UAE National Day 2023: Where to watch the official show, fireworks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi

The UAE will mark its 52nd National Day on December 2, and will celebrate the milestone with an array of activities including fireworks displays, across the seven emirates.

The country marks its ‘National Day’ also known as Union Day to celebrate the unification of six emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah – into one country in 1971. The seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaima, joined the union in 1972.

Fireworks across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi

Dubai

Dubai is hosting the COP28 – UN climate conference at Expo City which begins on November 30 and will go on until December 12.

The venue will host the official National Day show alongside the climate conference.

This year’s official ceremony will ‘highlight the UAE’s sustainability journey from its union in 1971 to the present day,’ according to state news agency, WAM.

The show will highlight the roots of Emirati culture while featuring spectacular projections. This fusion of tradition and technology promises to reflect ‘the shared commitment to nurturing and preserving our interconnected world,’ reported WAM. Tickets, for the show which will run from December 5 to 12 at Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai, can be bought from the Union Day website and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The UAE National Day celebrations have traditionally been marked with dazzling fireworks across popular spots in Dubai. However, the plan for this year has not been announced. Popular sites to congregate and watch out for a show along the waterfront include – Bluewaters, Al Seef, and The Beach on JBR.

Sharjah

National Day events and festivities began in the emirate on November and will run all the way until December 3.

The main event and opening is set to be at Sharjah National Park from November 28 to December 3.

It will feature theatrical shows, workshops, interactive competitions, and more. Celebrations are also lined up in Al Dhaid, Khor Fakkan, Al Bataeh region, Kalba, Heritage Village.

Al Mudam region will be putting on a fireworks show as part of its events.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s Corniche has traditionally witnessed stunning manoeuvres by the UAE air force. Details for this year have not been confirmed but reports suggest an airshow featuring fighter planes like Mirage 2000 and F-16 jets could put on display come December 2.

The UAE loves its fireworks and Abu Dhabi will host multiple venues that plan to put up a dazzling display in honour of the 52nd National Day.

Yas Island: Head to Yas Bay Waterfront at 9pm, December 2 to be treated to a star-studded live performances during the day and a expect a dazzling show by night. The waterfront’s promenade will be lit up at 9pm as the fireworks paint the sky over Arabian Gulf.

Al Maryah Island: The Promenade will host fireworks at 9pm on December 2 and 3. This popular business and lifestyle destination will be celebrating the spirit of the Union with an jaw-dropping firework display and water show.

Sheikh Zayed Festival, Al Wathba: Fireworks and drones will mesmerise festival-goers at night while the days are packed with a range of activities rolled out as part of Abu Dhabi’s landmark heritage festival from December 2 to 3. Live performances, shows for children, and numerous activities and surprises will celebrate the ‘Union Day’. The Emirates Fountain will also be decorated in UAE colours.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental: The hotel will put up a beachfront display for the UAE National Day weekend. Emirates Palace’s celebrations will start as early November 27, and one of the highlights is the pyrotechnics and light show — which is scheduled at 9pm on December 2.

It will be visible to both hotel guests and the public.