Guide to UAE National Day Celebration in Abu Dhabi 2025

Eid Al Etihad or the UAE National Day is here. Whether you are a resident of the UAE visiting Abu Dhabi, a resident of the city itself, or a tourist who is traveling to the Emirates specially for the purpose of the National Day celebration in Abu Dhabi, this guide is for you. From how locals celebrate the day to the key events to the experiences you can indulge in, we are going to share everything about the celebration.  

In addition, we will also share the best places where you can enjoy the Abu Dhabi National Day and some tips related to shopping and dining. Now, if you haven’t made any bookings, you can contact the leading travel agency, Next Holidays, which can assist you with a hassle-free travel plan. Now, let’s get to the details, shall we?  

When it comes to Abu Dhabi celebration National Day, there are a number of events and programs that you must know about. After all, it is important to be in the know of things in order to enjoy them, right? Below are some of the key events that take place every year in Abu Dhabi.   

We are talking about the National Day celebration in Abu Dhabi, and we forget to mention the fireworks shows? Impossible! It is these shows that make everything sparkling and glittering and bring the city of Abu Dhabi to life. The noise of crackers bursting, the beautiful sparkles in the sky—this isn’t something you should miss.  

Generally, the shows begin at 9 PM every year at these major spots: 

Look for the nearest spot according to your plans and don’t forget to check the timings. 

Date: 2nd December 2025 

Planning to celebrate in Dubai? Here are the Top Spots to Watch UAE National Day Fireworks in Dubai.  

Abu Dhabi Corniche Airshows  

This Abu Dhabi National Day program will fill your heart up, even if you are not a UAE citizen. The aerobatic teams of the UAE, such as Al Fursan, perform breathtaking air shows. Airplanes color the sky black, white, green, and red to signify the UAE’s national flag. You will also witness thousands of drones that tell the UAE’s story via motion and light. It is the best way for the National Day celebration in Abu Dhabi. 

Date: 2nd December 2025 

The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival is held in Al Wathba and demonstrates the UAE’s culture. Every year, it has a specific theme, based on which all the events occur. Last year, in 2024, the theme was Hayakum, where 6,000 cultural events occurred. These belonged to 27 different nations. Now that is something, right? Clearly, these National Day events in Abu Dhabi are not just about the UAE’s culture; rather, they are more focused on representing the blend of cultures, which is even more stunning.  

Date: 2nd November 2025 to 28th February 2026 

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) organizes the Mother of the Nation (MOTN) Festival every year. MOTN 2025 will be the ninth edition of the event. Expect a lineup of various activities, such as carnival rides and science workshops. And of course, there will be global food stalls! 

Last but nowhere close to least is the Abu Dhabi National Day Parade. When people sing the national anthem, they connect with one another and the country emotionally. However, when you witness a live parade or become a part of it, it is a next-level connection. Apart from the people themselves going out for parades like the car parades, there are several kinds of parades on Abu Dhabi National Day. Students in school bands take part, you can also see military displays, and you will also notice floats representing a variety of heritage and Emirati backgrounds. All the performers wear traditional costumes.  

Now that you know everything about the national events and how locals celebrate the Abudhabi National Day, it’s time to make things even more interesting. Mentioned below are some of the best experiences that you can engage in to make the celebration even more memorable.  

What is a National Day celebration in Abu Dhabi without shopping? The city is full of traditional markets or souks that sell a range of items. You can find spices, handcrafted items, UAE souvenirs, and much more. It’s the perfect way to shop for something on the National Day, especially if you are not from the UAE.  

You can also learn about the traditional music and local crafts. Don’t forget to engage in a cultural activity. You should also try the Emirati food. We hear that Harees and Machboos are popular Emirati dishes that people eat on this day.  

The true experience of UAE National Day in Abu Dhabi can come from taking a desert safari. You can choose to take a camel ride, go sandboarding, or simply rest inside a conventional Bedouin tent. Book desert safari Abu Dhabi ticket now! 

On the Abu Dhabi National Day, you will find various stores offering sales and discounts. There’s no better excuse to shop on this auspicious day. You can get special deals on almost everything—from clothes to craft items. Look for a traditional souk or a mall, wherever you’d like to shop.  

Spend the final hours of this day indulging in a delicious meal. Several restaurants offer special dinners on the occasion of the UAE National Day Abu Dhabi. From luxurious restaurants to budget-friendly eateries, you will find special dining options almost everywhere. If you’re a citizen of the UAE, cherish your culture, and if you are a traveler, enjoy the local food on this special day. Remember to look for deals and book in advance. You’re unlikely to get a table at the last minute due to the extreme rush. 

While there are a number of places for the National Day celebration in Abu Dhabi, we are going to list some of the best spots below. We don’t want you to be confused and in a dilemma at the final hour.   

Corniche Abu Dhabi  

On the Abu Dhabi National Day, the Corniche Abu Dhabi is lively with cultural events, live performances, music, and fireworks shows. Whether you are with your partner or family, this place is for everyone. You can even plan a dinner in this area—the seaside ambiance sounds like the perfect ending to this beautiful day. 

Yas Island is already bustling throughout the year, so imagine how happening this place would be on such a special occasion. From fireworks displays to concerts to theme parks, once you’re here, you will realize why Yas Island is perfect for the National Day celebration in Abu Dhabi. 

The environment at Umm Al Emarat Park is community focused. On the Abu Dhabi National Day, you can enjoy live performances, cultural shows, and traditional experiences. The best part is the greenery and nature. Besides, if you are celebrating the event with your children, this place is perfect. The kids can enjoy several activities that are especially designed for them. 

Looking for more such holidays? Here’s a List of Official Upcoming Public Holidays in UAE. 

Finally, it’s important you know the following things regarding the UAE National Day celebration Abu Dhabi.  

Want to learn more? Here’s a step-by-step guide for Celebrating UAE National Day 2025.