Where to watch the Eid Al Etihad fireworks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Spectacular fireworks have become a highlight of Eid Al Etihad – also known as UAE National Day – celebrations, and this year will be no different.

In Dubai, celebrations for the 53rd year of unification will also include the launch of the Zayed and Rashid campaign, which places such as malls, seasonal markets and major tourist attractions will participate in.

Here are some places to head to across Dubai and Abu Dhabi for fireworks displays, along with line-ups of entertainment and cultural activities, from concerts to traditional folkloric performances.

Dubai

Riverland

The Dubai Parks and Resorts complex venue will host a fireworks show on December 2 at 9 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy the eco-friendly daily laser show at the venue, held at 7.30pm, 8.30pm, and 9.30pm.

Al Seef

In Old Dubai, people can head to Al Seef at 9pm on December 3 to catch a fireworks show. The venue offers a rustic vibe with its Arabian-style design, and several dining options are also available on-site, including Al Fanar Seafood, Nablus and Doors Freestyle Grill.

Dubai Festival City Mall

A two-for-one show is taking place at Dubai Festival City Mall – a fireworks display and the Imagine light show on the promenade. The spectacle, kicking off at 9.10pm on December 2, blends light, water and pyrotechnics for a more immersive experience. Guests can check out the waterfront restaurants of the mall for a more comfortable viewing spot.

Global Village

The beloved theme park will be running fireworks displays in honour on December 2 and 3 from 9pm. On National Day (December 2) visitors can also enjoy a drone show alongside special performances and all the usual family-friendly fun and food that Global Village offers each season.

Hatta

An awe-inspiring fireworks show is promised to light up the sky from the mountainside where the Hatta sign sits. This spot offers a more serene and natural backdrop, in comparison to fireworks in more central locations. It kicks of 8pm on December 2.

Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina Circuit

The Yas Island venue is hosting Eid Al Etihad on December 2 from 4pm to 10pm. A fireworks show is set to light up the skies in the evening. The family-friendly event will include a car parade featuring stunning vehicles decorated in UAE colours, as well as a karting competition for children and adults. The event is free but only those who have pre-registered on Yas Marina Circuit's website can attend.

Yas Bay Waterfront

The Yas Bay Waterfront fireworks display takes place on December 2 at 9pm. Guests can watch for free, but there is also the option to book surrounding restaurants for a more comfortable viewing experience. Restaurants include Daikan, Asia Asia, La Carnita and Paradiso.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

The five-star hotel is celebrating with seven days of cultural experiences and live entertainment, from November 27 to December 3. The fireworks display will set off on the beach on December 2 at 9pm, accompanied by an Emirati orchestra earlier in the day at 2pm.

Guests can book a table at Sand & Koal (Dh380 minimum spend) for a more cosy experience, where there will be live entertainment with percussionists and fire dancers.

Al Wathba

Three days of fireworks shows will be hosted at the Sheikh Zayed Festival. Photo: Sheikh Zayed Festival

The Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba will have fireworks shows from December 1 to 3, as well as a spectacle of drones lighting up the sky. Expect Emirati folk arts, heritage games, performances and more as well as special programmes arranged for children.

As one of the country's largest cultural festivals, the three-month event highlights Sheikh Zayed's legacy and honours local customs and heritage.

Al Maryah Island

The south plaza and promenade are ideal spots to watch the fireworks at Al Maryah Island on December 2 and 3 at 9pm. A light and water spectacle is also taking place, as well as a heritage boat show.

Visitors who want to enjoy the show with a meal can check out restaurants and cafes in the vicinity, including Michelin-starred 99 Sushi, LPM Restaurant and Bar, BB Social Dining and L’eto.

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What is the FNC?

The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.

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A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.