10 Authentic Emirati Dishes for UAE National Day Celebrations

Say yummy and fill up your tummy with the exciting Emirati dishes. On December 2, 1971, the UAE gained independence. Now, every local has only one line to say, which is "We live with unity, and we live for ourselves." 

The United Arab Emirates was formally established as a federation on this day in 1971. That was the beginning of the path to becoming the world's most significant cultural, economic, and innovative power.  

For the United Arab Emirates (UAE), National Day is a prime occasion that is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm. Enjoying real Emirati food is one of the most amazing ways to celebrate this important day.  

So, if you want to join the celebration, then go ahead with the fabulous packages and travel assistance, all from the travel agency, Next Holidays.  

Emirati cuisine represents the United Arab Emirates' rich heritage of culture. The use of indigenous supplies and usual cooking methods shows the close relationship between meals and the desert. Emirati cuisine is a mix of East African, Persian, Indian, and Bedouin flavors.  Enjoying traditional food is also one of the Best Things to Do on UAE National Day in Dubai, as it brings people together to celebrate the country’s culture and history.

Type: Combination of spicy and sweet! 

Shawarma is a street food in the Middle East and may be found on the UAE's current maps. Aromatic flavors and real spices like turmeric, garlic, paprika, and cumin are used to make this superb dish. The main ingredient of this dish is the meat, which is marinated, and then, combining all the flavours and spices, it is grilled or roasted on  low flame. We assure you that this authentic dish will take your National Day celebrations to the next level. The locals of the UAE like to eat it with veggies and pickles along with Arabic bread.  

Key Ingredients: Boneless chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. 

Significance of Dish: Arabic-style shawarma is one of the most popular meals that provides a rich, spicy, and authentic eating experience. 

Places to try: Al Mallah, Zaroob 

Average Price: AED 100 to 150 

Traditional UAE cuisine means luqaimat. Do you have any idea what it is? Luqaimat are tasty balls that are golden or brown in color and crispy to eat. They are covered in a dip of honey, after which they are garnished properly with sesame. It gives the vibe of calming nature and is considered under the traditional Emirati cuisines. Locally, it’s more famous than any other dish, and you will find it in traditional Emirati food photos. This is the reason why tourists also like it more.  

Significance of Dish: It showcases the love for culture and unity for the nation.  

Places to try: Logma, Meylas 

Average Price: AED 25 

Type: Sweet 

What could be so special about this dish? Khameer is the most famous food of the Emiratis and people enjoy this with salads and curries. It is a great representation of the Emirati cuisine and National Day celebrations. It is made up of yeast because it tastes bit sweet. It is enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack and bakeries in the entire UAE always keep Khameer in stock, as it’s always in high demand. Khameer is frequently eaten with cheese, honey, or dates for breakfast or as a snack. Also, it goes best with traditional UAE dishes.  

Key Ingredients: Sugar, ghee, flour, yeast 

Significance of Dish: The most preferred dish for breakfast 

Type: Spicy 

Al Harees, one of the most traditional UAE meals, can be found at religious festivals and weddings. It takes a couple of hours to produce this meal using basic ingredients. Al Harees is often made by combining wheat and meat in a pot with water and salt, then cooking for a lengthy period. Another way to make it is to cook wheat for a few hours in water that has been mildly salted, then add meat and a stew for about four more hours. It is the best dish cooked with meat.  

Places to try: Al Fanar, Al Khayma 

Average Price: AED 50  

Machboos is one of the most renowned Emirati cuisines, which clearly depicts the cultural identity. It is a favorite in the United Arab Emirates and one of the best traditional dishes for National Day. This dish is spoken of in different forms, like kabsa or majboos, but there’s something interesting that reminds us of delicious biryani. But kayit is different from it, as it is made with Gulf flavors. It is made with rice of the best quality, to which you can add chicken, sheep, goat, or lamb. It all depends on your preferences and tastes. On UAE National Day, it is mainly prepared with seafood like fish or shrimp.  

Significance of Dish: With its solid, soothing ingredients and lively aromas, Al majboos perfectly captures the UAE's cultural heritage.  

