National Day (United Arab Emirates)

UAE National Day (Arabic: اليوم الوطني‎; Al Yawm Al Watani") is celebrated on 2 December each year in the United Arab Emirates.[1] The seventh emirate, Ra’s al-Khaimah, was added to the federation on 10 February 1972 making it the last state to join.[2]

National Day
Observed byUnited Arab Emirates
SignificanceMarks the UAE's formal nationalisation in 1971.
Date2 December
Next time2 December 2021 (2021-12-02)
FrequencyAnnual

History

The UAE National Day stands for the nationalisation of the British Protectorate Treaties, which were declared in 1968, and also falls on the anniversary of the federal unification of the seven emirates in 1971 which combined to form the modern-day country, headed by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the federation's first president.

Grand celebrations are held across the country to mark the event. Fireworks, car rallies and dance shows are the most common activities. Over 57% of UAE residents anticipate seeing fireworks during the UAE National Day weekend.[3] People will usually dress up in UAE national flag colours and decorate their homes, workplaces, cars and streets to celebrate the day with joy and happiness. Palm trees are decorated with lights from the colours of the flag. Hotels and other public sites are decorated with flags and lights.

Downtown Dubai is lightened with fireworks while the Burj Khalifa displays the UAE flag. It is crowded with people seeking to see the massive national day fireworks and celebration. Shopping centres, malls, and institutions are decorated with the flag.

Heritage Villages are set all over the UAE in order to celebrate this event traditionally. Holidays are given from the National Day until two days later. Air shows are conducted while military processions are held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre for the rulers of the Emirates, members of the Federal National Council, and Emirati citizens.

See also

References
  1. "UAE National Day holiday announced". The National. Abu Dhabi. 24 November 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2013.
  2. Abed, Ibrahim. Hellyer, Peter. (2001). United Arab Emirates : a new perspective. Trident Press. ISBN 1-900724-47-2. OCLC 47140175.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. Stockwell, Antonia (28 November 2017). "72% of UAE residents plan something extraordinary this UAE National Day". YouGov. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
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