Nine exciting things to do during UAE National Day long weekend

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things to do, uae national day, national day holiday, national day 2019, long weekend

Dubai - We've got a list of all the amazing UAE National Day events across the country.

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A Staff Reporter

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Published: Fri 29 Nov 2019, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Sun 1 Dec 2019, 9:03 AM

You can see the country is gripped with patriotic fervor as every shop, street and building seems to be colour coordinated with the UAE flag. The residents are equally excited as they look to make the most of their five-day weekend for the 48th National Day, and the country has not disappointed them as all the emirates have an exciting line-up of events and activities. Residents are spoilt for choice with a host of free gigs, live shows, discount deals and firework displays.
If you still haven't figured out your plans for the long weekend, we've got a list of all the amazing UAE National Day events across the UAE that will guarantee a fun-filled weekend.
Epic theatrical show in Abu Dhabi
A key part of 48th UAE National Day celebrations in the Capital on December 2 will be the epic theatrical show called 'Legacy of our Ancestors' that will taking people through stories from the UAE's past that showcase the country's values embedded in its heritage and culture. The almost hour-long show will take place in Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sport City Stadium. Inspired by local folklore, 'Legacy of our Ancestors' will take spectators on a fascinating historical exploration of the UAE's values, which remain the cornerstone of this country. The show will bring to life history through special effects and dazzling live performances, digital art and awe-inspiring visual and sound effects.
It will be held on a 10,000 sq m stage and involve 1,800 props. Park-and-ride services are available from the two parking locations to the stadium from 4pm to 6.30pm. The last shuttle bus from the stadium to the parking zones will leave Zayed Sports City Stadium at 9.30pm.
Celebrate on Yas Island
The celebrations will start up on Yas Island as the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019 race weekend comes to a close, and visitors and staycationers can look forward to jam-packing their long weekend with traditional Emirati dance performances, a cultural artwork display, plenty of dining destinations, grand shopping sales and a spectacular fireworks display.
Yas Island's sky with later ignite with a glittering display of fireworks in celebration of the UAE 48th National Day at 9pm on December 2.
From November 28 until December 2, Yas Island's theme parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi offer a 48 per cent discount on entry, featuring more than 60 rides and attractions.
Retail therapy at Yas Mall
National Day celebrations at Yas Mall will take place from December 1-3 and will include extraordinary live Emirati stage performances including Ayala dancers and musicals reliving the UAE history. Shoppers can also look forward to surprise visits by roaming performers.
Additionally, the Black and White sales return to Yas Mall, where discounts are offered across a number of stores from November 28 to December 3. Shoppers can indulge in a proper dose of retail therapy and have the chance to win Dh100,000 when spending Dh200 in any store.
Yas Waterworld's Water Battle returns on December 2 for the fourth year in a row.
Guests will be handed water pistols to splash-out their opponents at the Amwaj Wave Pool. Be sure to arrive early as the UAE's biggest Water Battle will begin at 11.48am.
Get traditional at Al Jahili Fort
The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is organising a series of events at Al Ain's historic Al Jahili Fort on December 2. A programme celebrating the best of Emirati culture and identity will see visitors enjoy heritage workshops, performing arts, traditional food, sports games and more.
Visitors can work up an appetite while watching traditional sports such as falconry and saluki (dog racing), live cooking demonstrations of traditional food, including Raqaq (thin bread), Jabab (pancakes) and Luqaimat (sweet dumplings in syrup), followed by tasting sessions.
Children can learn about the traditions of the UAE in educational workshops, finding out more about traditional Emirati dress, making traditional handicrafts and participating in traditional games typical of Emirati childhood.
In the evening, Al Jahili Fort will host a programme of performances, including poetry sessions, traditional music and traditional martial arts. The night will also feature a performance of military music and a police dog show.
Free activities at Burjuman Mall
BurJuman Mall will celebrate the National Day with a family-friendly Arabian extravaganza, offering an array of complimentary activities in a stunning 360 ° Majlis setup.
Experience authentic Emirati customs, including calligraphy, falconry and henna art, while enjoying local dates served with delicious Arabic coffee. This year's theme of "Tolerance" will also be highlighted at the BurJuman Tree of Tolerance - the perfect place to be photographed with friends and family to create memories from this 48th anniversary celebration.
Palm Jumeirah celebrations
Brand new Nakheel Mall, the new shopping, dining and entertainment destination at the heart of Palm Jumeirah, that officially opened its doors to the public on November 28 is offering a host of activities on the National Day weekend. Apart from live entertainment, promotions and activities, Nakheel Mall is giving out Dh1 million worth of prizes - including a brand new Maserati - for every Dh250 spent until December 7. The mall has started live shows of My Little Pony and Baby Shark, with live bands, roaming entertainment and children's workshops, too.
Fireworks to light up Dubai skies
Much awaited fireworks will dazzle residents and visitors as part of the citywide celebrations. Head over to several locations to watch Dubai's night sky light up in a kaleidoscope of flares and intricate patterns from December 1 to 2, adding to the charm of the city twinkling with many other illuminations on the joyous occasion of National Day.
When: December 1 at Al Seef (8pm), La Mer (8.30pm) and The Beach (9pm); December 2 at The Pointe (8pm), Global Village (9pm)
Further, visitors attending the Imagine show titled "Faces of the Nation" on December 2 at Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall, will get to enjoy spectacular firework displays at 8pm and 10pm.
Heritage at Times Square Center
Experience authentic Emirati heritage from food delicacies, gahwa and dates, pottery making demo and henna art to traditional performances until December 3, at Times Square Center. Personalised card calligraphy sessions, live cooking of traditional items and dancing processions of Punjab Dhol dance, Khaleeji entertainment and Spanish dance will also be part of the celebrations.
Dubai Parks
Two of Dubai Parks and Resort's most popular theme parks - Motiongate Dubai and Legoland Dubai - are offering a special deal for UAE residents who visit the parks till December 3. For every park ticket you buy, you can get up to three more for only Dh48 each.
Free Popcorn anyone?
Movie fans, make sure your next cinema trip is over National Day weekend, as Roxy Cinemas are giving free popcorn to everyone. Head to any of their Dubai theatres before 2pm till December 3 and every movie ticket will get you a small popcorn.


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