On December 2, 2020 the UAE will celebrate its 49th National Day.
A public holiday will take place to mark the occasion on December 2 and 3.
Plus December 1 is also a holiday for Commemoration Day, giving the public three days off and a potential five-day weekend.
Official celebrations have been announced but will be a little different this year to ensure public safety.
The Organising Committee of the Official 49th National Day Celebration have announced that the Seeds of the Nation show will be broadcast across the country.
The show will feature a moving sculpture surrounded by the sea and will be illuminated by digital visuals portraying themes inspired by the nation’s history and values and the founding fathers.
The show will be broadcast on television and online so UAE nationals and expats can watch and celebrate the occasion.
Away from the Official Celebrations, here are all the deals and offers for National Day in Abu Dhabi.
Droplets by Caboodle
Little ones under six years old can enjoy some National Day activities at Caboodle including cookie decorating as well as play and a sensory room. Plus there’s a coffee room for adults so while the kids play you can take a breather and enjoy a cup.
Dhs29 (for cookie decorating), Dhs65 per hour, then Dhs30 per hour. Dec 1-3, 10am-10pm. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 584 9546).
Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi
Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi is bringing back its Eat For Your Sleep staycation deal. Book a stay for Dhs600 and you can get a stay in a standard room with Dhs600 in credit to spend on food and beverages at the resort or, book in for a night in a suite for Dhs800 and you’ll get the same amount back in credit. That’s a great deal if you ask us.
From Dhs600. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street (02 674 2020).
Namak by Kunal Kapur
To celebrate the 49th UAE National Day, Namak by Kunal Kapur is offering all of the main courses on the menu for the price of Dhs49. The offer is valid on December 2 at lunch and dinner service and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. A main course at a high-end restaurant for Dhs49? That’s good value if you ask us.
Dhs49 (main course). Dec 2, 12.30-3pm, 7pm-11.30pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi (02 698 8137).
Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan has announced celebrations to mark the UAE’ 49th birthday. Residents are invited to visit the palace over the public holiday to experience a sound and light show. On December 1 and 2, the UAE flag will be projected onto the façade at 7.15pm and the national anthem will be played before a special showing followed by the Palace in Motion light and sound show at 7.30pm. Guests who visit the palace during the day on December 1 or 2 will be allowed to re-enter in the evening to watch the show.
Dhs60 adults, Dhs30 kids. Dec 1-2, 10am-6pm, light show from 7.15pm. Qasr Al Watan, Corniche West www.qasralwatan.ae/en/booking.
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
Book in to Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island over the National Day holiday and you can enjoy an all-inclusive stay. Just for the National Day holiday you can book a deluxe room from Dhs1,500 a night. Stays include all beverages and food from restaurants including Aja Asian and Teppanyaki, Mermaid, L’Olivio and more, as well as access to the resort’s beach on Saadiyat Island.
From Dhs1,500 (all-inclusive). Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island (02 492 2222).
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival is back until February 20, 2021 in Al Wathba. Named in honour of the UAE’s founding father, the annual festival celebrates the UAE’s culture, traditions and heritage. Visitors can experience Emirati culture through art, crafts, food and performances throughout the festival as well as National Day celebrations. Performances, workshops, events and markets will also be held for visitors, as well falconry displays, camel races and fireworks.
Daily, 4pm onwards. Nov 20-Feb 20. Al Wathba, www.zayedfestival.ae.
The Abu Dhabi EDITION
Celebrate National Day with an overnight stay and some great food at Abu Dhabi EDITION. Book a stay between November 29 and December 5 and you will get a deluxe room, access to Oak Rom brunch for two as well as breakfast in Alba Terrace for Dhs999. Need a second room? Over the National Day holiday you can get a 50 percent discount off rates for a second adjoining room, too. From November 27 to December you can also check out a National Day pop-up art gallery feature the works of local artists.
From Dhs999. Nov 29-Dec 5. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa
Head to The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa over National Day weekend and you can tuck into a barbecue on the terrace. Offering freshly cooked meat, seafood and more, you can settle in and order some barbecue while enjoying the cooler weather.
Prices vary. Nov 28-Dec 2, 1pm-10pm. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa, Sas Al Nakhl (02 616 9999).
Yamanote Atelier
Celebrating the UAE’s 49th National Day, Japanese bakery Yamanote Atelier has launched a new range of National Day-inspired cakes and bakes. Sweet treats start from Dhs18 and include Spirit Of The Nation chocolate cake, kunafa brioche cream, orange blueberry brioche, bambukshen with matcha, coconut and date croissants and more. The treats are available from November 24 to December 5 at outlets across Abu Dhabi and the UAE and for delivery.
From Dhs18. Nov 24-Dec 5. Locations include Abu Dhabi Mall and Al Seef Village Mall new.yamanoteatelier.com.
Yas Theme Parks
Yas theme parks are offering UAE residents a 49 percent discount off “two park ticket bundles” to celebrate the nation’s 49th National Day. Theme parks offering the deals include Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. You can buy tickets to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and then pick a second ticket to either Yas Waterworld or Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. The sale will go live on the theme park websites from November 26 to December 2 and tickets will be valid until Christmas Day.
Dhs220 for two parks. Nov 26-Dec 2, tickets valid until Dec 25. Visit www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com, www.yaswaterworld.com and www.wbworld.com.
