Good day, Dubai, and Happy National Day Week.
This is one of the city’s most anticipated weeks of the year. A time when roads close, facades glow green-white-black-red, parades take over the streets, families gather for fireworks, and the entire city transforms into a living celebration of unity, culture, and community pride.
This isn’t a standard Monday edition; this is your Special National Day Briefing, crafted to help you navigate the biggest celebrations across Dubai with clarity, timing, and zero overwhelm. Because from City Walk to Hatta, from Festival Bay to Bluewaters, this week will be packed.
Get ready, it’s going to be a beautifully busy week!
THE BIG NATIONAL DAY EVENTS YOU CAN’T MISS
1. Eid Al Etihad Parade - City Walk
📅 Mon, Dec 1
⏰ 4 PM
📍 City Walk
👉 Event Details
The city’s flagship National Day parade returns - bigger, louder, and more community-centric than ever. Expect:
Traditional Emirati performances
Drummers, dancers, and street musicians
Heritage floats
School groups & cultural troupes
Interactive street zones for families
Official Guidelines You Should Know:
(From Dubai authorities)
Arrive at least 1–1.5 hours early due to expected road closures.
Do not block parade routes or attempt to cross mid-procession.
Children must stay with guardians at all times.
Only use designated entry/exit points.
Costumes and national colours are encouraged, but avoid obstructive props.
Follow instructions from on-ground organisers for movement between zones.
Crowds will be huge, but the atmosphere is unmatched.
2. Diana Haddad Live - City Walk
📅 Mon, Dec 1
⏰ 8 PM
📍 City Walk Main Stage
👉 More Info
Lebanese superstar Diana Haddad opens this year’s celebrations with a high-energy concert right after the parade. Thousands expected. If you want a good spot, plan to stay in City Walk after the parade ends.
3. National Day Fireworks - 5 Prime Locations
📅 Tue, Dec 2
⏰ 9 PM Everywhere
📍 Multiple locations
👉 Full Fireworks Guide
Where to catch the fireworks:
Dubai Festival City Mall - synchronized show with water effects
Bluewaters & The Beach JBR - best coastal vantage points
Hatta Wadi Hub - mountain backdrop & fewer crowds
Souk Al Seef - old Dubai charm
Global Village (bonus) - if you want fireworks + shopping + food
Expect heavy traffic starting at 6 PM. If attending JBR/Bluewaters, consider public transport.
4. Balqees Live - Dubai Festival City Mall
📅 Tue, Dec 2
⏰ 8 PM
📍 Festival Bay
👉 Book Your Entry
A high-production National Day performance by Balqees will take over Festival Bay. Expect packed promenades, drone effects, and a massive lead-in to the 9 PM fireworks.
5. Shamma Hamdan Live - City Walk
📅 Tue, Dec 2
⏰ 8 PM
📍 City Walk
👉 Event Listing
One of the most beloved Emirati voices returns for a patriotic, fully immersive National Day performance - expect families, artists, and a proud local crowd.
NATIONAL DAY WEEK = BIG RETAIL WEEK
Citywide 3-Day Super Sale (Nov 28 - Dec 2)
Up to 90% off across 500+ brands.
👉 Details
DSF Begins December 5
We won’t overstate it yet - official announcements drop this Wednesday. But here’s what’s confirmed:
DSF Drone Light Show (Bluewaters & The Beach)
DSF Nights Concerts
MOTB at Burj Park reopens
DSF Hatta Winter Activities
The city is about to get even busier.
NATIONAL DAY ACROSS THE CITY – OFFICIAL CELEBRATION LOCATIONS
Cultural & Heritage Destinations
1. Al Safa Art & Design Library
Poetry readings, traditional music, art workshops & cultural events.
📅 Nov 3 - Dec 2
2. Al Fahidi Historical Village
Cultural programmes exploring UAE heritage & traditions.
📅 Nov 15 - Dec 3
3. Al Shindagha Museum
Light projections & heritage experiences.
📅 Nov 29 - Dec 3
4. Etihad Museum
Special Union-themed projection mapping + additional programming.
📅 Dec 2
Outdoor & Landmark Locations
1. UAE Flag Garden – Umm Suqeim Beach
Thousands of flags + Burj Al Arab backdrop.
📅 Oct 31 – Jan 10 | Free entry.
2. Hatta Heritage Village
Children’s winter heritage camp (weekends).
📅 Nov 15 – Dec 3
3. Global Village
Fireworks, operetta & drone show (Dec 1–3).
📅 Nov 27 – Dec 3
Museums, Libraries & Learning Spaces
1. Mohammed Bin Rashid Library – Winter Festival
Workshops + outdoor activations.
📅 Nov 25–27
2. Dubai Public Library
Union Day community events.
📅 Dec 2
Malls Hosting National Day Celebrations
All these locations are putting on dedicated cultural programmes (not all elements publicly announced yet):
Nad Al Sheba Mall (Dec 1–28)
Ibn Battuta Mall (Dec 1–3)
Palm Jumeirah Mall (Dec 2)
The Outlet Village (Dec 2)
Dragon Mart (Dec 2)
Circle Mall, JVC (Dec 2)
Dubai Parks & Resorts (Dec 1–4)
Al Khawaneej Walk & Last Exit (Dec 2–3)
Children’s City (Dec 2–3)
Mushrif Park (Dec 2–3)
Dubai Frame (Dec 2–3)
Burj Khalifa Special Fireworks
The biggest city-centre firework display.
📅 Dec 2
WHAT ELSE TO DO THIS WEEK
1000 Miglia Experience - Classic Car Rally
This legendary Italian race returns to Dubai with a parade of classic cars rolling through scenic routes across the emirate. Expect vintage Ferraris, rare Alfa Romeos, and limited-edition collectors’ models. Photography enthusiasts and families will love catching glimpses of the cars as they begin their journey.
The Lost Mirror - Immersive Theatre
👉 Details
A surreal, multi-sensory theatre performance blending movement, storytelling, projection work, and audience participation. It’s ideal for art lovers or anyone looking to do something away from the crowds. Shows typically sell out, so consider booking early.
Hatta Escape
If you want a quieter National Day, Hatta offers:
Fireworks with smaller crowds
Mountain treks
Kayaking
Food stalls
Cooler weather
A great choice for families not looking for city congestion.
📅 PRE-BOOK FOR NEXT WEEK (DSF + MAJOR EVENTS)
Here are the early bookings people are already securing:
DSF Nights - Nora Fatehi
👉 Book Tickets
Kicks off DSF’s first weekend. Expect dance crews, AR visuals, and Bollywood energy.
DSF Drone Light Show - Bluewaters & JBR
👉 Details
Crowd favourite. Two shows nightly throughout DSF.
MOTB at Burj Park
👉 Event Info
Food trucks, indie markets, design pop-ups, performances, and the best DSF vibes.
Festival Bay DSF Events
Drone shows, fireworks, nightly entertainment.
🌤️ WEATHER THIS WEEK
This week’s weather is very National Day-friendly:
25–29°C daytime
20–23°C evenings
Light breeze along the coast
Very mild humidity
No rain forecast
Outdoor events (parades, fireworks, food markets) will be extremely pleasant. Traffic around JBR, Festival City, and City Walk will be intense - plan to walk or use the metro when possible.
EDITOR’S TOP 7 PICKS FOR NATIONAL DAY WEEK
A special-edition list of what’s truly worth your time.
Eid Al Etihad Parade (Dec 1) - unmatched atmosphere.
City Walk Concerts (Diana Haddad + Shamma Hamdan) - two nights of major regional talent.
National Day Fireworks (Dec 2) - Bluewaters or Festival City for the best views.
1000 Miglia Experience - a unique, visual citywide event.
The Lost Mirror - if you want something intimate and artistic.
MOTB + DSF Pre-Festive Energy - hints of DSF in the air already.
A dinner show or themed brunch - perfect for the long weekend if you want a seated plan.
Dubai shines brightest during National Day week, not just because of the fireworks or concerts, but because of the energy that takes over every corner of the city. This week reminds us of what makes Dubai special: community, creativity, ambition, and a shared sense of pride.
If you found this edition helpful, share it with someone who’s still asking: “Where should we go this week?” We’ll be back on Wednesday with the Weekend and DSF guide - a complete, curated rundown of everything happening across Dubai.
Happy National Day Week, Dubai!
– Matthias
