UAE National Day 2025 staycations: Hotel deals and offers for the long weekend

UAE residents will enjoy a long weekend in celebration of the country's 54th National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad. The day marks the anniversary of the founding of the UAE on December 2, 1971, when six of today's seven emirates united to form one country. Ras Al Khaimah joined in February 1972.

Authorities have announced that private and public sector workers will be granted leave on Monday and Tuesday, December 1 and 2. Official working hours will resume on Wednesday, December 3.

Celebrations are set to be held across the nation, from cultural events to concerts, while malls will be decked out in National Day colours and motifs, with many brands going on sale. Skies across the Emirates will light up during the holiday with a number of firework displays scheduled.

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Hotels across the country are also offering National Day deals and discounts. Here are some to consider.

Abu Dhabi

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Room rates at this Abu Dhabi landmark start at Dh2,500 per night for National Day, inclusive of breakfast for two and a choice of either afternoon tea or a meal at Cafe Fountain. Families get daily half-day access for up to two children at Kids Palace, as well as complimentary access to a selection of non-motorised water sports.

The luxury resort is also hosting a series of celebrations, including children's activities and art workshops that will pay homage to Emirati traditions. The facade of the hotel will be transformed through a special illumination each evening. A firework display will also light up the skies on December 2, starting from 9.15pm.

From November 29 to December 3, Corniche Road, 02 690 7885

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

The beachfront property is offering anyone booking over the National Day holiday a 30 per cent discount on room rates. While the offer is valid only for Shangri-La Circle members, the brand’s loyalty programme, anyone can be a member. Bookings are valid for stays from November 27 to April 30 next year.

Valid on books made between November 27 and December 1, Al Maqta; 02 509 8888

Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi

Rising above Abu Dhabi Marina's breakwater, this landmark resort is offering 20 per cent off stays for National Day. Several activities are also being planned for the occasion, including UAE flag designing, a flag ceremony and a balloon release carrying children’s handwritten wishes into the sky. There's also a friendly football tournament for little ones, as well as face painting and a magic show.

Until December 3; Abu Dhabi Marina; 02 498 0000

Dubai

Five Luxe JBR

Rates at the glamorous beachfront resort in Jumeirah Beach Residence start at Dh1,500 for standard rooms and Dh1,900 for suites for the National Day weekend, extending until Christmas Day. Guests also get a complimentary fourth night if they book for three nights. The package includes three meals and unlimited drinks, free access to Pacha Icons events during the stay and discounts on spa treatments.

Until December 25; Jumeirah Beach Residence, 04 455 9989

Delano Dubai

Set on the shores of Bluewaters Dubai, Miami export Delano Dubai's National Day offer includes a 20 per cent discount on room rates including complimentary daily breakfast. The offer is valid for both UAE and GCC residents.

Famed for its pool, the hotel will offer guests discounted rates on sun loungers and cabanas over the long weekend.

Ongoing offer; Bluewaters Dubai; 04 556 6466

Hotel Local Dubai

Part of Marriott International's Autograph Collection, the hotel is offering 25 per cent off on all direct bookings over the National Day holiday, extending until New Year's Eve. On December 2, guests also receive a buy-one, get-one offer on all main dishes at the property's signature dining venues for reservations between 5pm and 7pm.

Until December 31; Jumeirah Village Triangle; 04 545 2000

Naumi Hotel Dubai

The newly opened Singaporean export has 25 per cent off room rates including daily breakfast for National Day, extending until the new year. Only a few metres away from Dubai Internet City Metro Station, the property occupies what was formerly the dusitD2 Kenz Hotel.

Until January 15; Barsha Heights; 04 567 2222

Banyan Tree Dubai

Children stay and dine for free at the Bluewaters resort during National Day. Photo: Banyan Tree

Blending modern Arabian design with a beachfront setting stretching 500 metres, the hotel offers 20 per cent off the best room rates, daily breakfast, 20 per cent off dining and Dh300 spa credit. Guests also receive early check-in and late check-out while children stay and dine for free.

Ongoing offer; Bluewaters Dubai; 04 556 6666

Raffles Dubai

For something a little luxurious, Raffles Dubai is offering 35 per cent off on its suites for National Day. The offer comes with daily breakfast for two, early check-in and late check-out, access to Raffles Club Lounge, all complimented by the hotel's signature butler service.

Ongoing offer; Wafi; 04 324 8888

Raffles The Palm

If you want the Raffles charm with Palm Jumeirah views, then this second Raffles hotel location is the staycation spot to check out. Over the long weekend, residents of the UAE or GCC can enjoy a 20 per cent discount on stays of two nights or more. This includes food and drink and spa treatments, too. Children under 12 can stay for free.

The offer is available to book until May 10, and can be used for stays until December 19, 2026; Palm Jumeirah; 04 248 8888

Park Hyatt Dubai

Nestled along the shores of Dubai Creek, this popular resort has stood the test of time and continues to attract visitors – old and new – decades after opening. It is offering 15 per cent off on stays over the long weekend inclusive of free breakfast. Guests can also check-in early, subject to availability.

Until December 2; Dubai Creek Resort; 04 602 1234

The First Collection Hotels - Waterfront, Business Bay and Marina

Lobby of the four-star First Collection Business Bay. Photo: The First Collection

The home-grown hospitality brand is offering 25 per cent off on the best available room rates for National Day, extending until New Year's Eve – at its two hotels in Business Bay (which includes First Collection Waterfront) and one in Marina. On December 2, guests also get a buy-one, get-one offer on selected mains courses at Alloro Ristorante, The Blacksmith Bar & Eatery, Local and Vyne, between 5pm and 7pm.

