The annual UAE National Day is set to take place on the 2nd of December, bringing citizens and residents together to celebrate 52 years since the founding of the UAE. The holiday is preceded by Commemoration Day on the 30th of November, which is dedicated to those who died serving the country.

As announced by the authorities, the 2nd-4th of December will be a paid holiday for the public and private sectors.

National Day comes as commemoration of the country’s founding in 1971. That year 6 emirates bound together to become the UAE, with Ras Al Khaimah joining as the seventh emirate a year later.

Several official celebrations are planned to be held for the holiday across the country. The main event will take place in Expo City Dubai, where the COP28 will be hosted. Visitors will be treated to a special show with innovative technologies that will showcase the rich history of the UAE.

At the same time, several locations in Abu Dhabi will offer entertainment and cultural activities on National Day. However, the most highly-anticipated shows are the fantastic pyrotechnic displays, with fireworks to be set off on Al Maryah Island, Yas Bay Waterfront, Al Wathba at the Sheikh Zayed Festival and Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.