If there’s one thing Dubai loves, it’s going big, and luckily for us, this National Day weekend is going big and FREE. With the city rolling out 4 full days of fireworks, concerts, parades, and cultural shows that won’t cost you a single dirham. Dubai is basically handing us the ultimate long-weekend hack. So toss your wallet on the bed and keep reading to find out all the fun and free ways you can celebrate Eid Al Etihad from Saturday, November 29 to Tuesday, November 2.
Also read: Dubai: 11 Dreamy Staycations Offers For The National Day Long Weekend
1. The National Day Parade
One of the most loved traditions of the National Day weekend is the big parade at City Walk, and yes, it’s happening again this year. Taking place on December 1 at 4pm, this colourful march brings together more than 1,000 participants, including members of Dubai Police, students from KHDA schools, and different government departments.
The highlight is always the beautiful horses that stride down the streets, giving the whole event a grand and cinematic feel. It’s the kind of parade where you want your phone ready at all times because every second feels like a photo moment. And best of all, it’s completely free to attend. Just show up and enjoy the atmosphere.
2. Fireworks To Light Up The Entire City
Nothing says UAE National Day like the sound of fireworks, and Dubai is going all out this year with shows happening across several locations. On December 2, you can catch stunning fireworks at Dubai Festival City Mall and Hatta at 8pm, followed by more shows at Souk Al Seef, Bluewaters, and The Beach in JBR at 9pm.
If one night of fireworks isn’t enough, Global Village will be putting on its own displays all weekend long. From December 1 to 3, the skies above the park will glow with fireworks and synchronised drone shows every night at 9pm.
3. Free Concerts With Regional Superstars
Dubai loves a good show, but this weekend the entertainment comes with no entry fee at all. At City Walk, two regional powerhouses will be performing back-to-back concerts. On December 1, iconic singer Diana Haddad will take the stage at 8pm, filling the area with her popular hits. The next night, on December 2, Emirati star Shamma Hamdan will perform at the same time, bringing her soulful style to the crowd
4. Malls Turning Into Celebration Zones
Dubai’s malls are basically mini-festivals this weekend, each offering something new and free to enjoy.
1. Dubai Festival City Mall: visitors can dive into a lively mix of activities. From interactive art and cultural nights to workshops, comedy shows, and even carnival-style games. The waterfront area, The Bay by Social, becomes a hotspot for food, fun, and live entertainment. Giving you plenty to explore without spending anything if you don’t want to.
2. City Centre Mirdif: will be hosting its own week-long celebration with fashion showcases, pottery demonstrations, craft workshops, and daily cultural performances. You can drop in at any time from November 28 to December 3 and find something happening. From hands-on activities like tote bag decoration to creative sessions inspired by Emirati traditions.
3. Ibn Battuta Mall: is curating a special programme from December 1 to 3 under the theme “Expressions with Art.” Expect poetry readings, live music, digital art experiences, and family-friendly workshops that celebrate the UAE’s culture in a refreshing way.
5. Free Activities At Popular Attractions
Some of Dubai’s most loved attractions are joining the fun too:
1. Dubai Frame: the landmark will glow in the colours of the UAE flag, and visitors can watch traditional cultural performances on December 2 and 3.
2. Children’s City: will host free workshops, crafts, and theatre-based activities for kids on both days, turning it into a fun, family-friendly hotspot.
3. Mushrif Park: military bands and horse shows will add to the patriotic vibe, making it a perfect stop if you’re out exploring nature with the family.
4. Global Village: of course will put on one of the biggest celebration line-ups with artistic installations, cultural shows, concerts, and the twice-daily operetta “From The Desert To The Stars,” all happening from December 1 to 3.
5. UAE Flag Garden: Open until January 14 at umm suqeim beach, walk through hundreds of thousands of UAE flags at one of Dubai’s iconic beaches.
6. A Creative Competition For Young Artists
Dubai is also celebrating the country’s creativity through a student art competition running from November 20 to December 3. Schools across the city are taking part under the theme “Proud to Belong – Celebrating Our Union, Heritage, and Future.” Students are creating everything from murals and drawings to poetry, short films, and spoken-word performances. Many of these artworks pop up in public spaces and on social media.
From fireworks to cultural shows, this year’s Eid Al Etihad weekend is the perfect chance to enjoy Dubai at its most vibrant without spending a dirham.
