Things To Do This UAE National Day 2020

To mark the 49th Anniversary of the founding of this incredible country we call home, a grand and awe-inspiring show will take place in Abu Dhabi, and will be broadcast live throughout the UAE and beyond. This is to ensure residents can still celebrate the occasion from the safety of their homes.

Titled “Seeds of the Union”, the spectacular show will take the form of a moving sculpture surrounded by sea and illuminated by digital visuals portraying themes inspired by the UAE’s history and values. The artistic narrative of the show revolves around the growth and transformation of a seed into a shoot and then finally into full bloom, mirroring the journey the UAE has taken in the last 49 years.

So tune in with the family on National Day for what promises to be an inspirational celebration, sure to fill us all with hope and optimism.

UAE National Day is always a special celebration, and what's more special than waterfront dining and a spectacular fireworks show?

Head down to Dubai Festival City Mall this National Day and enjoy a day out with the family to commemorate this special occasion. And once you've shopped till you dropped, and the kiddos have played to their hearts' content, head over to Festival Bay (to your pre-booked table) for a delicious dinner and dazzling fireworks display. Make this a National Day to remember!

Participating restaurants include: Five Guys, Chili's, Al Fanar, Joe's Crab Shack, Nando's, Semsom and Turkish Village

Take your little ones on an around-the-world trip in just a day at Global Village where culture, food and festivities from across the globe come together in one place. There are amusement rides and arcade-style games to keep kids busy as well as a play area and live performances.

Don't miss a chance to ride on the 58m high 'Wheel of the World’ Ferris wheel, or dig into food from around the globe from the multicultural floating market. The weekly fireworks show and circus performances make for the perfect carnival atmosphere for your whole family to have a blast.

This season, there will be fireworks on Thursdays and Fridays during the evening and a concert featuring international artists every Friday at 9pm.

Spend some of the National Day holiday at Laguna Waterpark’s unique 24-hour weekend camping experience! Due to the popularity, spots have been fully booked, however, spaces are now available for Wednesday and Thursday evening throughout the public holiday.

This urban twist on good 'ole family camping comes complete with a night of BBQ, board games, campfire with sing-a-longs, marshmallow grilling and a movie under the stars. The next day, you and the kiddos are treated with a breathtaking sunrise and a basket filled with fresh breakfast ingredients to whip up at live cooking stations, or with guidance by the expert team.

Check-out is at 10am, however, you can leave your belongings in the guest storage room and spend the rest of the day soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the endless excitement of Laguna Waterpark’s star attractions, inclusive of unlimited food and beverages.

Al Khawaneej Walk, the community mall located in the heart of the Al Khawaneej neighbourhood, is set to mark the 49th UAE National Day with an exciting line-up of family-friendly activities and entertainment under the theme ‘Turath Beladi’ (Arabic for ‘my country’s heritage’). Capturing the essence of the UAE’s three distinctive environments – the sea, the desert and the oasis, Al Khawaneej Mall aims to pay homage to the country’s rich heritage.

A traditional Emirati storytelling stage, Sawalif Al Awaleen, will bring alive enchanting stories of the UAE’s past while an Emirati market showcases the best of local art and culture. With henna artists available onsite, visitors can don traditional decorative patterns in celebration of National Day. They can also admire the precise work of the sand artists at their booth.

Honouring the UAE’s historic fishing culture, local artisans will demonstrate the art of crafting fishnets and rowing boats known as al shasha. Sadu weavers and burqa-makers will represent the country’s lush oases, while the henna and sand artists celebrate the unique arts of the desert.

On 29 and 30 November, you can learn more about the UAE’s heritage at a mini museum displaying mannequins dressed in traditional Emirati attire. You can also ‘lock your love’ for the nation by attaching padlocks in the colours of the UAE flag to a giant 3D ‘UAE’ sign, situated near the Promise Bridge. Selected shoppers will receive a padlock to affix to the sign along with a personal message to the country and its leaders.

In honor of the UAE National Day, watch Polo teams compete for the UAE National Day Cup trophy at the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. Head out with your family and friends, enjoy a picnic, and have a beautiful day outdoors.

Celebrate UAE National Day early with fellow athletes at the exciting UAE National Day Run 2020.

This fun competitive run series takes place on the private, closed-off roads of Meydan, with the start and finish at The Track Golf Clubhouse. From social to advanced runners, young or experienced, run, walk or sprint the 3k, 5k, 10k or 10 miles (16k).

There will be music and plenty of aid stations. All finishers will receive a RunInDubai shirt, medal, muffin & juice, fruits, water & downloadable certificate. Plus, since it's UAE National Day weekend, participants are encouraged to pin UAE flags to their running gear, caps, and even use face paint!

Immerse yourselves in the UAE's rich culture and traditions during the impressive Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. With endless activities and events going on daily, you and your little ones will be spoiled for choice!

You'll come across grand pavilions and exhibitions of UAE heritage that highlight the history and union of the UAE, as well as the Union March and various aspects of UAE culture; International participants and popular folklore performances that showcase different aspects of heritage and traditional culture; Spectacular fireworks displays, and the Emirates Fountain which uses the most advanced technology.

The Festival has also dedicated events and special recreational activities for children to encourage them to develop their skills and explore their talents. And it hosts a wide selection of the best local and international restaurants and food trucks.

Some Festival highlights include: National Day Celebrations, Union March, World Heritage Parade, Kids Nation, Firework showsm Funfair City, Horse and Camel Shows and Street Artists & Performers

Ahead of the UAE’s 49th National Day, Yas Theme Parks are offering UAE residents an unbeatable 49% discount on “two-day, two parks” ticket bundles! Guests availing the offer will be able to visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and either Yas Waterworld or Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. The offer is exclusively available online via each park’s website and will run from 26 November till 2 December. Tickets will be valid for redemption until December 25th 2020.

Head over to Kidoos and celebrate UAE National Day where you can take part in a range of super fun activities including a Day Pass for your little one to enjoy some indoor play, UAE Best Costume Competition, Arts & Crafts and Free Snacks.

Kidoos also has a branch in Deerfields Mall plus at La Mer and Al Khawaneej Walk in Dubai.