Places to try: Al Marhabani, Al Mashowa 

One of the most unique breakfast options in the United Arab Emirates is balaleet. It is not just a dish but a feeling that expresses the sweet and salty combination of flavors. From preparation to the servings, every process of it is unique. You can find this dish with every other cuisine, like Indian kheer, shawarma, Persian faloodah, and omelette. This dish represents a friendly environment of the Emirati culture, all of which looks golden in color (meaning precious bond) and real spices (making the bond and energy the same). This can be considered one of the best Emirati dishes you must try in the UAE. 

Significance of Dish: A unique breakfast meal that combines Indian and Persian flavours, which is common during Ramadan. 

Places to try: Al Fanar, The Bench 

Average Price: AED 20 to 40  

Type: Sweet 

Chebab comes under the most favorite dishes of the Emiratis. It is bread which is soft and gives a spongy feel. This bread looks the same as toast. Whether we talk about the locals of the UAE or the people who love Emirati dishes, they prefer to eat it usually in breakfast. Chebab can be eaten with honey or cheese. Believe it or not, it is the most renwoned festive Emirati sweets which has become the first preference of the Emiratis. Let us tell you the most surprising part about this bread. When it is baked or cooked, it changes color to light yellow or brown. And this is what every Emirati likes the most.  

Key Ingredients: Sugar, saffron, flour, and eggs. 

Significance of Dish: Chebab is more than simply a breakfast item in the United Arab Emirates; it is an essential component of Emirati culture and an expression of the nation's unique culinary traditions. 

Places to try: Sikka, Al Hallab 

Type: Spicy 

Madrouba is the only dish in which a wooden spoon is used to prepare, and the batter is also beaten with this spoon. This spoon is used as the name only inspires it. You won’t believe that not every restaurant serves this dish as it takes more time to make.  But if you are making this at home then let us tell you that it’s healthy and nourishing.  Preparing rice with fish or meat on low heat might take a longer time but it gets cooked properly which results in the fantastic dish, Madrouba. Now, if you are ready to make the National Day celebrations dashing, then bring the groceries for this ultimate dish and start preparing this traditional Emirati rice dish. 

Significance of Dish: A unique dish, appreciated by fewer people, also embodies the spirit of the UAE. 

Places to try: Al Forsan, Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding 

Are you finding more options on Sheikh Zayed Road? Check out these best restaurants in Sheikh Zayed Road.  

Type: Spicy 

Do you have any idea about the UAE’s national dish? Lamb Khuzi is one of the most famous dishes of the Emiratis. This is something you should not miss. It is made up of rice, which is garnished with perfection and juicy lamb. After this, the pine nuts, along with roasted almonds, give a soothing texture. The name of this dish shows togetherness, which is perfect to have in gatherings.  

Key Ingredients: Rice, spices, garlic, onion, and lamb. 

Significance of Dish: National Dish of the UAE 

Places to try: Al Fanar, Al Khayma 

Average Price: AED 800 

Nationality is in blood, and to taste or try the authentic Emirati cuisine, have a look at: 

Type: Sweet 

A variety of main and side meals, such as cheese and eggs, are served with regag, a crispy Emirati flatbread. The term "raga," which means "thin," is the root of the word "Regag." The bread is often served for breakfast and dinner and is made using waterless dough. In every second home you will find this delicious food as well as it is mainly served during the month of Ramadan.  

Key Ingredients: Honey, salt, fruits, sugar, water, yeast, and flour 

Significance of Dish: It denotes Arabic culture. 

Places to try: Al Fanar, Logma 

Average Price: AED 5 to 16 

Unlock new mysteries of exploration by trying these new restaurants in Dubai.  

Harees and Machboos are the two most preferred Emirati cuisines, which are perfect in taste and affordable.  

Khuzi is the national dish of the UAE, which is eaten with rice.  

People use UAE flags and lights for decorating their houses, offices, and streets. Parades, cultural events, and fireworks displays are common and highlight Emirati unity and tradition. Some take part in unique dining experiences with traditional Emirati cuisine, while many go to concerts with both local and international musicians.  

Machboos as well as Harees are the two main Emirati dishes that are prepared by the families to make the celebration even more exciting.