National Day 2020: all the firework displays taking place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Watch the skies light up to mark the UAE's 49th National Day

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

Fireworks at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. Courtesy 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 

.@DCTAbuDhabi is celebrating the 49th UAE National Day with firework displays and concerts across the emirate. pic.twitter.com/BDFn2N8dL6

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) December 1, 2020

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

The fireworks at Dubai Festival City will look a little different this year. Satish Kumar/ For the National

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

Dubai launches The Palm Fountain. AFP

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 

Fireworks go off at La Mer, in Jumeirah 1, Dubai, for the 48th UAE National Day. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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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