Several activities have been planned to mark the 43rd National Day of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 2014.
The holiday and the celebrations mark the unification of the emirates and the founding of the country in 1971.
Here are some activities – fireworks, parade and 'live' entertainment – that you can enjoy while you celebrate this important day.
Dubai
A large number of events and activities have been planned in Dubai. Here are a few of those:
World’s Longest Graffiti
Where: Jumeirah Beach Park
When: November 30, 10am to 5pm
A new art and cultural project, entitled ‘Our Journey’, will mark the UAE’s 43rd National Day celebrations. Expected to enter Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s longest graffiti, ‘Our Journey’ will be 2,180 metres long, will resemble UAE’s map and the seven emirates, and will mirror glimpses of UAE history, starting from the beautiful past to the bright present and promising future.
Once completed, it is expected to enter Guinness World Records as the world’s longest graffiti. The team includes 100 of the world finest graffiti artists, 30 Arabian artists and 20 Emirati artists. Participation is open for public, especially students.
‘Our Journey’ will consume over 7,000 paint spray containers. The eco-friendly containers will be used in another artwork. Several cultural and recreational events will be hosted, starting from10am to 5pm.
Dazzling Fireworks Show
Where: Opposite Burj Al Arab Hotel
When: 6pm onwards, December 1
As a part of the celebrations of UAE 43th National Day, there will be dazzling performance with the popular international magicians and spectacular fireworks shows at the Burj Al Arab. The events will take place opposite Burj Al Arab Hotel and is free of charge. However, only those who had pre-registered through the website before November 18 can only make it to the event now. The event will take place on 1st of December 2014 from 6 pm onwards.
Fireworks and 'live' Entertainment
Where: JBR beach
When: 5pm (live entertainment) and 9pm (fireworks), December 2
You can expect a scintillating fireworks display at the beach opposite Jumeriah Beach Residence onTuesday, December 2, 2014. Celebrations will be on with live entertainment from 5pm onwards and fireworks start at 9 pm.
Dance, light show, fireworks
Where: City Walk, Al Wasl/Safa Road
When: Daily 2pm to 11pm, November 28 to December 2
City Walk, at the junction of Al Wasl and Al Safa Road, will be organizing events from Friday, November 28 to Tuesday, December 2. The five-day festivities will include traditional performances by Al Ayalla and Al Yolla dancers, an eventful showcase of skill by LED jugglers, face painting on the National Day, and a beautiful play on lights that illuminate the destination.
The festivities will conclude on December 2 with a fireworks show that will begin at 9pm. 'Live' entertainment will begin at 5pm onwards each day and fireworks at 10pm.
National colours on waterfall, cultural activities, exhibitions
Where: Dubai Mall
When: November 28 to December 6
Expect several cultural activities and entertainment at the Dubai Mall to celebrate the National Day. The Watani Exhibition at the mall will offer visitors insights about the UAE’s history, including the foundation of the seven Emirates, the development of the nation and the vision of its great leaders, from November 30 to December 6, 2014, at The Dubai Mall, Star Atrium.
Arabian Pearl Exhibition, another exhibit, will provide visitors with the full history on the early days of pearl diving, traditional tools used and clothes worn, from November 28 to December 6 at The Souk Atrium.
Besides this, a kids’ parade will be held featuring over 40 Emirati children, all dressed in the UAE flag colours, will march through The Dubai Mall’s ground floor reciting the National Anthem, onDecember 1 and 2 from 4 to 8pm. The UAE flag colours will be projected onto the mall’s Waterfall, until December 3 allowing visitors to take souvenir shots.
Abu Dhabi
There will be a wealth of amazing activities, fantastic firework shows, captivating concerts, dazzling displays and heritage attractions, running in the capital during these days.
Free-to-attend activities include hot air balloon rides on the Corniche, concerts by top Khaleeji performers across the Emirate, falconry competitions, sailing regattas, and art festivals and theatrical shows. Here are some that you can attend.
Fireworks
Where: Abu Dhabi Corniche family park
When: 7pm to 10pm, December 2
Fireworks have been planned by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority at the Plaza area in Abu Dhabi Corniche Family Park. It will be held on December 2 from 7pm to 10pm.
Traditional activities/festivities
Where: Boutik Sun and Sky
When: 5pm to 9pm, November 27
A series of events have been lined up at Boutik Sun and Sky on 27th November on Al Reem Island between 5 to 9pm. Traditional activities and festivities include stilt walking, face painting, kids’ workshop, henna tattoo corner, traditional dance, balloons release and Abu Dhabi police band show.
Concerts/Celebrations
Where: Yas Island
When: December 2
Concerts at DU Forum by Abu Dhabi Municipality will be held at Yas Island, 9pm onwards. Besides this, you can also see the fireworks by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority at the island at 8pm December 2.
Al Forsan Air Show
Where: Abu Dhabi Corniche
When: 3pm to 5pm, December 2
Be a part of Al Forsan Air Show at Abu Dhabi Corniche from 3pm to 5pm on 2nd of December.