WHAT TO DO THIS NATIONAL DAY WEEKEND IN ABU DHABI
DO: WHERE TO FIND THE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS
To celebrate the formation of the UAE, National Day is celebrated on 2nd of December. Huge celebrations take place across the emirates including fireworks, parades, and UAE colours are seen adorning houses, cars, and people. To mark the celebration, Abu Dhabi residents will enjoy a four-day holiday, from Commemoration Day on the 30th November until Sunday the 4th of December.
ADNEC – The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre will host the official National Day celebration; this heartfelt show will look at the UAE’s journey for the last 50 years and will look ahead to the next 50 years. Expect live performances mixed with unique technology and projection. The show will be open to the public from the 3rd to 11th of December, tickets cost AED200 and can be purchased here.
Corniche – Look up to the skies to celebrate National Day in the air with the Al Fursan Air Show. Due to take place on the 2nd of December between 4PM – 5PM, visitors along the Corniche will get a view of the Mirage 2000 and F-16 jets. Keep your eyes peeled on the UAE BARQ Insta account for the official announcement whether it will be going ahead on the day.
DO: WHERE TO FIND THE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS. CONT.
Qasr Al Hosn – The royal fort will have two fantastic concerts on the 1st and 3rd of December, where fans can see Emirati singers, Hussain Al Jassmi and Hamad Al Ameri perform some of their hits under the stars. Tickets can be purchased here.
Emirates Palace – Emirates Palace is going all out for a full weekend of celebrations. Have a family picnic in the Palace gardens, watch traditional al ayala dancing, picks some dates, and hold a falcon in the cultural family village under the grand dome or enjoy a National Day afternoon tea at Le Café. There will also be a padel tournament and some exceptional dining packages – find out more information here.
Qasr Al Watan – The Presidential Palace will be lit up spectacularly for National Day and we expect there to be a special edition of their Palace in Motion lights and projection show. Times and dates have not been confirmed yet.
DO: WHERE TO CATCH THE FIREWORKS
Yas Bay (also viewable from Raha Beach) - 9PM 2nd & 3rd December 2022
Yas Bay is not only celebrating National Day but also it’s 1st birthday. Expect whizz bangs of epic proportions that can be enjoyed from anywhere on the pier and surrounding area, across the water on Raha Beach, or from one of the many waterside restaurants like Asia Asia (check out the BB+ menu here), Central (check out the BB+ menu below), La Carnita, and loads of other dining destinations.
Al Maryah Island – 9PM 2nd and 3rd December 2022
Spectators can enjoy a double whammy of fireworks on Friday and Saturday on the Al Maryah Island 5.4km stretch of waterfront. Enjoy the UAE flagged themed bangers at one of the many waterside restos like Bentley Kitchen, LPM and Dai Pai Dong.
Emirates Palace – 9PM 2nd December 2022
After a fun filled day enjoying the National Day activities around the resort, head down to the beachfront to marvel at a magnificent fireworks display.
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall – 9PM 2nd December 2022
The Baniyas mall is promising to hold the biggest display the mall has ever seen! Get parked up early - it promised to draw the crowds.
Sheikh Zayed Festival – TBC 2nd December 2022
More than just fireworks! Head to the annual Sheik Zayed Heritage Festival, at Al Wathba, to gaze up at a phenomenal drone show which tells the story of the events and its activities ending in a humongous fireworks display. Timings have yet to be confirmed, but the weekly fireworks are at 10PM.
Other places to watch:
Al Shahama (next to wedding hall) 8:30PM 2nd December 2022
Abu Dhabi Municipality Building 8:30PM 1st & 2nd December 2022
Mussafah (in front of Emirates Driving Company) 8:30PM 2nd Decmeber 2022
Mohammed bin Zayed City (Mazyad Mall) 8:30PM 2nd December 2022
Al Ain:
Jebel Hafit 8PM 2nd & 3rd December 2022
Al Ain Municipality Building 8PM 2nd & 3rd December 2022
Al Dhafra:
City Mall, Madinat Zayed 9PM 2nd December 2022
At the moment fireworks have not been confirmed for the Corniche.
