UAE National Day Celebrations

Carrie Bradshaw and her brood of girlfriends, in the romantic comedy Sex and the City may have had a tough time getting their way around Abu Dhabi but they sure did enjoy every bit of it! As will you, in case you’re headed to one of the Emirates for a fun break. If you plan your visit judiciously, you may just be in time for the UAE National Day Celebrations beginning December 2. An occasion of immense pride for the locals, it offers breathtaking shows, celebrations and memorable experiences for tourists.

The seven Emirates had been a protectorate of Britain until December 1, 1971. The next day marked the end of the British Protectorate Treaties and ended the English influence over the oil rich gulf nation. What followed was the unification of the Emirates to form the country as it is known today, with Abu Dhabi as its capital. December 2 thus came to be celebrated as National Day in the Emirates with a fantastic round of celebrations lasting for two to three days.

Celebrating, UAE Style

The National Day celebrations in UAE are as much about patriotism and loyalty to the country, as they are about taking a break from the usual routine to do something different. The places to be in during this time are Dubai and Abu Dhabi where a variety of military and cultural programmes unfurl the beginning of the holiday season. From schools where the day is marked by children dressed in traditional garbs – the thoub and kandoora – performing the traditional youlah, to the military parades on the streets and the flag hoisting ceremonies in government and other offices, the national fervor is evident everywhere you look.

Abu Dhabi is the Place to Be

You would say that yourself if you are fortunate enough to witness the unfurling of the national flag, a massive banner, towed by a helicopter, so huge it is visible to people 20 kilometres away! Or if you’re present at the Corniche Beach and picnic grounds when the Emirati sky explodes in a riot of colours as national jets present a scintillating air show for the thousands gathered below. Or whether you’ve been swept off your feet by the brilliance of the fireworks display which lights up the night sky. But by no means is this all. There are cultural shows at the Abu Dhabi Theatre, Sailing Regattas, numerous interesting shows at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village, and a Car Parade on Yas Island. Keeping up with local traditions, hooded sheikhs work hard to outdo one another in falconry competitions and Khaleeji performers display their skills at concerts across the capital and other Emirates.

Unforgettable Dubai

While the glamour of Dubai is unforgettable for anyone who has witnessed it first hand, the National Day celebrations add an additional spark to this glittering city. Dubai throws open its national monuments for tourists, offers a variety of cultural shows and performances and ensures that its glitzy shopping malls are even more attractive for the milling crowds. With a vibrant night life and a gamut of attractive recreational activities to keep tourists busy, Dubai is even more energetic and breathless for those who know how to make the most of their visit.

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