National Day of the UAE (2026)

National Day in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is celebrated on the 2nd of December every year. It is a special day celebrated throughout the emirates by the locals and expatriates living in the country. More than a time away from work, the UAE National Day serves as a unifying event for the Emirati population (regardless of diversity in age, race, interests, and socio-economic background) to show their appreciation and patriotic love for their country, since this day marks the unification of the emirates into a federation.

Every emirate plans its lineup of activities to commemorate this special day. Concerts, art shows, a fireworks display, and shopping sales are just a few of the things people from around the UAE anticipate on National Day.

All National Day celebrations in the UAE follow the theme “Spirit of the Union”, inspired by the vision of the late ruler Sheikh Zayed. Spirit of the Union highlights the bond that connects all Emiratis together, allowing them to coexist peacefully, to celebrate a unique heritage, and to shape the nation’s future. Here is everything you need to know about the UAE National Day.

Table of Contents

• Is UAE National Day a public holiday?
• History of the UAE National Day
• Important UAE National Day Symbols
• UAE National Day Activities and Celebrations
• Past and Future Observances of UAE National Day

Is UAE National Day a public holiday?

The UAE National Day is a public holiday. The celebrations will start on the 1st of December (Commemoration Day) and will extend until December 3rd.

Since it is a public holiday, the general population of the UAE gets to have a day-off. Schools, public offices, and most businesses are closed on this day. However, shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment centers are usually open.

History of the UAE National Day

What is the rationale behind the UAE National Day? The United Arab Emirates was once known as the Trucial States, an assembly of independent Sheikdoms, until 1971. It used to be a British Protectorate under a treaty which had been withdrawn on the 1st of December, 1971.

Some people call National Day the UAE’s Union Day since it was when the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah (which joined the union in 1972), formed together what is now known as the United Arab Emirates, through the leadership of Sheikh Zayed (Abu Dhabi) and Sheikh Rashid (Dubai). Bahrain and Qatar were originally part of the original emirates of the UAE, although the two decided to opt out due to island disputes.

The interim constitution followed by the new federal country was already approved in principle on the evening of the expiration of the British Protectorate Treaty. It was followed by efforts to build the country, including the creation of a national anthem and the national flag as well as the appointment of ministers. Today, Emiratis still gleefully remember the day that marked the establishment of their beloved government and nation.

Important UAE National Day Symbols

On the days prior to the celebration of the UAE National Day, each of the emirates displays the important symbols associated with their country. Buildings can be seen in red, white, black, and green colors from the UAE flag. Some buildings also hoist the number of years since the UAE was formed. Others project the image of the nation’s rulers in souvenirs, shirts, and other commercial items. Moreover, most locals choose to decorate the hoods of the cars with national symbols and colors. Often, these are the most common colors and symbols displayed on buildings and other structures in the UAE during the National Day:

While there are no official meanings associated with the colors used, the designer of the flag, Al Maainah, indicated the above symbolisms as his inspiration in creating the flag. Regardless, these colors and symbols fill the UAE with joy and happiness on the day they stand together with pride and love for the UAE.

UAE National Day Activities and Celebrations

People from all over the UAE, whether they are expatriates or Emiratis, participate in the National Day celebrations. Some activities which take place during this significant day are car rallies, dance shows, fireworks display, military processions, air shows, free musical concerts, roaming entertainment, theatre performances, face painting, national anthem recitation, water battles, and big day sales. The nation’s rulers are the ones who lead the national celebration, particularly the anthem, military processions, and flag hoisting. Heritage villages are also set throughout the country to share the traditional means of remembering the National Day. Likewise, most folks, young and old, also dress up in the colors of the national flag and decorate their homes, cars, and streets. Generally, the whole country is in a jovial mood during the week of the December 2nd celebrations. The holiday often includes a day or two off, so families and friends have the perfect excuse to bond.

Past and Future Observances of UAE National Day

Below are the past and future observances of the UAE National Day over a span of ten years: