Quick answer: UAE National Day, also called Eid Al Etihad, is on Wednesday 2 December 2026, the 55th anniversary of the UAE. The public holiday is Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December, giving most residents a long weekend to Sunday 6 December. Dubai’s celebrations run from 30 November to 3 December with fireworks, cultural shows and family events, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix follows from 3 to 6 December.
Eid Al Etihad is the biggest celebration of the year in the UAE. Every 2 December, the country marks the day in 1971 when the emirates united under the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Expect flags on buildings and cars, fireworks and drone shows, parades, Emirati music and food, shopping offers and a packed calendar of events across all seven emirates.
UAE National Day 2026 at a glance
| Date | Wednesday 2 December 2026 (55th National Day) |
| Public holiday | Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026 |
| Long weekend | 2 to 6 December for most residents |
| Dubai celebrations | 30 November to 3 December |
| Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | 3 to 6 December, Yas Marina Circuit |
| Official ceremony | 2 December, invitation only, broadcast live |
When is the UAE National Day holiday in 2026?
The public holiday for National Day 2026 is on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December, as set out in the UAE Cabinet’s list of official holidays (Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024). Unlike the Eid holidays, National Day is a fixed date, so it does not depend on moon sighting. Private-sector holidays usually match the public sector, but always check with your employer.
How to make it a longer break
Because the holiday falls midweek, the break runs naturally from Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 December for most people working a Monday-to-Friday week. Taking annual leave on Monday 30 November and Tuesday 1 December stretches it into a nine-day break from Saturday 28 November.
Where to watch National Day fireworks in Dubai
Dubai’s Eid Al Etihad celebrations are confirmed from 30 November to 3 December 2026 with fireworks, cultural shows and family events, but the exact 2026 fireworks locations and times have not been announced yet. To help you plan, these are the places that hosted fireworks in 2025:
- Global Village: fireworks and UAE-themed drone shows, and confirmed open over the 2026 break (ticketed)
- Dubai Festival City Mall: waterfront fireworks and light shows
- Souk Al Seef: fireworks over Dubai Creek
- Bluewaters, The Beach and JBR: fireworks along the coast
- Hatta: a mountain setting for families making a day trip
We will update this list as Dubai announces its 2026 programme. See all upcoming events on What’s On.
The official Eid Al Etihad ceremony
The official ceremony on 2 December is invitation only, but it is broadcast live on TV and on public screens around the country. In 2025, Dubai’s public viewing spots included Al Khawaneej, Global Village and Dubai Festival City Mall. The 2026 venue and screening locations have not been announced yet.
Things to do over the National Day weekend
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place at Yas Marina Circuit from 3 to 6 December 2026, with the race on Sunday 6 December. Race ticket holders also get the after-race concerts, with Lewis Capaldi, Alex Warren, Imagine Dragons, The Chainsmokers and The Script on the line-up.
Concerts
Andrea Bocelli performs at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on 2 December 2026. Browse more shows on our Concerts in Dubai page.
Festivals
- Global Village: open throughout the break, with entertainment from around the world.
- Sheikh Zayed Festival, Al Wathba: open over the holiday, with heritage pavilions, fireworks and drone shows (ticketed).
- Mother of the Nation Festival: 28 November to 2 December 2026 at Al Jahili Park in Al Ain and Al Mugheirah Bay in Al Dhafra.
Family days out and staycations
The long weekend is one of the busiest times of the year for theme parks, beach clubs and hotels, so book early. For ideas, see things to do this weekend, kids and family events and our dinner and brunch listings.
How to celebrate National Day like a local
- Wear the colours: red, green, white and black are everywhere, from scarves to face paint.
- Try Emirati food: look for luqaimat, harees and Arabic coffee at festivals and heritage sites.
- Visit a heritage site: museums and heritage districts often host special programmes over the weekend.
- Catch the shopping offers: Dubai usually runs a big sale around National Day; in 2025 it was a 3-Day Super Sale from 28 November to 2 December.
Still to be announced for 2026
So you know exactly what is confirmed: at the time of writing, the 2026 fireworks locations and times, the official ceremony venue and public screening sites, and Dubai’s National Day sale dates had not been published. We will update this guide as soon as they are.
Frequently asked questions
When is UAE National Day 2026?
UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) is on Wednesday 2 December 2026, with the public holiday on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026, according to Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024.
Which National Day is it in 2026?
2026 marks the 55th UAE National Day, celebrating the union of the emirates on 2 December 1971.
Is there a long weekend for National Day 2026?
Yes. With the holiday on Wednesday and Thursday, most residents get a long break from Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 December, depending on their work week. Taking Monday and Tuesday 30 November and 1 December off creates a nine-day break.
Where can I watch National Day fireworks in Dubai?
Dubai’s Eid Al Etihad celebrations run from 30 November to 3 December 2026 with fireworks across the city. Exact 2026 locations are still to be announced. In 2025, fireworks were held at Dubai Festival City Mall, Hatta, Souk Al Seef, Bluewaters, The Beach, JBR and Global Village.
Is Global Village open on National Day?
Yes. Global Village is open over the 2026 National Day break and usually hosts fireworks and drone shows. Entry is ticketed.
What else is on in the UAE over the National Day weekend?
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place at Yas Marina Circuit from 3 to 6 December 2026, Andrea Bocelli performs at Etihad Arena on 2 December, and the Mother of the Nation Festival runs in Al Ain and Al Dhafra from 28 November to 2 December.
Sources: UAE Government public holidays · Khaleej Times · Wego.