All about UAE’s National Day (Eid Al Etihad) 2025

All about UAE’s National Day (Eid Al Etihad) 2025!!

On December 02, 1971, the United Arab Emirates was born, which was later celebrated as Eid Al Etihad (festival of the union), also known as UAE National Day.

And this year, 02 December, 2025, marks the 54th birthday of the UAE.

This occasion is marked as the grandest celebration in UAE’s calendar. Both locals and expats come together to celebrate the existence of the country, to show their gratitude for the service, safety and home UAE has provided to its people.

Friends and families come together for lunch.

Artists perform traditional folk dances like Al-Ayyala and Al-Razfa.

The emirate is lit up with huge fireworks and light shows. Sounds exciting? Keep reading to find out more!

Read on to know everything about UAE’s National Day, including when is UAE National Day Holiday, how can you celebrate? The history of the emirate, and a lot more exciting info about the country.

How was the UAE born?

Before the UAE existed, the region was made up of a small kingdoms known as the Trucial States, along with neighboring kingdoms like Bahrain and Qatar. These states were under British protection, but as oil became a major resource, the British Empire’s influence began to wane, especially after the two World Wars.

In 1968, Britain announced it would end its protectorate and withdraw its military presence, leaving the region to determine its own future.

The smaller kingdoms recognized the need to unite for stability and security, but negotiations were challenging. Bahrain and Qatar decided to become independent on their own.

The remaining kingdom—Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, and Umm al-Quwain—joined forces to form the United Arab Emirates in 1972, with Ras al-Khaimah joining shortly after.

This union allowed the new nation to control its own resources, particularly oil and gas, laying the foundations for rapid economic growth and transforming the UAE into a hub of trade, tourism, and finance.

Source

How many days of leave for UAE National Day is granted?

According to official sources like Gulf News, Al Khaleej, the UAE has announced a 4-day break for private sector employees to mark the UAE National Day celebration.

Holiday dates include:

29 & 30th November (Sat-Sun), 1st & 2nd December (Mon-Tue).

How can you celebrate UAE National Day?

Here are a few ways you can celebrate UAE National Day:

• Catch fireworks at Global Village, starting from Nov 27th to Dec 3rd.
• Explore the UAE Flag Garden at Umm Suqeim Beach, starting from Oct 31st to Jan 1st.
• Witness the massive Burj Khalifa light show displaying the UAE National Flag, and other works.
• Give a visit to Mushrif Park for its two day UAE National Day Celebration starting from Dec 2nd to Dec 3rd.
• Attend Balqees live concert  in Dubai Festival City Mall on Dec 2nd.
• Catch dazzling fireworks at Festival Bay on Dec 2.
• Attend the light projection at the open-air heritage museum Al Shindagha between Nov 29th to Dec 03rd.
• Watch the Dubai Frame light in UAE National flag lights starting from Dec 02nd to Dec 03rd between 4pm-7pm.
• AND MAKE SURE to enjoy Emirati cuisines at traditional restaurants like Al Fanar.

Fascinating Facts About the UAE

We have compiled a few not-so-common, fascinating facts about UAE that would make you feel even more closer to the nation:

• The UAE is the third‑largest oil producer in the world. (Source)
• Masdar City in Abu Dhabi was designed as a zero‑carbon, zero‑waste, car‑free city. (Source)
• The UAE flag’s colours symbolize bravery (red), fertility (green), peace (white), and strength (black). (Source)
• The UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, holds about 95% of the country’s oil reserves. (Source)
• Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi has archaeological sites, including a pre‑Islamic Christian monastery from the 7th century. (Source)
• The UAE had three distinct Iron Age periods, and its ancient falaj irrigation system dates back to that era. (Source)
• Al Nahwa Cave in Sharjah is a karst cavern with archaeological remains and palm trees at its entrance. (Source)

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