Updated: March 19, 2024

National Day (Arabic: اليوم الوطني‎; Al Yawm Al Watani”) is celebrated on 2 December each year in the United Arab Emirates.[1] It marks the UAE’s Union Day between the seven emirates which was followed by the joining of the seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, in 1972. The National day of UAE stands for the nationalisation from the British Protectorate Treaties which were declared in 1968 and also falls on the anniversary of the federal unification of the seven emirates in 1971 which combined to form the modern-day country, headed by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the federation’s first president. Grand celebrations are held across the country to mark the event.

Fireworks, car rallies and dance shows are the most common activities. Over 57% of UAE residents anticipate to see famous UAE fireworks during the last UAE National day weekend.[2] People will usually dress up in UAE national flag colours, decorate their homes, workplaces, cars and streets to celebrate the day with joy and happiness. The Palm trees are decorated with lights from the colours of the flag. Hotels and other public sites are decorated with the flags and lights. Downtown Dubai will be lightened with fireworks and the tallest structure in the world displays the UAE flag. It will be crowded with people willing to see the massive national day fireworks and celebration. Shopping centres, malls, and institutions will be decorated with the flag. Heritage Villages are set all over the emirates in order to celebrate this event traditionally. Holidays are given from the National Day until two days later. Air shows are conducted while military processions are held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre for the rulers of the Emirates, members of the Federal National Council, and Emirati citizens.