Traditional arts, crafts and cooking
November 29, 12-4pm; Gate Building, DIFC
The centre will host an array of entertaining activities including henna painting, live cooking of Arabic delicacies, music and arts and crafts.
www.difc.ae
Traditional Emirati cooking classes
November 29 to December 3; Culinary Boutique café, Jumeirah Beach Road
The gourmet café is giving traditional Emirati cooking and cake decoration classes, customised to fit the National Day theme. For those who wish to view the parade they will also be taking bookings for people to dine on the rooftop terrace, which has Burj Khalifa views.
www.culinaryboutique.com
Sunset Sale – National Day market
November 30; Provedore Café, Sunset Mall
Luxury goods market Sunset Sale will be flying the flag with non-profit online platform Markat ME for a day of celebration, shopping fun and designer bargains. With 15 boutiques represented, there will be a special minimum 15 per cent discount as a holiday treat.
www.facebook.com/sunsetsouq
UAE National Day Boat Parade
December 2, 12-6pm; Dubai Marina Yacht Club
Marvel at yachts decorated with UAE symbols and decorations as they sail in a stunning convoy down the length of one of Dubai’s spectacular districts.
www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com
The Official Ceremony
December 2, 4-8pm; Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE comes alive this National Day with a series of events across the country. Join in on the official celebrations.
www.visitabudhabi.ae
Treasure of UAE awards ceremony
December 2, from 11am; SMCCU, Al Fahidi District, Dubai
The Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), is hosting an awards ceremony to honour 24 winners of the fourth annual Treasure of UAE Art Competition . Young artists between the ages of 7-18 years were asked to submit original current art work depicting one of the historic landmarks across the UAE. More than 50 schools participated this year.
www.cultures.ae
National Flag cycling parade
December 2; Starting at Burj Khalifa
NAS Sports is organising a 37km-cycle parade and will attempt to be the first ‘moving flag’ passing through the streets of Dubai. Beginning at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, participants will cycle through Al Safa Street, along December 2nd Street to the Union Flag, along Jumeirah Beach Road to Madinat Jumeirah and Umm Sequiem Road, coming along Al Wasl Road, and finishing back at the Burj Khalifa.
www.nasst.ae
Radio 2 Family Fun Day
December 2; Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, Dubai
Gulf News’ very own Radio 2 teams up with this eatery to host a family fun day. There will be a feast of food and drinks, kids’ entertainment, face painting, competitions and a bouncy castle (not just for the kids!).
+971 4 4542638; reservations@reformsocialgrill.ae
Traditional Arabian activities
December 2-4; Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi
A fun family event featuring a Bedouin story teller telling tales of the past in Arabic (English translator provided), henna artists, camel rides around the marina and petting saluki dogs and falcons while learning how these animals helped Bedouin tribes hunt and survive.
+971 2 406 2000
Celebrations at Boxpark
December 2-5; Boxpark, Jumeirah
About: A family-oriented festival vibe with LED dancers, UAE-inspired graffiti, local dancers, children’s activities and exciting giveaways.
www.boxpark.ae
Laser light show
December 2-5, every hour from 7.30-10.30pm; The Beach, JBR
A dazzling laser light show synchronised to music that will run the full 600m length of the beach and include a variety of stunning effects.
www.thebeach.ae
Pyrotechnic displays
December 2-5, from 7pm; City Walk
Spectacular firework shows will fill the skies with light and colour for four minutes each time. Dancers and face painting also there to entertain the family.
www.citywalk.ae
Arts and crafts festival
December5-6, from 11am; Urban Bistro, Dubai Media City
Featuring more than 20 vendors, shoppers can enjoy the weather and browse unique items that are either handcrafted of support local villages around the world. Healthy treats and free activities for the kids available.
www.facebook.com/designerspopup
