As December rolls into the Emirates, cool breezes, dazzling lights, and a collective sense of pride and belonging tag along.
Just around the corner is a similar occasion that brings the nation together like nothing else: Eid Al Etihad.
It’s the day when the skyscrapers glow in red, green, white, and black, the streets turn festive, families gather for fireworks, and the air simply feels different.
The UAE National Day is always bigger, brighter, and spirited each year, and 2025 is no exception.
Whether you’re new, a resident, a curious traveler, or someone who simply loves the UAE’s rich culture, this is THE celebration of the Emirates.
Background: The UAE National Day
Before the fireworks, the parades, and the grand festivities, there was a vision: One that forever changed the destiny of the region.
Before 1971, what we now know as the UAE, was but a collection of individual emirates.
On December 2nd, these emirates united under one flag, one leadership, and one dream. A dream of unity, development, and harmony, marking the event we now commemorate as UAE Independence Day.
And now, after 54 years, this union is celebrated worldwide by expatriates and enthusiasts as Eid Al Etihad.
The Emirates National Day highlights the story of unity forged through collaboration, wisdom, and ambition.
It’s the story of visionary leadership that transformed desert landscapes into global cities yet preserved deep-rooted traditions.
And this story makes the fireworks brighter, the parades livelier, and the celebrations more meaningful.
Before we take you through everything you can do this UAE National Day, there’s something special you need to know.
Hala X TWE: A National Day Creative Collaboration
This year, Hala Ride is taking its UAE National Day celebration one step further.
We believe Unity is Everything, which is why we’ve teamed up with TWE, an incredible creative community belonging to the next generation.
The goal here was to collaborate with Emirati and expat students to see something truly special: How does Dubai look through their lens?
And we discovered some really cool moments: zipping through districts, exploring cultural corners, and documenting the beauty often overlooked.
Want more of this celebration of diversity, creativity, and the future of the UAE? Check out the full story here.
Things to Do on Eid Al Etihad
If you think UAE National Day celebrations are grand, wait till you see the lineup for 2025.
Mark your calendars, charge your phones, wear comfortable shoes; you’re going to need them. Tap the Careem app, book a Hala Taxi, and your ride will pick you up from your doorstep, and you get to avoid the hassle of finding parking.
1.LED Light Show, Water Fountain, and Fireworks at Burj Khalifa
Every year, Downtown Dubai becomes a living, breathing canvas of light.
The Burj Khalifa’s LED show, paired with synchronized music, never fails to bring people to a halt. The fireworks add the finishing touch, highlighting that Unity is Everything in this country.
And yes, the Dubai Fountains are officially back, adding that mesmerizing magic to the celebrations, creating moments that feel almost unreal.
Then come the fireworks, the grand finale, taking centre stage with this year’s National Day theme, United, a glowing tribute to the nation’s spirit.
Between us, the views from the Boulevard are everything.
2. Waterfront Celebration at Dubai Festival City
Dubai Festival City transforms into a National Day wonderland each year.
Expect a stunning IMAGINE show, laser, water fountain, and projection in perfect harmony, followed by themed fireworks.
It’s the kind of atmosphere where kids dance, elders smile, and everyone around you feels like extended family.
A tip for a better experience: Don’t drive, book a Hala taxi. And start early so you can skip the traffic and the long queues.
3. Heritage Village and Traditional Performances at Al Seef
If you prefer history over high-rises, Al Seef is your treasure chest.
Think pearl-diving exhibits, traditional music, Emirati fashion displays, and classic souq vibes. The lighting and décor this time of year are Instagram gold.
And the best part? It’s like you’re living the heritage of a whole country while experiencing the novelty of a new year.
4. Flag-Hoisting and National Anthem Ceremonies in Neighborhoods
While the big events get the spotlight, smaller community ceremonies keep the spirit authentic.
Schools, communities, government buildings, and parks conduct flag-hoisting ceremonies in timeless moments that honor the sacrifices that built the nation.
Gather your friends, carpool, or book a Hala taxi, and make this moment even better with family and friends.
5. Heritage Craft Workshops
From weaving and pottery, this is where heritage takes over.
Along Dubai Creek lies Al Shindagha Museum, a beautifully restored cultural district. From weaving and pottery to perfume-making, the workshops here teach you while the craft is practised in realtime.
Moreover, the place is surrounded by the charm of old Dubai. A special sense of stillness and serenity that we all crave in the fast-paced lives we live.
6. Falconry Demonstrations
For those who want a deeper connection to the UAE’s desert traditions, the Heritage Dubai Safari is unmissable.
Witness authentic falconry demonstrations, explore Bedouin-style camps, and experience age-old traditions against the timeless backdrop of golden dunes.
We know this isn’t for all. But seeing a falcon soar across the gorgeous Arabian desert at sunset is a memory that tends to stay for a long time.
It’s more like the silhouette of the UAE’s soul against the dunes. Just perfect.
7. Fireworks and a Cultural Festival at Bluewaters Island
The Bluewaters always mixes modern luxury with Emirati flair.
On Eid Al Etihad, you’ll find heritage installations, cultural performances, and sky-high fireworks lighting up Ain Dubai.
Plus, the food trucks here? Elite!
Food truck clusters with fusion cuisines, grilled items, and artisanal desserts are the perfect pitstops between concerts, fireworks, and performances.
Again, everyone is going to flock to the place for the celebrations. So let Hala Ride do the navigating while you do the celebrating.
Celebrate with Emirati Traditional Food
National Day isn’t just about visuals. It’s also a culinary festival. Here’s a list of some must-trys this year:
The Emirati Classics and How We Define Them
- Luqaimat: Sweet, crunchy, golden happiness in a bowl
- Machboos: Spiced rice that turns any meal into a feast
- Regag Bread: Hot, crispy, and often topped with cheese, chips, or honey
Special Limited-Edition National Day Dishes
Cafés and restaurants love going all-out with themed menus: National Day frappés, desserts layered in the flag’s colors, date-infused treats, and everything in between.
From camera roll to satisfying your hunger, you’re going to love it!
Hala, The Spirit of the Seven Emirates
You can’t talk about National Day without talking about the unity of the seven emirates, each distinct, yet seamlessly connected.
To the west, Abu Dhabi carries a calm sophistication, while at the center, Dubai runs with its futuristic pulse, Sharjah adds cultural depth, and along the coast, Ajman brings its gentle, easygoing warmth.
Further up the shoreline, Umm Al Quwain offers serene nature, leading into the northeast, where Ras Al Khaimah unfolds with rugged beauty.
And to the east, Fujairah rises with dramatic mountains that complete the UAE’s breathtaking geographic tapestry.
You certainly can’t talk about unity without talking about movement.
Movement between cultures, courage, stories, ideas, and yes, movement between people across the emirates. That’s where Hala Ride comes in.
We don’t just connect people to places. On days like these, we connect people to memories.
Whether it’s an Emirati breakfast with friends, the fireworks, a trip to your favourite karak spot, a detour to “let’s go see the lights together,” or that quiet ride home after a day full of fun, friends, and Dubai’s National Day celebrations, Hala becomes a part of your story.
Final Thoughts
Eid Al Etihad is a feeling more than an occasion.
It is a reminder of how far the nation has come, and how far it is ready to go.
From heritage villages to futuristic fireworks, from traditional dances to high-tech shows, the UAE honors its past while glowing for the future.
Wherever you plan to go, whatever you plan to eat, celebrate, or explore, Hala Ride will be right around the corner, ready to take you there with comfort, ease, and a whole lot of festive spirit.
That said, Happy UAE National Day 2025!
Here’s to unity, progress, and rides worth remembering.
