s celebrations a homebound affair have plenty to do, too. Here are some ways to celebrate the day:

Order American flag pies

Clinton Street Baking Company is now accepting orders for freshly baked blueberry and cherry American flag pies. A 10-inch pie (which can feed around eight) costs Dh250, while an eight-inch pie (which can feed two to three) costs Dh95.

Deliveries across Dubai; 04 344 0705, [e-mail]

Have a barbecue

The American holiday wouldn't be complete without the sound of the barbecue sizzling. Whether you're thinking of inviting people over (safely, of course), or keeping it to just family, pull on a red, white and blue apron and fire up the grill. You can get everything you need for the barbecue delivered to your doorstep with these DIY kits.

Bake an apple pie

If you're in the mood for something home-made, why not try whipping up the quintessential American dessert in your kitchen? Nothing quite says America like a classic apple pie, and you can get the children involved, too. Once that crust has been baked to golden-brown perfection, you can top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and relish the hard work put in. You can find the recipe for a classic American apple pie here.