Where to celebrate the UAE National Day 2020 in Dubai

The 2^nd December 2020 will see the UAE turn 49 years old, and Dubai is throwing a huge festival of shopping, entertainment and more to celebrate. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s National Day festivities, which will run from 28 November to 5 December, will include a packed line up of activities, retail opportunities, concerts and family fun.

The eight days of events, which will coincide with an extra-long public holiday weekend, will showcase the very best of Dubai, with patriotic displays of national pride side by side with world-class entertainment at the city’s biggest and most popular landmark destinations.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “UAE National Day is one of the highlights of Dubai’s calendar of exceptional events and incredible moments that attract the world to the city each year. We are looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors from all corners of the globe to eight days of wonderful events, sales, activities and more that are planned for UAE National Day 2020, to celebrate the UAE’s many achievements and usher in more successes in the future.”

Dubai recently launched the ‘DUBAI ASSURED’ stamp in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Department of Economic Development and Dubai Municipality to certify hotels and retail establishments, F&B outlets and attractions that are following the government’s health and safety rules and promote the peace of mind of residents and visitors.

Here, DFRE outlines the best deals, sales and promotions and more to be found in stores, malls and shopping centres during the citywide UAE National Day celebrations:

MBC Concerts

As part of the UAE’s 49^th National Day celebrations in Dubai, DFRE and MBC invite fans of Emirati and Arabic music to a two-day concert starring some of the biggest singers from the UAE and the region. On 2 December, Burj Park in Downtown Dubai will host a performance by Balqees and Mohammed Shehhi, who is known for his poetic songs and Khaleeji style of singing. On 3 December, the open-air venue will host star Eidha Menhali, who is best known for his hit single ‘Motasoa’ and Shamma Hamdan, the first Emirati to make it to the final of ‘Arabs Got Talent’. Each evening of live music is free of charge, but guests must register in advance.

Retail Events

UAE National Day celebrations will once again extend to the city’s malls and shopping destinations with The Dubai Mall, Nakheel Mall, City Centre Deira, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Outlet Mall offering savings of 50-70 per cent off selected items from 28 November to 5 December. Stores taking part in the National Day super sale include the Early Learning Centre and Shoexpress which will both cut prices by 30-75 per cent. Sacoor Brothers stores and online will host a super sale and Topman / Topshop will offer a Buy One, Get One Free promotion on selected lines, Mikyajy stores in the Bin Sougat Centre, Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif will offer savings of 25-75 per cent, Nayomi branches across the city will host a range of special offers including two tops mix ‘n’ match for AED99, small gift sets for AED139 and pajama sets for AED199 plus many more deals. Shoppers at Danube Home stores in Al Barsha and on Sheikh Zayed Road can enjoy savings of 80 per cent on a range of items, while Harman House is offering 15-50 per cent off a selection of home and personal electronics. British shoemaker Clarks will reduce prices by 40 per cent in stores across the UAE and parents can pick up children’s strollers, car seats and accessories from Chicco at a 25-75 per cent price reduction. The Dubai Mall store of ladies fashion store Garard Darel will host a part sale with reductions from 40-60 per cent on selected items, house appliance specialists Better Home will offer Super Savings offers and bundle deals on selected items, bedding and mattress store King Koil has cut prices by 45 per cent and sportswear giants Puma will slash prices by 50-70 per cent on selected items at participating stores.

Hotels

Some of Dubai’s most luxurious hotels, as well as more budget friendly properties, will welcome residents and visitors from abroad with a range of great UAE National Day promotions on overnight stays and more. Offers include a staycation at the Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel in a Classic Room for AED449++ or a family suite for AED749++ including breakfast, Ski Dubai vouchers, 2 Magic Planet tickets and 20 per cent off F&B for Marriott members. The H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road has a relaxing break offer including complimentary access to Nikki Beach Dubai, with prices starting at AED349 per night. The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah’s Dream Away for National Day Package includes breakfast, early check-in, late check-out and 15 per cent off room rates. The Habtoor Grand Resort Autograph Collection is offering 20 per cent off the best available rate for guests during the UAE National Day celebrations with children aged up to six staying for free.

F&B

Diners who order food via the Zomato app will enter a raffle draw to win Zomato credit valid for one year, with a total AED50,000 being given away as part of the promotion. With hundreds of restaurants available on the food ordering app, including Emirati eateries, the promotion is a great way to explore new cuisines, exciting dishes and win. The Celebrate UAE National Day with Zomato promotion will run from 28 November to 5 December. Jumeirah Group and Arabian Radio Network (ARN) will  show foodies how to cook amazing dishes as prepared by two of the UAE’s best Emirati chefs. The Emirati Cooking Masterclasses with Jumeirah Group Restaurant Chefs will be held part of a special National Day cooking session broadcast live on the Dubai Eye radio station and streamed live on Dubai Eye’s Facebook page. Held during the Afternoon with Helen Farmer Show, the first class on 29 November will feature  Chef Fatma Abdulla Ibrahim Al Ajmi, Speciality Chef at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, with Chef Mussabeh Al Kaabi, Executive Oriental Chef at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel, joining on 30 November. Taking place on air between 2pm and 5pm, the chefs will be interviewed to reveal their top tips for Emirati cooking.

Dubai Icons

Each evening from 28 November to 5 December, some of Dubai’s most iconic and recognisable landmarks will light up as part of the UAE National Day celebrations. The Dubai Frame, in Zabeel Park, will project a UAE National Day greeting while the world famous Burj Al Arab hotel in Jumeirah will alight with the colours of the UAE flag, from 7pm until 11pm.

