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UAE National Day 2025: 8 Must-Do Things In Dubai This Weekend

From Bluewaters fireworks to desert cycling, Hatta hikes and flag-shaped tiramisu, here's how Dubai does the 54th National Day long weekend.

Bluewaters fireworks
Bluewaters fireworks
By DUBAI3 min read
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  • 12025 marks the 54th UAE National Day, with a four-day long weekend of celebrations.
  • 2Commemoration Day falls Saturday, Nov 30; National Day is Tuesday, Dec 2; festivities continue Wednesday, Dec 3.
  • 3Highlights include fireworks at Bluewaters and Dubai Festival City, Al Qudra cycling, and the UAE Flag Garden at Umm Suqeim.
  • 4Foodie moments range from Eid Al Etihad burgers to flag-shaped tiramisu and Burj Al Arab Emirati pastries.
  • 5Live entertainment includes Dubai Rugby 7s with Stormzy, Clean Bandit at Barasti, and Global Village drone shows.

Dubai is gearing up for UAE National Day 2025, and the city is promising non-stop celebrations for locals and visitors alike. Commemoration Day falls on Saturday, November 30, followed by National Day on Tuesday, December 2, and another day of festivities on Wednesday, December 3. With the official holiday spanning Monday, December 1 to Tuesday, December 2, you're looking at a perfect four-day window for luxury, culture, adventure and family fun. Here's your ultimate Dubai.News guide to making the most of it.

1. Pedal Through The Al Qudra Cycle Track

For fitness lovers and cycling enthusiasts, Al Qudra serves up two scenic routes — 50km and 18km — cutting straight through golden dunes and desert landscapes. Flat and well-maintained, the tracks include rest stops along the way, making them ideal for professional cyclists and casual pedal-pushers alike. Open 24/7 and totally free, it's a desert adventure just minutes from the city.

2. A Fireworks Spectacular Across The Skyline

This year marks the 54th UAE National Day, and Dubai's skyline is set to shine with dazzling fireworks displays at Bluewaters, Dubai Festival City and other iconic landmarks. Whether you're chasing the perfect Instagram shot or planning a family outing, the displays are timed throughout the weekend — so check the schedule to catch the full spectacle.

3. Family Fun At Jumeirah Golf Estate

On December 2, Jumeirah Golf Estate comes alive with traditional Yowla dance performances, Emirati craft stations, camel rides and bouncy castles. Family-friendly dining, food stalls and interactive activities make this an ideal spot for kids and adults to celebrate together.

4. Sky-High Celebrations With Emirates

Emirates is taking the National Day spirit onboard with UAE-themed cabin lighting and Emirati-inspired desserts. Passengers on select flights from December 2 to 3 can enjoy a unique experience that combines luxury travel with cultural treats — a celebration literally in the sky.

5. Snap The UAE Flag Garden At Umm Suqeim Beach

Now in its 12th edition, the UAE Flag Garden features 11,000 flags forming aerial portraits of national leaders, with the iconic Burj Al Arab in the backdrop. This vibrant, photogenic attraction runs from October 31 to January 10 — perfect for photography enthusiasts or families looking for a memorable day out.

6. UAE-Inspired Food Experiences

Dubai is serving up plenty of unique treats during the long weekend. Tuck into Eid Al Etihad burgers at High Joint, Izu Burger and Hoe Lee Kow, or grab complimentary National Day tartlets at Novikov Dubai on December 2. Time Out Market Dubai dishes out everything from burgers to nachos, while Peoples Honesty Eatery treats diners to complimentary UAE-flag-shaped tiramisu.

7. Adventure & Outdoor Fun

For the thrill-seekers, Hatta hikes let you explore the Hajar mountains and snap the Guinness World Record Hatta sign — the tallest landmark sign on the planet. Prefer to eat your way around the city? Book a four-hour Emirati food tour through Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, complete with karak, dates, seafood and storytelling. And for a sweet finish, the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab pastry selection delivers Emirati-inspired bites like batheeth mousse, ferni choux and crispy luqaimat.

8. Shows, Markets & Interactive Fun

The entertainment line-up is loaded. Catch the Dubai Rugby 7s (November 28 to 30) with rugby, netball, cricket and live performances including Stormzy, or head to Barasti Beach for Clean Bandit on November 29. There are Global Village fireworks and drone shows (December 1 to 3), the House of Hype winter wonderland with giant snow globes and ugly sweater contests, the Ripe Market with local produce, gelato and a petting zoo, the City Walk Parade with over 1,000 participants on December 1, and AYA Universe at Wafi City with 12 immersive galaxy-themed rooms.

Dubai's National Day 2025 is stacked with luxury experiences, family-friendly activities, cultural shows and one-of-a-kind foodie moments. Whether you want to snap fireworks, ride through the dunes, feast on Emirati cuisine or simply soak in the Dubai glamour, there's something unforgettable waiting for everyone this long weekend.

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Dubai.News Newsroom

Reporting from Dubai — independent, on the ground, and built on local sources.