Rules for National Day celebrations in UAE, from flag waving to car decorations

Ministry of Interior sets out safety measures for 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations

Pupils at Repton School in Dubai celebrate the UAE's 53rd National Day. Pawan Singh / The National

The UAE has set out safety rules for the public to ensure National Day celebrations run smoothly – with people urged to fly the flag proudly but avoid blaring out loud music and spray painting their vehicles.

The Ministry of Interior said the regulations were in place to ensure the well-being of road users and to curb practices which could endanger lives or property.

Brig Eng Hussein Al Harthi, chairman of the Federal Traffic Council at the Ministry of Interior, stressed the importance of marking the festivities in a civilised manner.

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Citizens and residents typically gather in large numbers at organised public events to mark National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad.

A number of firework displays will be held across the Emirates, while the National Day show will be screened at viewing events on December 2.

What are the National Day rules?

Permitted practices:

• Using official Eid Al Etihad stickers
• Raising the UAE flag

Prohibited practices:

• Participating in parades and forming random gatherings
• Obstructing traffic or blocking public roads
• Stunt driving
• Leaning out of windows or sunroofs
• Overloading vehicles
• Covering windows or concealing licence plates
• Making unauthorised modifications or creating excessive noise
• Wearing scarves not related to Eid Al Etihad occasion
• Raising any flag other than the UAE flag
• Using spray paint on vehicles
• Playing loud music (except Eid Al Etihad-related music)

The ministry urged the public not to cause traffic congestion and emphasised the risks of performing stunts or other reckless behaviour.

It said stickers should not be put on the body of cars and windshields. Making modifications which increase engine noise or adding accessories which could hamper visibility are also banned.

The use of spray paint by drivers, passengers and pedestrians was also prohibited. Playing loud music and anthems is forbidden, except for those approved for National Day celebrations.

Obscuring or covering licence plates, changing the vehicle's colour and tinting or darkening windscreens is also prohibited.

Shops selling decorations were urged to abide by the regulations. They were barred from displaying any stickers or flags except for the UAE flag or approved stickers.

The ministry said legal action would be taken against anyone flouting the rules.

It called on members of the community to “co-operate and celebrate with a spirit of patriotism and responsibility, reflecting the civilised image of the UAE and its unwavering commitment to safety and mutual respect on the roads”.

Long weekend to come

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  Fireworks light up Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi, celebrating the 53rd Eid Al Etihad. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Yas Bay was one of the most popular places to watch the fireworks. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Spectacular fireworks have become a highlight of Eid Al Etihad celebrations, and this year was no different. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  The Yas Bay Waterfront fireworks display took place on December 2 at 9pm. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  A two-for-one show took place at Dubai Festival City Mall – a fireworks display and the Imagine light show on the promenade. Pawan Singh / The National

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  People wait to watch the fireworks at Dubai Festival City Mall. Pawan Singh / The National

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  The spectacle combined light, water and pyrotechnics for a more immersive experience. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Fireworks at Dubai Festival City Mall. Pawan Singh / The National

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  People wait to watch the fireworks at Dubai Festival City Mall. Pawan Singh / The National

Public and private sector workers will get a long weekend for the celebration. Authorities announced that employees would be granted leave on December 1 and 2.

Public and private sector workers are typically given the same number of public holidays under a unified UAE government calendar.

National Day is observed on December 2 each year to mark the date when the UAE was founded.

On December 2, 1971, six of today's seven emirates united to form one country, with Ras Al Khaimah joining in February 1972 to create the Emirates we know today.

This year's activities are being held under the theme “United” and will call on the 200-plus nationalities who call the UAE home to take part in community events to show their patriotic pride.