Things to do in the UAE during National Day weekend

If you have decided not to travel during the long weekend, here are some interesting things you could do right here in the UAE.

1. Go shopping in Dubai

Dubai Tourism recently announced a new ‘National Day sale’ that will run from December 1 to 3 across the emirate. Similar to other shopping promotions in the emirate, stores will offer discounts ranging from 30 per cent to 90 per cent. Some of the retailers who will be participating include: Lacoste, Hackett, Level Shoe District, Gap, Reebok, Damas, Splash and Galeries Lafayette.

2. Have family fun at Yas Marina

Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island will once again host its annual National Day Colours celebration on December 2.

Set on Yas Marina Circuit’s Abu Dhabi Hill, the free event features cultural activities such as oud playing performances, falconry displays, UAE-themed face painting, and dancing. Visitors can also opt for henna hand painting and have their names written in Arabic by a professional calligrapher.

The event, which will also feature a fireworks display, runs from 2pm-7pm.

3. Go adventure seeking in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly establishing itself as the adventure hub of the UAE and recently unveiled the country’s first zip-lining attraction – the all-new Via Ferrata in the Al Hajar Mountains.

The 470 metre-long Via Ferrata comprises three individual start and finish points, as well as three zip-lines measuring 165 feet, 195 feet and 985 feet to expand possibilities for various age and fitness capabilities.

The emirate also offers thrill seekers scuba diving in the mangroves, jet-skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, dune-bashing and sand boarding.

4. Enjoy a ballet performance in Dubai

French ballet company Les Ballets de France will be presenting its “grand gala” for the first time in UAE this weekend.

During the performance, 15 soloist dancers will work through routines from Le Corsaire, Coppélia, Boléro, and Something I had in Mind.

The performances will take place at Ductac in Mall of the Emirates with ticket prices ranging from Dhs150 to Dhs300.

5. Catch some sporting thrill at Dubai Rugby Sevens

It’s the Dubai Rugby Sevens weekend and teams from Fiji, England, New Zealand, Russia, Argentina and more will battle it out on the field, seven minutes at a time.

Now in its 47th year, the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens will see 324 teams, 937 matches and 4,866 players over the three-day festival.

Entrance on Thursday is free, with tickets priced at Dhs400 for Friday and Saturday.

6. Watch the National Day operetta in Sharjah

A special operetta will take place at Sharjah’s Flag Island on National Day featuring Emirati star Hussain Al Jasmi and other artists.

It will feature seven musical performances, describing the story of the rise of the UAE and its people.

Al Jasmi will perform The Story of the Nation and will be accompanied by artists Fayez Al Saeed and Jasem Mohammad on Friday at 8pm.

Students from Sharjah Educational Zone’s schools will also participate in some parts of the show.

7. Visit one of Dubai’s new theme parks

The world’s biggest indoor theme park complex – IMG Worlds of Adventure – is now open and also has a special deal on tickets to celebrate National Day. From November 29 to December 3 you’ll get general admission for Dhs225 (down from Dhs300) (with a Dhs45 voucher included in that for food or retail), and children’s tickets are Dhs175 (with a Dhs25 voucher). Also, on December 1 and 2 the park will be open until 11pm.

You can also optionally head to Bollywood Parks or Legoland at the massive Dubai Parks and Resorts. Tickets are priced at Dhs285 (Bollywood Parks) and Dhs295 (Legoland).

8. Witness firework displays

Firework displays will be held across the country in various spots.

In Dubai, you can head to The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence, at 8.30pm on December 2 (free entrance) and Global Village.

If you are in Abu Dhabi, head to Emirates Palace or Yas Marina Circuit.