National day
On 2 December, the United Arab Emirates celebrates the union of the emirates in 1971 with fireworks, air shows, heritage villages and streets, cars and homes decorated in the colours of the flag.
Photo: Karen Dalton / Unsplash
2 December every year, with 3 December also a holiday
Across all seven emirates, from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.
Watch fireworks, visit a heritage village, see an air show and wear the colours of the flag.
Eid Al Etihad: Union Day, the Arabic name for National Day
Eid Al Etihad, also known as UAE National Day, marks the founding of the United Arab Emirates as a federation on 2 December 1971. Before then, the emirates were known as the Trucial States and were under British protection through treaties signed in the 19th century. When those treaties ended, the rulers of six emirates formed the union the following day, and the seventh, Ras Al Khaimah, joined on 10 February 1972. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the federation’s first president. The holiday follows Commemoration Day on 30 November, when the country honours those who have died in its service.
Celebrations take place across the country. Homes, offices, cars and streets are decorated in the red, green, white and black of the national flag, palm trees are wrapped in lights in the same colours, and hotels and shopping centres put up flags and illuminations. Many people dress in the flag’s colours. Fireworks are the highlight of the evening at places such as the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Dubai Festival City and Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah, and in Downtown Dubai the Burj Khalifa displays the UAE flag. The air force aerobatic team, Al Fursan, often performs special displays, and there are car rallies, dance shows and military parades. Heritage villages set up around the country show traditional crafts, music and food. National Day is usually a two-day holiday, with 3 December also a day off. Celebrations vary from emirate to emirate.
For Emiratis and the many residents from other countries, National Day is a time to celebrate the country together.
Mark National Day at home:
Coming soon to the App Store.
Expect heavy traffic and crowds at fireworks sites on the evening of 2 December, so arrive early or use public transport. Car decorations follow local rules, and authorities usually publish guidance before the holiday. Dress modestly in public spaces and heritage villages.
The United Arab Emirates was formed as a federation on 2 December 1971.
Seven: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Ras Al Khaimah joined in February 1972.
Yes. It is usually a two-day holiday on 2 and 3 December.