Citywide Decorations

Residents and visitors travelling around Dubai during the National Day celebration period will be dazzled by eye-catching light installations at some of the city’s most prominent buildings, locations and streets. Large National Day greetings will be illuminated near the Crowne Plaza hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road and opposite the entrance to Dubai Parks & Resorts. Lights will be installed on the main roads to and from Sharjah from Dubai, at Dubai Festival City opposite the Volvo dealership branch, at the Al Khawaneej Last Exit and on the way to Global Village. Smaller installations will be located at the Dubai World Trade Centre roundabout, on Umm Suqeim Road, Al Seef Street, near the Etihad Museum and at the Global Village exit towards Sharjah.

External Events

On Saturday 5 December, The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates will host upcoming UAE based artists for the HomeGrown Beats show. The groundbreaking event, hosted by DJ Big Hass, will bring together fresh creative talent at the heart of the local scene. Held in association with Blank Space Open Mic, participating artists will include Bafoory, Bilail, Dina Stars, Madyan Hamza, Nagham Debal, SG & Ahmedoo and Suhaib Alises.

An exclusive show for the UAE National Day celebrations, Modesh and Dana will perform live in an extra special performance at La Perle. Modesh & Dana at La Perle will show the joyful characters as they visit a beautiful city where they meet Pearl, a young girl who is lost. Together, the three friends decide to explore their surroundings, finding themselves suddenly embarking on an incredible journey through a portal of wonderful and whimsical worlds. The Modesh & Dana at La Perle show will be held from 1-5 December, with two shows per day at 6.30pm and 9.30pm.

Dubai’s favourite and longest running live comedy night, The Laughter Factory returns with six hilarious new shows featuring the very best comedic talent. On 3 and 4 December, The Laughter Factory show will take to the stage for two nights at the Movenpick JBR hotel. On 9 December the show will head to the Zabeel House Hotel by Jumeirah, then the Grand Millennium Barsha Heights from 10-11 December and the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah on 11 December. Each show will be fully socially distanced.

On 4 December, Passenger will perform live at the Dubai Opera. Featuring the talents of the multi-award-winning, platinum selling singer-songwriter Michael Rosenberg, the concert is a must for all music lovers. Tickets are priced from AED295.

On 30 November, the popular performing arts venue The Fridge will host season 33 of The Fridge Concert series, with a show by Dubai-based singer, songwriter and multi-genre producers, Jay Abo. Promising a combination of musical styles and a truly eclectic performance, doors open at 7.30pm with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets are AED80.

Roaming Entertainment

The spirit of National Day fun and excitement will spread to every corner of the city with a host of great live acts from 1-5 December. Families can expect traditional entertainment such as an Al Harbaiya band, with all performances socially distanced to enhance the visitor experience, while also introducing the heritage and culture of the UAE. Participating venues include Dubai Festival City Mall, The Beach, Al Seef, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, The Pointe, The Outlet Village, City Walk, The Dubai Mall and Al Khawaneej Walk.

Mall Celebrations

Dubai Festival City Mall is offering shoppers the chance to celebrate National Day on 2 December by the creek while enjoying an al fresco meal and a magical and dynamic fireworks, lights and music performance by the IMAGINE show. Diners can choose from waterfront restaurants with outdoor seating including Al Fanar, Chilis, Peppermill, Famous Dave’s, Five Guys, Nando’s, Semsom, Turkish Village, Joe’s Crab Shack and also venues at the nearby InterContinental Hotel. Guests must pre-book to secure a spot, with seating options available at 7pm to 9.15pm, and the fireworks starting at 9.00pm, and another seating from 9.30pm to 11.30pm, with the fireworks taking place at 11.00pm. The mall will also host National Day festivities each day from 1-5 December.

For more information, visit: https://www.dubaifestivalcitymall.com/home/whats-on/events/celebrateuaenationalday

Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif will host a series of special UAE National Day activations and events to highlight the achievements and culture of the UAE to residents and visitors alike. Shoppers at any of the three malls can win 49,000 SHARE points by spending AED200 and scanning their receipts using the SHARE app. The draw for the winner will be held on 10 December.

As part of City Centre Mirdif’s ‘Towards the next 50’ promotion, families can take part in activities including an art gallery and workshops plus live painting displays and sculptures. City Centre Deira will stage an exhibit chronicling the UAE’s culture and achievements, including the Hope Probe, as well as a falconry display and special National Day parade. Mall of the Emirates’ Vox Cinema will screen Emirati films on 2 December while Emirati artworks will be on display in the Central Galleria and Patchi chocolates and Worood roses will be distributed to shoppers from the mall’s Customer Service Desks. The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates will also host Emirati entrepreneur Anas Bukhash who will interview an Emirati influencer to discuss the journey of the UAE through their eyes as part of his popular segment, Anas Talks.

Box Park in Jumeirah will host National Day celebrations with kids’ cultural and arts and crafts sessions, a petting zoo, rodeo rides and live appearances by characters from the popular Freej cartoon series taking place from 2pm to 10pm from 1-12 December. UAE National Day celebrations at Al Khawaneej Last Exit and Al Khawaneej Walk will feature a range of Emirati cultural displays and traditional crafts including boat building, fishing net making and burqa making classes plus henna art and live Emirati storytelling sessions as well as roaming entertainers each day from 26 November to 5 December. From 2-4 December, City Walk will host a Freej stage show and meet and greet sessions for fans of the cartoon characters. The show will be performed in front of the venue’s fountain. The 49 Reasons to Celebrate at City Walk raffle will give away a total of 49 one-night stays at the La Ville Hotel and Suites for families of two adults and two children. Spend AED300 at City Walk and upload a photo of the receipt to City Walk’s Instagram or Facebook platforms to enter the raffle, which runs from 1-5 December. Prize draws will take place on 10 December.

For more details about this year’s National Day celebrations, please visit https://www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on.