Until December 31, Business Bay and Dubai Marina; 04 542 6666

JA Resorts & Hotels

Another home-grown brand, JA Resorts & Hotels is offering National Day deals across its three Dubai properties – JA Palm Tree Court, JA Lake View Hotel and JA Beach Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in the UAE.

Guests receive 15 per cent off on rooms, 20 per cent off on dining, a complimentary Dh100 voucher per guest for spa treatments and early check-in. There is also free resort shuttle access between the JA properties.

Until December 6; Jebel Ali; 04 814 5500

Novotel Dubai World Trade Centre

For National Day, guests get 25 per cent off on the best available room rates, free upgrades to a family room for families, 25 per cent off on selected dining venues and free shuttle to the UAE Flag Garden at Kite Beach. Children under 12 stay for free.

Until December 2; World Trade Centre; 04 332 0000

Ibis Dubai World Trade Centre and Ibis Dubai One Central

Ibis Dubai World Trade Centre hotel in World Trade Centre in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Located in the same complex as Novotel Dubai World Trade Centre, these two properties offer similar deals. Guests get 25 per cent off on the best available room rates, free upgrades to a family room for families, 25 per cent off on selected dining venues and free shuttle to the UAE Flag Garden at Kite Beach. Children under 12 stay for free.

Until December 2; World Trade Centre; 04 332 4444

Ras Al Khaimah

Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah

Nestled among the mountains, desert and sea, this luxury resort is offering National Day packages starting at Dh1,950 per night. Until December 21, the property is also marking the occasion with a photography exhibition showcasing 20 rare photographs of the UAE shot by the British explorer Wilfred Thesiger.

Until December 2; Al Mairid District; 07 228 8844

InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa

The property will put on a National Day market. Photo: Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort and Spa

Guests checking into this luxury resort can enjoy National Day packages starting at Dh999 inclusive of breakfast, dinner for two and access to all of the property's activities and amenities.

For the first time, the resort is also hosting a UAE National Day Local Market, showcasing Emirati products, including traditional clothing, oud and perfumes, artisanal crafts and local delicacies.

Until December 2; Hayat Island; 07 202 6666

DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

Situated on the man-made Marjan Island, this family resort is offering 15 per cent off best available rates and free breakfast at selected restaurants. All guests have access to the resort's private beach and swimming pools and free access to the children's club, as well as the Pirate Boat Aqua Zone.

Until December 3, Marjan Island; 07 203 0000

Fujairah

Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort

One of the most popular destinations in the UAE's east coast, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort's National Day offer includes 20 per cent off their on-site Al Boom Diving Centre, 20 per cent off across its seven restaurants, 50 per cent off spa treatments and discounts on stays for children.

Until January 31; Dibba Road; 09 244 9000

Results

5pm: UAE Martyrs Cup (TB) Conditions Dh90,000 2,200m

Winner: Mudaarab, Jim Crowley (jockey), Erwan Charpy (trainer).

5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap Dh70,000 1,400m

Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Richard Mullen, Hassan Al Hammadi.

6pm: UAE Matyrs Trophy (PA) Maiden Dh80,000 1,600m

Winner: Salima Al Reef, Jesus Rosales, Abdallah Al Hammadi.

6.30pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Apprentice Championship (PA) Prestige Dh100,000 1,600m

Winner: Bainoona, Ricardo Iacopini, Eric Lemartinel.

7pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Ladies World Championship (PA) Prestige Dh125,000 1,600m

Winner: Assyad, Victoria Larsen, Eric Lemartinel.

8pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (PA) Group 1 Dh5,000,000 1,600m

Winner: Mashhur Al Khalediah, Jean-Bernard Eyquem, Phillip Collington.

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THE LOWDOWN

Photograph

Rating: 4/5

Produced by: Poetic License Motion Pictures; RSVP Movies

Director: Ritesh Batra

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanya Malhotra, Farrukh Jaffar, Deepak Chauhan, Vijay Raaz

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

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Start-up hopes to end Japan's love affair with cash

Across most of Asia, people pay for taxi rides, restaurant meals and merchandise with smartphone-readable barcodes — except in Japan, where cash still rules. Now, as the country’s biggest web companies race to dominate the payments market, one Tokyo-based startup says it has a fighting chance to win with its QR app.

Origami had a head start when it introduced a QR-code payment service in late 2015 and has since signed up fast-food chain KFC, Tokyo’s largest cab company Nihon Kotsu and convenience store operator Lawson. The company raised $66 million in September to expand nationwide and plans to more than double its staff of about 100 employees, says founder Yoshiki Yasui.

Origami is betting that stores, which until now relied on direct mail and email newsletters, will pay for the ability to reach customers on their smartphones. For example, a hair salon using Origami’s payment app would be able to send a message to past customers with a coupon for their next haircut.

Quick Response codes, the dotted squares that can be read by smartphone cameras, were invented in the 1990s by a unit of Toyota Motor to track automotive parts. But when the Japanese pioneered digital payments almost two decades ago with contactless cards for train fares, they chose the so-called near-field communications technology. The high cost of rolling out NFC payments, convenient ATMs and a culture where lost wallets are often returned have all been cited as reasons why cash remains king in the archipelago. In China, however, QR codes dominate.

Cashless payments, which includes credit cards, accounted for just 20 per cent of total consumer spending in Japan during 2016, compared with 60 per cent in China and 89 per cent in South Korea, according to a report by the Bank of Japan.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.

8. Pillar 2 implementation

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer