UAE National Day 2025 Guide: Best Places to Celebrate

UAE National Day – now also celebrated as Eid Al Etihad, the “Festival of the Union” – isn’t just a long weekend. It’s flags on balconies, fireworks over the water, and city streets turning into one big celebration.

Whether you’re a planner with a full itinerary or someone who just wants a nice view and karak, this guide breaks down where to go based on your vibe – from big, loud fireworks to slower, neighborhood-style evenings.

Note: Timings and exact schedules can change each year. Always double-check official websites and social pages before you head out.

Big Iconic Spots

For fireworks, crowds & “main character” energy

1. Global Village, Dubai – Fireworks, Culture & Food in One Place

If you want to feel like the whole world has shown up for the UAE National Day, Global Village is it. Seasonal pavilions, street food, cultural shows and a sky full of fireworks and drones – it’s colour and noise in the best way. Global Village has become known for themed fireworks and light shows around National Day, often with drone shows in recent years.

Vibe: Massive outdoor festival with something happening in every direction.
Good for: Families, big groups of friends, content creators who want maximum energy in every shot.

Things to know:

It’s popular – expect queues at entry, food, and rides.
Check Global Village’s official channels for this season’s National Day timings and any special fireworks/drone shows.

Pro Tip: Do rides, kids’ zones, and shopping early, then start hunting for a fireworks-viewing spot at least 20–30 minutes before showtime.

2. Dubai Festival City Mall Waterfront – Lasers, Lights & Water Shows

If you like comfort with your celebrations, Festival City’s waterfront offers views, shows, and mall convenience. In past years, it’s been a go-to for National Day fireworks and light shows over the water.

Vibe: Waterfront promenade + mall – easy food, indoor backup, and a big show outdoors.
Good for: Families with strollers, parking, and food courts within a few steps.

Things to know:

Outdoor seating fills up quickly on long weekends.
Keep an eye on Dubai Festival City and mall event pages for updated show and fireworks details each year.

Pro Tip: Book a restaurant or café with terrace seating if you don’t enjoy standing in crowds – you’ll get the view and a seat.

3. The Beach, JBR & Bluewaters – Fireworks with a Beachfront Skyline

JBR + Bluewaters is classic “I live in Dubai” energy: a long promenade, beach access, Ain Dubai views and fireworks reflecting on the water. It regularly appears on lists of top National Day fireworks spots thanks to its skyline views.

Vibe: Beach meets city – busy, bright and very Instagram-friendly.
Good for: Friends’ groups, couples, and content creators chasing skyline shots.

Things to know:

Traffic and parking can be intense around Marina/JBR on big event nights.
The tram and metro (to Dubai Marina / JLT), plus a short walk, can save a lot of stress.

Pro Tip: Park slightly away from the main JBR cluster and walk in. The extra 10–15 minutes on foot can save you 40 minutes trying to exit the car park later.

4. Yas Bay Waterfront, Abu Dhabi – Concerts & Big Night-Out Vibes

On the Abu Dhabi side, Yas Bay Waterfront has quickly become a favourite for big nights – with dining, Etihad Arena, and fireworks over the water for major occasions. For National Day, it typically hosts cultural activities and firework displays along the promenade.

Vibe: Modern waterfront, festival atmosphere, lots of dining options.
Good for: Young adults, couples, groups who want dinner + show + fireworks in one evening.

Things to know:

Check Yas Bay / Yas Island official pages for current year dates, registration requirements (if any), and fireworks timings.
Many restaurants get fully booked on National Day – reserve in advance if you have a favourite spot.

Pro Tip: If you’re already heading to a concert or event at Etihad Arena, plan extra time before or after to walk the promenade – the atmosphere on big nights is part of the experience.

Low-Key & Local

For calmer nights, community vibes & less traffic

5. Your Local Park Picnic – Flags, Fairy Lights & Takeaway

Not every celebration needs drones and DJ sets. On National Day, neighbourhood parks across the UAE quietly fill with families, mats, takeaway boxes and kids running around with flags.

Think Zabeel, Safa, Mushrif, Mirdif’s community parks, Khalifa City parks, or whatever green space is closest to home.

Vibe: Simple, relaxed, budget-friendly.
Good for: Families with small kids, anyone who hates crowds, and people on a budget.

What to do:

Pack a picnic or grab shawarmas on the way.
Bring a mat, small UAE flags, and maybe some battery fairy lights to decorate your spot.
Let the kids loose with scooters or a football while you relax.

Pro Tip: Check opening hours and any entry fees in advance. Popular parks can still get busy – going slightly earlier than usual means better parking and a nicer spot on the grass.

6. Old Dubai & the Creek – Abra Rides & Heritage Feels

If you want less “mall” and more “memory”, head towards the Creek side – think Bur Dubai, Deira side, Al Fahidi, textile and spice souqs. National Day there feels like every day life turned up one level: flags, decorated buildings, and abra lights reflecting on the water.

Vibe: Heritage, old-meets-new, slower but still lively.
Good for: Couples, small friend groups, anyone who enjoys culture and people-watching more than huge shows.

What to do:

Take a traditional abra ride across the creek – it’s still one of the simplest, most special UAE experiences.
Wander the souqs, pick up flags or small souvenirs, and grab luqaimat or karak from a local café.
Walk along the water and just soak up the atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and keep small cash on hand for abra rides and street snacks.

7. Smaller Corniches & Waterfronts – Sharjah & Beyond

If you live in Sharjah, Ajman, or the northern emirates, you don’t have to drive into Dubai to feel the National Day magic. Places like Al Majaz Waterfront and Sharjah Corniche often host fireworks, water shows, or cultural performances with a more community-based feel.

Vibe: Family-friendly promenades with playgrounds, cafés, and water views.
Good for: Residents who want to stay closer to home but still enjoy fireworks and a night walk.

Things to know:

Check local municipality or venue pages (like Al Majaz Waterfront) for event announcements, fountain schedules, and fireworks timings each year.
Parking around popular corniches can still be busy – plan to arrive early.

Pro Tip: These spots are great for outings with older parents: flat walkways, benches, and lots of cafés mean you can sit, snack, and enjoy without too much walking.

8. Home Gatherings with a Twist – DIY National Day Corner

Sometimes the best way to “beat the crowd” is not to join it at all. If you’ve got little kids, early shifts, or just a low social battery, a home-based National Day can still feel special with a bit of effort.

Vibe: Cosy, personal, centered on people rather than a place.
Good for: Families with very young kids, introverts, or anyone who has work the next morning.

Ideas:

Set up a small “National Day corner” with a flag, cushions, and a simple photo backdrop.
Do a potluck where everyone brings a dish—Emirati favorites plus their home-country comfort food.
Stream the official show or fireworks coverage, or watch from your balcony if you’re lucky with the view.
Create a “gratitude wall” where everyone writes one thing they love about living in the UAE.

Pro Tip: If you have kids, print a few coloring sheets with the flag or landmarks and turn it into a mini “National Day art wall”.

Final Thoughts

UAE National Day 2025 can be loud and sparkly or slow and cosy – whether you’re chasing fireworks, walking by the water, or staying home with family, it’s the small, shared moments that make it memorable.

With EventStan’s guide, you’ve got the insider scoop on where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of every moment.

So, grab your flag, charge your phone, carry some patience for the crowds… and don’t forget to look up when the sky finally lights up.

EventStan wishes you a memorable Eid Al Etihad this year!