Across the United Arab Emirates, the extended National Day holiday weekend has transformed into a vibrant tapestry of family reunions, cultural celebrations, and outdoor activities. With official holidays from Saturday through Tuesday creating a four-day break, residents embraced the perfect weather to strengthen bonds and participate in nationwide festivities.
The extended Eid Al Etihad holiday prompted diverse celebrations spanning all seven emirates. Parks and beaches witnessed unprecedented footfall while cultural hubs hosted special events featuring fireworks displays, drone shows showcasing national themes, and theatrical performances. Numerous venues offered discounted entry tickets, further enhancing accessibility to celebrations.
Expatriate communities demonstrated particularly creative approaches to the holiday. In Dubai Hills, Kazakh resident Karina Shashkova hosted an intimate Secret Santa gathering that evolved into a backyard barbecue with multiple families. “We organized an anonymous raffle between four families which created wonderful laughter and guessing games,” Shashkova recounted, noting the event provided valuable connection time before winter travel plans separate the group.
Al Ain resident Aiham Joratli, a Syrian expatriate with seventeen years in the UAE, embraced outdoor activities with his young family. “We intentionally planned our day around fresh air and festive spirit,” Joratli explained, detailing their itinerary from Al Jahili Park’s exercise facilities to traditional breakfast and mall visits. The family particularly valued the recent Airshow featuring national flag colors, which Joratli described as “fostering unity and pride within our community.”
Some families ventured beyond urban centers, with groups like Geetika Talwalkar’s choosing mountain adventures at the Bear Grylls camp. Three families comprising six adults and six children embarked on hiking trails, cooked communal meals using on-site barbecue facilities, and stayed in converted container cabins. “The children absolutely blast exploring outdoors,” Talwalkar noted, emphasizing how the experience provided refreshing escape from city routines.
The widespread celebrations demonstrated how the National Day holiday has evolved beyond official ceremonies into a genuine opportunity for community building across the UAE’s diverse population, blending traditional Emirati culture with the international influences of its resident communities.