Fireworks will light up the sky on National Day at Bawabat Al Sharq Mall. Photo: Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
Fireworks will light up the sky on National Day at Bawabat Al Sharq Mall. Photo: Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
Fireworks will light up the sky on National Day at Bawabat Al Sharq Mall. Photo: Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
Fireworks will light up the sky on National Day at Bawabat Al Sharq Mall. Photo: Bawabat Al Sharq Mall

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Things to do

Where to watch UAE National Day fireworks in Abu Dhabi

The lavish pyrotechnic shows are a big draw for the public holiday

Panna Munyal
Panna Munyal

November 21, 2022

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  • Arabic

As the UAE gears up to celebrate its 51st National Day on December 2, venues across the capital are putting together meal deals, discounts, concerts, family-friendly activities and, of course, lavish fireworks displays.

Here are four spots to catch them in Abu Dhabi:

Emirates Palace

The storied hotel has a full programme of festivities planned for the National Day holiday, starting on November 28. The fireworks display is set to take place on the hotel's beachfront on the evening of December 2 and expected to start between 9pm and 9.30pm.

The Grand Dome will double as a family-friendly cultural village with themed activities, a falconer and a dates exhibition. It will also host traditional Al Ayala dance performances from 3pm to 6pm.

Elsewhere, those who sign up for the picnic in the Palace Gardens can catch the National Day air show, while the Palace terrace will put on a live Khaleeji concert at 7.30pm on December 1 and 3.

Al Maryah Island

Head to the promenade on Al Maryah Island at 9pm on December 2 and 3 to catch an awe-inspiring fireworks display dominated by the four colours of the UAE flag.

The show is open to the public, although the 5.4km waterfront stretch of the mall's promenade is also home to a number of cafes and restaurants — from Bentley Kitchen and Loca to Nusr-et to the Michelin Guide-lauded 99 Sushi and Almayass — so you can watch the spectacle while enjoying a meal.

Yas Island

Fireworks will go off at Yas Island at 9pm on National Day. Photo: Yas Island
Fireworks will go off at Yas Island at 9pm on National Day. Photo: Yas Island

Yas Island is hosting a bunch of celebrations across its theme parks and hotels from December 1 to 3, including a fireworks display, which can be viewed from Yas Bay at 9pm on December 2.

Elsewhere, visitors can catch an Al Ayala dance performance at Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, Clymb and Yas Waterworld, which will also put on other live entertainment, including oud players and rababh performers, plus falcon handlers, henna artists and face painting.

Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Abu Dhabi

The shopping centre in southern Abu Dhabi's Baniyas area promises to hold the "biggest fireworks show yet in the history of the mall". In keeping with the National Day theme, the colours of the UAE flag will dominate the fire and light show, which can be enjoyed on December 2 at 9pm. More details are available at bawabatalsharqmall.ae.

Scroll through the gallery below to see photos of major firework displays across the UAE over the years

