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As the UAE approaches the 54th Eid Al Etihad, the country is entering one of its most activity-filled National Day periods in recent years, with public-sector entities, cultural institutions, retailers and private-sector companies coordinating nationwide initiatives that highlight unity, heritage and economic vibrancy. This year’s celebrations, anchored under the theme “United”, are unfolding across all seven emirates, bringing together large-scale public gatherings, cultural shows, retail activations, travel momentum and inclusive community programmes.
The breadth of events, ranging from 24-hour shopping in Dubai to heritage-led programming in Sharjah, major concerts in Khorfakkan, inclusive mobility campaigns in Dubai and peak outbound travel demand, reflects how National Day has evolved into a multifaceted economic and cultural moment. As residents prepare for the long weekend, the UAE’s hospitality, retail, tourism and entertainment sectors are collectively experiencing heightened activity, underscoring the broad appeal and national significance of Eid Al Etihad.
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Dubai has launched the first wave of activity ahead of the holiday. Dubai Festival City Mall will remain open for 24 hours on 28 November, offering extensive discounts, brand activations and Super Sale promotions, reinforcing the emirate’s retail leadership during peak holiday periods.
For one day only, Dubai Festival City Mall is staying open 24 hours with massive discounts, big-name brands, and non stop Super Sale and the Eid Al Etihad hype.
‘United’ theme drives countrywide programming and live screenings
Nationwide preparations gained momentum with the 54th Eid Al Etihad team announcing this year’s celebrations under the theme “United”, inviting all UAE residents to participate in community-led and official events. The initiative reflects the country’s emphasis on shared identity and national cohesion.
To facilitate public engagement, detailed Celebration Guides have been published on the event’s official website, offering recommendations, educational activities and localised celebration ideas. A full schedule of events running from late November through early December is also available, according to a WAM report.
In addition, the Eid Al Etihad YouTube channel is hosting the official playlist curated to accompany National Day festivities.
On December 2, official ceremony screenings will take place across Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra Region, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Cinemas nationwide will also broadcast the ceremony, alongside coverage on local TV channels and digital platforms.
Residents can follow the event’s official social media channels and the hashtag #EidAlEtihad to stay updated.
Sharjah’s multi-day heritage programme highlights cultural identity
Sharjah is hosting one of the UAE’s most extensive National Day programmes, running from November 19 to December 2. The emirate’s schedule spans cultural shows, competitions, musical evenings and community activities designed to highlight Emirati heritage and national values.
Major celebrations are centred at Al Siyouh Family Park, Kshisha Park, Sharjah National Park and Al Layyah Canal, with additional programming across Al Batayeh, Al Hamriyah, Wadi Al Helo, Kalba, Khorfakkan, Dibba Al Hisn, Al Madam, Al Khrous Suburb and Mleiha.
Al Rifa’a Park in Mughaider Suburb will host a continuous line-up of events across the two-week period, complemented by a major musical evening at Khorfakkan Amphitheatre.
The official opening took place on November 19 at Al Siyouh Family Park, featuring traditional performances, artistic showcases and youth dialogue sessions that will continue until December 2.
Zed introduces inclusive mobility campaign featuring People of Determination
In the private sector, ride-hailing platform Zed has launched a month-long initiative titled “United in the Journey”, transforming 54 Zed cabs into moving canvases featuring artwork created by People of Determination. The campaign, running from December 2, 2025 to January 2, 2026, will allocate a percentage of earnings to NGOs supporting children and People of Determination, as well as healthcare-focused organisations.
The vehicles showcase hand-drawn artwork depicting Dubai landmarks, national imagery and symbols representing hope, unity and community connection. Zed executives emphasised that the programme reflects the company’s commitment to human-first mobility and the UAE’s long-standing support for inclusivity.
Travel activity accelerates as India tops outbound destinations
Outbound travel is seeing strong demand ahead of the long weekend, with Skyscanner data indicating that India is the most searched destination for UAE residents planning travel between November 28 and December 4. Searches conducted from July to November show Kozhikode, Kochi, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, New Delhi and Kannur dominating interest, driven by cultural familiarity and short travel times.
Manila, London and Cairo also ranked among the top choices. With offices reopening on December 3, 79 per cent of travellers were looking for trips lasting no more than a week. India led the list of destination countries, followed by Pakistan and the UK, while Egypt, the Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka rounded out the top ten.
Khorfakkan showcases maritime parade and cultural performances
Khorfakkan Amphitheatre is hosting a major series of events from November 28 to December 1, adding momentum to Sharjah’s broader cultural programming. The venue will feature a maritime parade, Flyboard shows and performances by maritime bands, creating a prominent focal point for east-coast celebrations.
On 29 November, artists Hussain Al Jasmi and Fouad Abdelwahid will headline a musical evening, while 1 December will feature the operetta “Pulse of the Nation” and additional concerts by Faiz Al Saeed, Khalifa Al Washahi and Mohammed Al Wazem. Admission to the events is free.
The amphitheatre plaza will host cultural platforms, youth discussions, poetry evenings, competitions, heritage showcases, food trucks, photography activations and traditional performances. Citywide decorations and lighting displays further reinforce community engagement and National Day pride.
