A spectacular line-up of events to celebrate National Day has been unveiled by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), treating residents and visitors to family and community experiences galore from 1 to 3 December and beyond.

A fantastic programme of thrilling events is taking place all over the emirate, with everyone invited to share in the success of the nation, celebrate the last 50 years and look forward to the next five decades. The schedule of more than 20 immersive activations will highlight the UAE’s culture, diversity and people through heritage-focussed festivals, spectacular music and dance performances, adrenalin-fuelled sporting activities and breath-taking fireworks displays.

As a weekend highlight, on 2 December, Abu Dhabi’s night skies will be illuminated by the popular National Day Fireworks display. Dazzling spectacles of colour will light up the city skylines on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche and in Al Ain and Al Dhafra. Fireworks will also paint the skies above Al Maryah Island on 2 and 3 December, with each exhilarating show starting at 9pm. There will also be an additional National Day Fireworks Show at Bawabat Al Sharq Mall on 2 December at 8pm.

Stand-out performances

As well as incredible performances in the sky, the celebrations will also see a host of performances on the ground.

Concerts across National Day weekend will be led by Iraqi artist Majed Al Mohandis and Iraqi singer-songwriter Aseel Hameem, who will take to the stage at Emirates Palace on 1 December. Emirati singer Hamad Al Ameri will perform at Qasr Al Hosn on 2 December and Emirati singer Ahlam closes the weekend at Louvre Abu Dhabi on 3 December.

In addition, a one-of-a-kind Skydive Show and Formation Jump featuring 16 skydivers carrying the UAE flag and creating a ‘50’ formation above the city, will take place along the Corniche at Abu Dhabi Sports Aviation Club on 2 December.

Also, in cooperation with Jazira Club, there will be a fly-over featuring approximately 50 airplanes and local pilots, Paramotor and Parasailing Shows with the UAE flag, and for spectators watching on the big screen, gift giveaways of skydiving, parasailing and aviation vouchers.

Also on 2 December, Bawabat Al Sharq Mall will host a National Day Flash Mob along with their fireworks show from 6pm to 8pm. The mall will also host the Sheikh Zayed Hologram interactive experience and screenings of Majlis the Story of the 50th, a film which uses archival footage to recount the UAE’s successful journey over the last 50 years. Both attractions will be open from 10am to 10pm until 4 December.

There will also be a special ‘50 Year’ film screening at Qasr Al Hosn, with the first 50 guests arriving on 2 December also treated to a private experience at the attraction.

Art and culture

The Golden Jubilee celebrations continue with Marsana MarVista at Hudayriyat Island’s special Year of the 50th activations from 1 to 3 December, as well as celebrations at Sheikha Fatima Park and Qasr Al Muwaiji. The Cultural Foundation will see performances of Sailing the Silk Road by the renowned Caracalla Dance Theatre, the interactive exhibition Al Mujamma, plus art installations and screenings of films by Emirati filmmakers. Meanwhile, Manarat Al Saadiyat will host immersive art installations and workshops over the weekend.

Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa and Al Jahili Fort will also be participating in National Day celebrations with exhibitions of historical artefacts from life in Abu Dhabi over the last 50 years on show, and activations that embrace Emirati culture through art, music and gastronomy.

Over on Yas Island, the destination’s many entertainment, hospitality and dining attractions will be celebrating the UAE’s Golden Jubilee with 50 days of exclusive offers and competitions.

The Jubilee Cultural pass

Enhancing the National Day experience for everyone, National Day Golden Jubilee light decorations will line the city’s roads that lead to the attractions and events. The vibrant lights, adorning streetlamps and rails, show modern abstract shapes, the UAE flag intertwined with a ‘50’ and the UAE emblem.

For the full calendar of events taking place in Abu Dhabi over National Day weekend, visit uae50.visitabudhabi.ae.

In celebration of the nation’s momentous milestone, DCT Abu Dhabi has launched the Jubilee Cultural Pass, granting free or discounted access to a diverse range of cultural sites and museums across the emirate.

To find out more about the Jubilee Cultural Pass and all its benefits, and to purchase a pass, visit https://abudhabiculture.ae/en/culture-calendar/cultural-offerings/jubilee-cultural-pass.

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