Dubai will host special concerts, mall shows, city attractions and fireworks as well as promotions and traditional entertainment to celebrate the upcoming 47th edition of the UAE National Day.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai Tourism, said: “This National Day, we want everyone – from Emiratis to Dubai’s residents and visitors – to embrace this momentous occasion.

“We are delighted to announce a vast array of activities taking place all over the city to mark the festivities, and are grateful to our citywide strategic partners that have really pulled out all the stops to ensure that everyone gets to celebrate this great nation. With a host of events and celebrations taking place across Dubai, we anticipate a lot of footfall over the National Day weekend and encourage visitors to get to the venues as early as possible to really maximise their experience.”

Concerts

Dubai – get ready for a stellar line-up of entertainment and celebratory concerts to mark the UAE’s 47th birthday. On 1 December at Burj Park, Emirati artist Ahlam and Iraqi singer and composer, Walid Al Shami will delight audiences with their repertoire between 6:00pm to 10:15pm, while on 2 December, famous Emirati singers Bulqees and Hussain Al Jasmi will perform at the same venue, both between 7:30pm to 11:00pm.

On 2 December at Global Village, Emirati superstar, Hamad Al Ameri will draw fans in with a special concert on the main stage from 9:00pm to 11:00pm. The concert is included in the entry ticket price of Dh15 ($4.08) while children below the age of three, senior citizens above the age of 65 and guests holding an official People of Determination ID card can enter for free.

Citywide fireworks

Residents and visitors to Dubai will be able to witness a special treat this National Day with fireworks taking place across the city. The skies above The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence, Al Seef and La Mer will erupt in light as fireworks take place at 8:00pm (The Beach), 8:30pm (Al Seef) and 9:00pm (La Mer) consecutively on 1 and 2 December.

Dubai Festival City Mall will also be celebrating with fireworks at 8:00pm and 10:00pm on Sunday 2 December, as part of their spectacular IMAGINE show. The UAE state-of-the-art show reflects the colours, spirit and heritage of the nation and is designed by talented artists and can be watched from restaurants located along the waterfront at Dubai Festival City Mall. Entry is free.

Festivity at the malls

Mall of the Emirates will be commemorating National Day with three themed shows from 1 to 3 December. The performances will take place in the Central Galleria at 4:00pm, 6:00pm and 8:00pm, before a henna artist, calligrapher and falcon take to the main stage. At Ibn Battuta Mall, a traditional Majlis court will be stationed within India court, while roaming entertainment will delight shoppers across all six courts from 29 November to 3 December.

Emirati music will bring to life Dubai’s leading shopping destinations including Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, Boxpark, The Outlet Village and City Walk 2. The cultural band performances will start at 3:00pm, with the last shows taking place at 9:00pm; giving plenty of opportunity for everyone to enjoy the music.

From 1 to 3 December, Al Seef will take visitors back in time with its traditional Emirati Heritage Souq. Vendors, artisans and merchants will be replicated by actors from Dubai Culture and other organisations to sell unique items to passers-by and give the real feel of an old souq. Throughout the long weekend, Al Seef visitors will enjoy a series of special live entertainment from Ayala band performances and a traditional fishermen show, while receiving giveaways including UAE-inspired scarves, pins and flags.

Everyone is invited to head down to City Walk to enjoy the City Overdrive event during National Day, where local car owners are encouraged to visit and display their modified cars and motorcycles. In addition, B’dour Café will create the UAE’s largest ever milk cake (approximately 12 metres in length) in the shape and colours of the UAE flag.

Events and promotions across the city

On 2 December, Burj Khalifa will wow the crowds as it showcases a customised LED show in sync with dancing water at the Dubai Fountain, beautifully choreographed to the UAE national anthem at 6:00pm, 7:00pm and 8:00pm. Entry is free.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation will present a unique aspect of the UAE’s cultural traditions through live Poetry Nights at Burj Park. On 1 December, Saeed Al Falahi, Hamad Al Balooshi and Ali Al Qahtani will perform special readings for the public from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, while on 2 December, Saoud Al Mosaabi, Hadi Al Mansoori and Mohd Al Kaabi will take to the stage with their poetry, all between the hours of 6:30pm and 7:30pm.

Dubai Municipality will also be hosting a range of special activations across the city. On 2 December, Dubai Frame’s lights will change to the colours of the UAE and a traditional band, food, henna and Arabic hospitality will be on offer between 10:00am to 10:00pm for free.

On 1 and 2 December, Al Mamzar Park will also see a traditional band, food, henna, Arabic hospitality and a kids’ workshop entertaining the crowds from 10:00am to 10:00pm for the price of an entry ticket. Finally at Children’s City in Creek Park on 2 December, a traditional band, heritage zone, Zayed event, the Union event and traditional competitions will take place from 10:00am to 10:00pm for the price of an entry ticket.

In line with the number of years the UAE has been in existence, IMG Worlds of Adventure will launch a special promotion from 29 November to 2 December which will entitle Emirati nationals to an incredible 47 per cent off on general admission tickets. Local residents will also get treated to a Dh47 discount off on general admission tickets. To take advantage of the offer, ID presentation is mandatory. Additional entertainment includes traditional Arabic dancers, calligraphy and henna artists, face painters and balloon artists.

La Perle by Dragone will also be offering guests an amazing 47 per cent off on all tickets for shows during the National Day week. Performances will run from Tuesday to Friday at 7:00pm and 9:30pm, and Saturday at 4:00pm and 7:00pm between 22 November to 2 December.

UAE residents will also be able access Wild Wadi Waterpark for Dh141 and receive a National Day flag luxury towel and meal with the purchase of every ticket. Open from 10:00am to 6:00pm, enjoy unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark when booking the Splash and Stay package at Zabeel House Al Seef and Zabeel House MINI by Jumeirah starting from Dh250 per night. This offer is valid until 15 December. – TradeArabia News Service