  • The New Year's Eve celebrations in Ras Al Khaimah #RAKNYE 2022 dazzled everyone with a fireworks display that shattered two Guinness World Records. Photo: Marjan RAK/twitter
    The New Year's Eve celebrations in Ras Al Khaimah #RAKNYE 2022 dazzled everyone with a fireworks display that shattered two Guinness World Records. Photo: Marjan RAK/twitter
  • A picture taken on December 31, 2021 shows fireworks erupting from the Burj Khalifa in Dubai as part of the New Year's festivities. AFP
    A picture taken on December 31, 2021 shows fireworks erupting from the Burj Khalifa in Dubai as part of the New Year's festivities. AFP
  • Fireworks explode at Expo 2020 Dubai to mark New Year 2022. Reuters
    Fireworks explode at Expo 2020 Dubai to mark New Year 2022. Reuters
  • Spectacular fireworks display at the stroke of midnight to ring in the New Year 2022 on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Spectacular fireworks display at the stroke of midnight to ring in the New Year 2022 on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Grand fireworks lit up the night sky along the Abu Dhabi Corniche for UAE at 50 celebrations on December 2, 2021. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Grand fireworks lit up the night sky along the Abu Dhabi Corniche for UAE at 50 celebrations on December 2, 2021. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The fireworks on the UAE's 50th National Day in 2021 in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    The fireworks on the UAE's 50th National Day in 2021 in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Golden Jubilee fireworks at Al Maryah island in Abu Dhabi. Deepak Fernandez / The National
    Golden Jubilee fireworks at Al Maryah island in Abu Dhabi. Deepak Fernandez / The National
  • Fireworks as part of the 50th National Day celebration at the Expo 2020 Dubai site on December 1. Pawan Singh / The National
    Fireworks as part of the 50th National Day celebration at the Expo 2020 Dubai site on December 1. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Fireworks are set off from the Yas Bay waterfront to mark Eid Al Fitr on May 13, 2021. Victor Besa / The National
    Fireworks are set off from the Yas Bay waterfront to mark Eid Al Fitr on May 13, 2021. Victor Besa / The National
  • Fireworks light the sky above Ain Dubai (the Dubai Eye), the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel, to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, on November 4, 2021. AFP
    Fireworks light the sky above Ain Dubai (the Dubai Eye), the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel, to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, on November 4, 2021. AFP
  • Diwali celebrations at Ain Dubai in 2021. AFP
    Diwali celebrations at Ain Dubai in 2021. AFP
  • Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper, is lit by fireworks during its opening ceremony on January 4, 2010. AFP
    Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper, is lit by fireworks during its opening ceremony on January 4, 2010. AFP
  • People watch as fireworks set off above Atlantis, The Palm hotel during the first day of Expo 2020 Dubai on October 1, 2021. Reuters
    People watch as fireworks set off above Atlantis, The Palm hotel during the first day of Expo 2020 Dubai on October 1, 2021. Reuters
  • Fireworks at Atlantis, The Palm to mark Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters
    Fireworks at Atlantis, The Palm to mark Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters
  • The opening of Expo 2020 Dubai was marked by fireworks across the emirate. Reuters
    The opening of Expo 2020 Dubai was marked by fireworks across the emirate. Reuters
  • Fireworks take place every weekend at Global Village in Dubai throughout the season. Photo: Global Village
    Fireworks take place every weekend at Global Village in Dubai throughout the season. Photo: Global Village
  • In May 2021, Global Village attempted the world record for highest fireworks, with 20 skydivers landing at the fair with fireworks. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    In May 2021, Global Village attempted the world record for highest fireworks, with 20 skydivers landing at the fair with fireworks. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • In 2018, a fireworks show in Ras Al Khaimah was choreographed to seven chapters and set to global music by 14 renowned composers. Photo: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
    In 2018, a fireworks show in Ras Al Khaimah was choreographed to seven chapters and set to global music by 14 renowned composers. Photo: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
  • Ras Al Khaimah and Al Marjan Island ushered in 2018 by setting the Guinness World Record for the ‘largest aerial firework shell’. Photo: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
    Ras Al Khaimah and Al Marjan Island ushered in 2018 by setting the Guinness World Record for the ‘largest aerial firework shell’. Photo: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
  • Ras Al Khaimah put on a record-breaking fireworks display on New Year's Eve in 2019. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Ras Al Khaimah put on a record-breaking fireworks display on New Year's Eve in 2019. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Fireworks display at the Yas Waterfront, Abu Dhabi, in honour of Saudi Arabia’s 91st National Day on September 23. 2021. Victor Besa / The National
    Fireworks display at the Yas Waterfront, Abu Dhabi, in honour of Saudi Arabia’s 91st National Day on September 23. 2021. Victor Besa / The National
  • More New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Abu Dhabi Corniche Breakwater. Victor Besa for The National
    More New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Abu Dhabi Corniche Breakwater. Victor Besa for The National
  • There are always fireworks to mark the Formula Grand Prix finale in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi
    There are always fireworks to mark the Formula Grand Prix finale in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi
  • People enjoying the fireworks on Abu Dhabi Corniche to celebrate the 41st UAE National Day in 2012. Ravindranath K / The National
    People enjoying the fireworks on Abu Dhabi Corniche to celebrate the 41st UAE National Day in 2012. Ravindranath K / The National
What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
How does ToTok work?

The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store

To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.

The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.

Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.

 

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Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final

Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
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Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
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Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
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Updated: November 24, 2022, 9:18 AM
National Day 2025Abu Dhabi