DO: FEEL A LITTLE CHRISTMASSY AT LE MERIDIEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
If you fancy feeling a little festive this Saturday the 3rd of December, head to the Le Royal Meridien for their Christmas market. You can expect a craft market, wine stalls, festive food and beverages, family friendly activities, and even a visit from the big man in red himself! Yes, you heard that correctly, Santa is in Abu Dhabi (and a little elf told us he is making his grand entrance around 4PM)! Entry is free.
Location: Le Royal Meridien, Abu Dhabi
Date: Saturday, 3rd December 2022
Time: 2PM – 8PM
Price: FREE
DINE: DINE AND GAME AT CENTRAL
Central, taking prime position on the Yas Bay waterfront, is unleashing an epic deal perfect for families and people who just want a fab time with a great deal on gaming and food.
Adults can enjoy a main course, a house beverage (including wine, beer, spirits, lemonades, and softs) and AED100 gaming credit for just AED125 and kids can get the same (main course from the kid’s menu) for AED70. You can enjoy a choice from ‘monster burgers’, pizzas, pastas, and more - come hungry!
Head to the arcade for some gaming fun. Bag some prizes (or bragging rights) with games like grabbers, shoot ‘em ups, air hockey, and motorcycle racing. You can even ride a virtual reality rollercoaster. Keep your eyes peeled on the Best Bites Insta page for video proof of our amazing night at Central! You must be a BB+ member to avail this deal, so best you get your game on and sign up today!
Location: Central, Yas Bay Waterfront
Time: Mon – Thurs 4PM – 10PM | Fri – Sat 12PM – 6PM | Sun 12PM – 10PM
Price: Adults AED125 | Kids AED70
SIGN UP TO BB+
With BB+ you can get all these restaurant discounts plus loads more at a huge range of venues across Abu Dhabi. We also have offers for brunch, business lunches and more! Sign up today!
DINE: GRAB AN EXCEPTIONAL DEAL ON BREAKFAST AT CAFÉ 302
Woah, your weekend is busy. You need to fuel up with an excellent affordable breakfast at Cafe 302!
Enjoy an extensive buffet breakfast at Café 302 with a selection of mains that change daily, Café 302’s famous vegan options, scrummy pastries, and unlimited fresh juice, tea, coffee, and detox water. This colourful breakfast is served every day of the week from 6AM – 11AM (10:30AM on weekdays) and BB+ members get an incredible 45% off!
Location: Café 302, Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana
Time: Weekday 6AM – 10:30AM | Weekend 6AM – 11AM
Price: AED109 | 45% off with BB+
SIGN UP TO BB+
With BB+ you can get all these restaurant discounts plus loads more at a huge range of venues across Abu Dhabi. We also have offers for brunch, business lunches and more! Sign up today!
DINE: CIN CIN IT’S FRIDAY BRUNCH AT LE NOIR
The week is over, it’s time to let your hair down and relax on Friday evening and Le Noir, at The Collection, St Regis Saadiyat is an amazing way to finish the week. Getting rave reviews for their weekend Mimosa brunch, Le Noir also has an excellent deal to start off your weekend on a good note! Enjoy unlimited delights such as loaded fries, beef sliders, chicken wings, and the famous Le Noir club sandwich, while sipping on unlimited beverages including beers, wines, and cocktails. And best of all BB+ members can get this amazing deal for the special price of AED169.
Cin cin!
Location: Le Noir, The Collection, St Regis Residences Saadiyat
Time: Friday 7PM – 11PM (2 hour package)
Price: AED199 | AED169 with BB+
SIGN UP TO BB+
With BB+ you can get all these restaurant discounts plus loads more at a huge range of venues across Abu Dhabi. We also have offers for brunch, business lunches and more! Sign up today!
Lorenna White
12/5/2022
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