UAE National Day, or Eid Al Etihad, is on Wednesday 2 December 2026. This year marks 55 years since the country was founded. The official public holiday is Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December, for both the public and private sectors.
The Cabinet can still move the break to make a longer weekend, so watch for an announcement in the coming weeks. Below is how the country is celebrating, what’s on in and around Dubai and what we know so far about fireworks.
Quick facts
- National Day: Wednesday 2 December 2026 (55th Eid Al Etihad)
- Public holiday: Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026 (two days)
- Could it move? Yes, if the Cabinet transfers it. No change announced as of 1 November
- Theme: The UAE as a “family of families”, in the Year of Family
- Flag Day: Tuesday 3 November 2026
- Big events nearby: Emirates Dubai 7s (27–29 November), Dubai Shopping Festival (from 4 December)
When is the UAE National Day holiday in 2026?
Under the UAE’s official public holiday list, National Day is a two-day break on 2 and 3 December. In 2026 those dates fall on a Wednesday and a Thursday.
Since the start of 2025, the law has allowed some mid-week holidays to be moved to the start or end of the week. National Day is one of them, but a move needs a Cabinet decision. That happened with the 2025 National Day holiday. For 2026, no transfer had been announced by 1 November. If the dates change, we’ll update this page.
The holiday applies to the private sector as well as government staff. If your employer asks you to work, check your contract and the UAE Labour Law rules on public holiday pay or time off in lieu.
Can you turn it into a long weekend?
Yes. If the holiday stays on Wednesday and Thursday and you work Monday to Friday, taking Friday 4 December off gives you five days in a row. If you also take Monday 30 November and Tuesday 1 December, you get nine days off, from Saturday 28 November to Sunday 6 December.
That covers the Dubai 7s weekend, National Day itself and the opening weekend of the Dubai Shopping Festival.
What is this year’s National Day theme?
The 55th Eid Al Etihad presents the UAE as a “family of families”. It comes during the national Year of Family. The official visual identity looks like a family photo album, mixing archive photos with images of everyday life today.
A 55-day countdown started in early October. Organisers say more ways for residents to take part will be announced before 2 December.
UAE Flag Day: Tuesday 3 November
The National Day season starts with Flag Day on Tuesday 3 November. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has asked residents, schools, universities and government offices to fly the UAE flag that day.
It isn’t a day off. Expect flag-raising ceremonies at schools and offices, and flags appearing on buildings and cars across Dubai. Global Village has a Flag Day celebration on its Main Stage at 8pm.
What’s on in Dubai over National Day?
Emirates Dubai 7s – 27 to 29 November
The weekend before National Day belongs to rugby. The Dubai 7s runs at The Sevens Stadium, with Friday entry from AED 75 and a three-day pass from AED 595. Under-15s go free. Melanie C and Jax Jones are headlining the music stage.
Global Village
Global Village is open all season. On public holidays it runs public holiday hours, from 4pm to 1am, and you’ll need the AED 30 any-day ticket. Its National Day programme hasn’t been published yet.
Dubai Shopping Festival – from Friday 4 December
DSF starts the day after the holiday and runs until Sunday 17 January 2027. If you take the Friday off, you’ll catch the opening weekend.
Sharjah celebrations – 19 November to 3 December
Sharjah is holding National Day events across the emirate from 19 November to 3 December. They include heritage activities, music nights and family shows, and local small businesses are taking part.
Will there be National Day fireworks in Dubai?
The 2026 locations and times haven’t been announced yet. Last year, Dubai’s National Day fireworks included nightly 9pm shows at Global Village from 1 to 3 December and a display at The Beach, JBR on 2 December.
Don’t assume the same spots and times this year. We’ll publish the confirmed 2026 fireworks list as soon as Dubai’s organisers release it.
National Day etiquette for residents and visitors
- Fly the flag with respect. Keep it clean and undamaged, and never let it touch the ground.
- If you’re decorating your car, check Dubai Police’s guidance for this year first, as there are rules on what you can put on a car.
- Wear the national colours by all means. Red, green, white and black are everywhere in the city in early December.
- Be patient on the roads. Parades and gatherings can slow traffic, especially in the evenings.
Official holiday details are on the UAE Government portal.
Read next: UAE Public Holidays Left in 2026: National Day Dates & 9-Day Break Plan · Dubai 7s 2026: Dates, Ticket Prices, Headliners & How To Get There · Dubai Shopping Festival 2026–27: Dates, What’s New & What To Expect
FAQs
When is UAE National Day 2026?
Wednesday 2 December 2026. It’s the 55th Eid Al Etihad.
How many days off do we get for National Day 2026?
Two days: Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026, for both the public and private sectors. The Cabinet could still move them to create a longer weekend.
Is UAE Flag Day a public holiday?
No. Flag Day, on Tuesday 3 November 2026, is a normal working day. Residents are asked to fly the flag.
Where can I watch National Day fireworks in Dubai?
The 2026 locations haven’t been announced yet. Last year there were shows at Global Village and The Beach, JBR. Check back in late November for this year’s list.
What is the theme of the 55th Eid Al Etihad?
It celebrates the UAE as a “family of families”, in line with the national Year of Family.
