The UAE is getting ready to celebrate its 49th National Day with a five-day break and celebrations across the country. While things will look a little different this year, with scaled-down events to ensure safety and social distancing measures are adhered to, the UAE still has a number of its signature firework displays planned.
From spectacular free shows to a new fountain and fireworks spectacle, here are all of the events you need to know about:
ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi Corniche
The capital's annual National Day fireworks will return to the Corniche on Wednesday at 9.25pm. While this year's event will be spectator free, the display will be broadcast live on Abu Dhabi TV and Emarat TV, as well as on the UAE_BARQ Instagram page.
Al Reem Island
Residents living on Abu Dhabi's Al Reem Island will be able to enjoy a fireworks display from the safety of their own home. A show will take place at 9pm, lighting up the sky in the area, which should be visible from most windows and balconies.
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival
Those living in and around Al Wathba can celebrate Emirati culture at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. The festival features arts, crafts, food and performances, with a special programme of celebrations in place over the National Day holiday, as well as falconry displays, camel races and fireworks. Festivities begin from 4pm on Wednesday, December 2.
Wednesday, December 2, from 4pm; free; Al Wathba; zayedfestival.com
The Corniche
While fireworks at the Corniche will be held spectator-free, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the show. The display on National Day will be streamed live on the Barq media Instagram page, as well as broadcast on Abu Dhabi TV and Emarat TV, so you can watch even if you're overseas.
Wednesday, December 2, from 9.25pm; free; instagram.com/UAE_BARQ
DUBAI
Dubai Festival City Mall
Dubai Festival City Mall's annual National Day celebrations are set to return this year, with a special Arabic-themed Imagine light show and two firework displays, as well as a family entertainment programme. This year, for the first time, restaurants around the water's edge will be offering seats directly on the promenade, with socially distanced front-row seats to the fireworks, which will take place at 9pm and 11pm. There will be two seating timings, from 7pm to 9.15pm, and from 9.30pm to 11.30pm, which will need to be pre-booked. Participating restaurants include Al Fanar, Chili's, Peppermill, Famous Dave's, Five Guys, Nando's, Semsom, Turkish Village, Joe's Crab Shack and the InterContinental Dubai – Festival City.
Wednesday, December 2, 7pm-11.30pm; Dubai Festival City, dubaifestivalcity.com
The Palm Fountain
Updated: The fireworks display and concert at The Pointe's The Palm Fountains have been cancelled with organisers citing safety precautions.
Just last month, The Pointe's The Palm Fountains officially became the biggest fountains in the world, when they were switched on alongside a spectacular fireworks display, set against the backdrop of Atlantis, The Palm. And for the 49th National Day, the fireworks will be back, alongside a special fountain and light show. The show, by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish, will include a live orchestra and is inspired by the spirit of Dubai. The fireworks will take place at 9pm. Selected restaurants at The Pointe will offer special promotions to celebrate.
Tuesday, December 1 and Wednesday, December 2, 9pm; free; The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai; thepointe.ae
La Mer
Beachfront destination La Mer will be celebrating National Day on Wednesday, December 2, with two firework displays. Taking place at 9pm and 11pm, its annual displays will be set against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf. In line with guidelines set by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, La Mer will be undertaking added measures to ensure visitors' safety and physical distancing during the National Day holiday.
Measures will include public announcements reiterating precautionary measures, appointment of additional on-ground security teams to implement social distancing norms, closure of access and parking at full capacity, and any other steps necessary to offer a safe and comfortable dining, shopping and leisure experience. It is advised to get in early to make reservations at beachfront outlets to enjoy fireworks from a safe distance.
Wednesday, December 2, 9pm and 11pm; free; La Mer, Dubai; lamerdubai.ae
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More on UAE National Day:
National Day staycations under Dh1,500: Getaways in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and more
National Day 2020: themed menus and meal deals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Things to do this UAE National Day: deals, days out and activities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
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ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203S%20Money%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20London%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ivan%20Zhiznevsky%2C%20Eugene%20Dugaev%20and%20Andrei%20Dikouchine%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%245.6%20million%20raised%20in%20total%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
ASSASSIN'S%20CREED%20MIRAGE
%3Cp%3E%0DDeveloper%3A%20Ubisoft%20Bordeaux%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Ubisoft%0D%3Cbr%3EConsoles%3A%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20Series%20S%26amp%3BX%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
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When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
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Live: BeIN Sports HD
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
Tips for SMEs to cope
- Adapt your business model. Make changes that are future-proof to the new normal
- Make sure you have an online presence
- Open communication with suppliers, especially if they are international. Look for local suppliers to avoid delivery delays
- Open communication with customers to see how they are coping and be flexible about extending terms, etc
Courtesy: Craig Moore, founder and CEO of Beehive, which provides term finance and working capital finance to SMEs. Only SMEs that have been trading for two years are eligible for funding from Beehive.
Best Academy: Ajax and Benfica
Best Agent: Jorge Mendes
Best Club : Liverpool
Best Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Best Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Best Men’s Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Best Partnership of the Year Award by SportBusiness: Manchester City and SAP
Best Referee: Stephanie Frappart
Best Revelation Player: Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid and Portugal)
Best Sporting Director: Andrea Berta (Atletico Madrid)
Best Women's Player: Lucy Bronze
Best Young Arab Player: Achraf Hakimi
Kooora – Best Arab Club: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
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Player Career Award: Miralem Pjanic and Ryan Giggs
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
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