Where to watch UAE National Day fireworks in Abu Dhabi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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 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 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

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

People enjoying the fireworks on Abu Dhabi Corniche to celebrate the 41st UAE National Day in 2012. Ravindranath K / The National