The UAE is set to celebrate its 54th National Day on December 2, 2025, honouring the union between the seven emirates. This means celebrations like no other—expect decorated palm trees, firework shows, and tons of hype across town! And with the traditional 2-day break combined with the weekend, there are 4 full days to relax and celebrate the holiday. So, with that in mind, we’ve curated a guide to celebrate these upcoming 4 days through immersion and relaxation.
Dining
Al Fanar Restaurant
What better way to celebrate than by indulging in Emirati cuisine? Al Fanar Restaurant brings the comfort classics as well as staple Emirati hospitality that we all know and love. With locations in Dubai, Al Ain, and the capital Abu Dhabi, expect warm plates of machboos, grills, and stews, complete with plenty of vegetarian options and sweetened with fresh, crispy, legaimat.
Viceroy Table x Chef Sheikha Hesa
Luxury Indian restaurant, Viceroy Table, has taken its spice blend and combined it with Bahraini chef, Chef Sheikha Hesa. Together, the two have partnered up to create a limited edition, Indian-Emirati fusion menu for the UAE National Day. Launching on November 27, the menu pays homage to the UAE’s cultural legacy while celebrating innovation and flavour.
Blending Gulf hospitality and Indian culinary heritage, expect new iterations of timeless recipes such as Lobster Pani Puri, Kulcha Pindhi Chole with hummus and chilli oil, and Karak Chai Phirni that reference the tea culture that’s prominent in both countries.
Al Hallab
Beloved Lebanese restaurant, Al Hallab, is celebrating the UAE National Day in full cultural flair. On December 2, the restaurant will come alive with traditional dances, live henna art, and a complimentary UAE National Day-themed baklava box. Beyond the festivities, expect the table to be filled with Lebanese flavours accompanied by traditional Emirati hospitality.
Gerbou
Fusing art with gastronomy, Gerbou is a spot for all the senses. Emirati flavours to taste and local art to feast on, it’s both a space for refinement and a cultural hub that celebrates Emirati heritage along with bespoke fine dining.
Bombay Borough
Located at Gate Village, Bombay Borough honours the 54th National Day with a sweet treat. The first 54 guests who spend Dhs 250 will receive a complimentary dessert, the festive special Karak Chai soft serve. A reimagined classic of karak chai, a staple of Dubai life, made to suit the sweltering weather. Served with aromatic cardamom, caramel and toast bits, it’s a sweet take on the classic tea tradition.
The Spicery Restaurant | Novotel Dubai Gold District
Blending food and art at The Spicery Restaurant, expect a vibrant brunch with a National Day–themed art exhibition. Held at Novotel Dubai Gold District, the brunch is set to reflect the flavours and warmth of the UAE, whereas the art exhibition will be set at the lobby, displaying artworks inspired by the UAE, Arabic calligraphy, and other pieces that reflect the spirit and heritage of the nation.
Sofia’s Kitchen
Bringing a relaxing Italian vibe to the heart of the boisterous Business Bay, Sofia’s Kitchen will be offering a buy-one-get-one offer across mains from 5 PM to 7 PM throughout December 2. Expect heartiness and hospitality and don’t forget to bring a friend to share.
Costa Coffee
For those looking to grab a quick snack and a brew, make sure to stop by Costa Coffee for a whopping 54% off. Included on selected barista-made drinks when purchasing any hot food item, you can take your pick from an Espresso, Americano, and Cold Brew. Available till December 2.
Uptown Social
If you find yourself at JLT, check out Uptown Social at Uptown Tower. Commemorating Eid al Etihad, the cafe will be serving complimentary mini cakes topped with the UAE flag, celebrating the holiday in a sweet way. Available from December 1-3.
Experience
Al Safa Library for Arts and Design
Throughout the month of November until December 2, Al Safa Library for Arts and Design will host a range of events to celebrate the culture of the UAE. From poetry readings to traditional music performances, expect cultural moments that celebrate Emirati heritage.
FIVE LUXE JBR
With enough time to experience a staycation this National Day, FIVE LUXE JBR is offering an extra complimentary night after a 3-day stay and 20% off ReFIVE Spa treatments. With beachfront views, a curation of dining spots to indulge in, and spa treatments such as Omorovicza facials, quartz-bed massages, and hammam rituals, FIVE LUXE JBR offers celebration in the form of a reset.
Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa
An escape within the desert, this is for those who prefer their celebrations intimate. Embracing the time before the UAE became a ferocious, bustling city, the quaint desert resort and spa offers luxury villas and Bedouin-style tents, accompanied by serene desert views, Arabian fine dining, and animal-watching within their natural reserves.
The First Collection Hotels
For those planning a family-friendly staycation or a friendly getaway, The First Collection Hotels is celebrating the UAE National Day with a 25% off stays across The First Collection Marina, The First Collection Waterfront, The First Collection Business Bay and The First Collection JVC. So whether you’re looking for a front row view to the fireworks or wish to indulge in the friendly chaos that occurs during National Day celebrations, The First Collection Hotels has got you covered.
Skin Laundry
With social season in full swing, this long weekend can also be a chance to reset. For this National Day, Skin Laundry is doing just that across the week. From November 28 to December 7, clients can expect a 30% off on all à la carte services, products, and add-ons so services can be enjoyed with an extra dose of happiness.
Desert Rock Resort
Looking to staycation somewhere not too far off? The Desert Rock Resort at The Red Sea is just close enough but also cut off so you can truly escape and recharge. For UAE National Day, guests staying three nights or more enjoy 20% off villa rates to enjoy the space for the long weekend. Sculpted directly into the dramatic Hijaz mountains, the resort offers a retreat where raw desert beauty meets ingenious design. Expect luxury villas carved into the cliffs or suspended from natural rock pinnacles, each with a private pool and a view that shifts from the sandy dunes to a sky full of stars. For UAE National Day, guests staying three nights or more enjoy 20% off villa rates.
Meats & Mountains | Jebel Hafit Desert Park
For those looking to stay off the grid while still celebrating National Day, food festival Meats & Mountains returns to the Jebel Hafit Desert Park, far away from the city. Smoky flavours paired with stunning desert views, comfy bonfires, and roasted marshmallows, lugaimat, and karak, it’s a celebration of Emirati heritage through a heady blend of food and outdoor adventures.
Fireworks Display
And of course, how can we talk about celebrations without speaking about fireworks? If there’s anything to expect this upcoming National Day, it is seeing the country light up in fireworks displays. This year in Dubai, you can expect fireworks and a drone show at Global Village from December 1 – 3 at 9 PM, a live concert followed by fireworks at Dubai Festival City Mall on December 2 at 8 PM, and a stunning fireworks display at Burj Khalifa on December 2.
