Events to fill your National Day holiday

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This Wednesday the UAE celebrates it’s 44th National Day, which means most of us getting two days off work, which means most of us getting a long weekend…yay!

From flags covering cars, buildings and just about everything else, to some mega firework displays; true to form the UAE goes large when it comes to celebrating National Day. And there’s a whole load of events happening too. Here’s the lowdown…

Heritage Celebrations for the kids – Heritage & Diving Village

This is definitely one to take the kiddies to (or maybe go if you’re in need of a simple history lesson). Experience the local culture and heritage through theatre shows, cartoon characters and have the kids take part in handicraft workshops and loads more.

When? December 2 – 4, 5pm – 10pm

Where? Heritage & Diving Village, Al Shindagha

How much? Free admission

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Dinner at Imperium – Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Feast on traditional foods in absolute luxury. This unreal restaurant in the incredibly grand Zabeel Saray offers up a feast of traditional dishes and live Emirati cooking stations. Local Emirati Executive Oriental Chef Musabbeh Al Kaabi will show guests how to cook Emirati dishes and keep an eye out for giveaway tasters and recipe cards. This one is for the serious foodies.

When? December 2, 18.30pm onwards

Where? Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Palm

How much? AED 250 per person

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Fireworks at The Beach – opposite JBR

We recommend taking the Dubai Tram/Metro to this one and then walking because traffic will be INSANE, however the effort will be worth it. Set yourself up in any of the fab restaurants in the area and enjoy an evening of fireworks.

When? December 2 – 4, 8.30pm

Where? THE BEACH opposite JBR

How much? It’s free to enjoy the fireworks, however prices may vary depending on where you decide to park yourself

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X Dubai Flyboard World Cup – Skydive Dubai

For any old fogies out there, flyboarding is a type of water jetpack that allows you to swoop and dive in water by using a serious amount of water pressure. This is the second Flyboard World Cup, flyboarders from all over the world are invited to compete and spectators are invited to watch. It will be followed by the Nations Cup on December 3 which is only open to UAE citizens.

When? December 3 – 5

Where? Skydive Dubai, Al Sufouh

How much? Free admission for spectators

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UAE National Day Boat Parade – Dubai Marina

Is that not THE most ‘Dubai’ headline you have ever read? Well, a boat parade is a real thing and it’s happening in Dubai Marina on December 2. There will also be a number of activities for kids including face painting, raffle draws and even a treasure hunt…we guess to take their minds off the fact that they’re not on a boat.

Where? Dubai Marina

When? December 2, 12pm – 6pm

How much? Watching is free.

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National Day Celebrations at City Walk – Al Wasl Road

During the day expect kids activities like face painting and workshops, while the evening brings local dancers and LED breakdancers to entertain visitors from 7pm.

Then on December 2 have your cameras (and by cameras we obviously mean smart phones) at the ready. At 9pm, City Walk will host spectacular pyrotechnics that are going to fill the skies with light and colour… definitely one the kids are not going to want to miss!

Where? City Walk, Al Wasl Road

When? December 2 – 5

How much? Participation is free

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Radio 2 family fun day- The Lakes

Radio 2 are pairing up with Reform Social & Grill this National Day to host a family fun day. There will be a feast of food and drinks, kid’s entertainment, face painting, competitions and a bouncy castle (which isn’t just for the kids so get excited!).

Where? Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes

When? Wednesday 2nd December

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National Day Festivities at BurJuman – BurJuman Centre

To celebrate the 44th National Day, this mall is putting on five days worth of festivities. From December 1 – 5 expect free dates, coffees and colourful UAE hats from a traditional tent and then on December 2 – 3 there will be a live carnival, pottery making classes and displays, all taking place in the mall.

Where? BurJuman Centre

When? December 1 – 5

How much? Participation is free

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The Ultimate Mini-Burgers Eating Competition – DIFC

If you’re tired and hungry after a whole lot of flag-waving why not try a mini-burger eating competition at Original Wings & Rings? Diners get two minutes to eat as many sliders as possible. Entry is free, there are a few prizes up for grabs and the winner will even take home an iPhone 6… seriously what’s stopping you?

When? Wednesday, December 2

Where? Original Wings and Rings, Level C, Liberty House, DIFC

How much? Like we said, entry is free. Click here to register.

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Try an ‘Emirati’ Pizza – The Palm

In honour of the 44th National Day, local favourite Paavo’s Pizza are launching the ‘Pizza Al Dar’ on December 2. Prepared in less than five minutes this pizza is made up of a margherita base, Chips Oman, a good amount of Kraft cheese and hot sauce. This is a strange combo but it’s surprisingly tasty… and we love any excuse to get a pizza!

When? Launches on December 2

Where? Various Paavo’s Pizza locations (or try their new flagship restaurant at Palms View West, the Palm Jumeirah)

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