Next: 2 to 3 Dec 2026
UAE National Day
The founding of the federation in 1971: heritage villages, harbour boats, flags, camel parades and fireworks.
When is UAE National Day in 2026?
UAE National Day 2026 runs from 2 to 3 December 2026. Other years: 2027, 2 to 3 December 2027; 2028, 2 to 3 December 2028.
About UAE National Day
On 2 December 1971, six emirates joined to form the United Arab Emirates, and the day is celebrated with two days of holiday. Cars are decorated with flags and pictures of the rulers, and buildings are lit in the colours of the flag, red, green, white and black. Heritage villages and festivals show traditional crafts, falconry, camel racing and sword dances such as the Al Ayyala, a UNESCO-listed performance in which two rows of men sway and wave canes to drums and poetry. Boats parade in the harbours of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and fireworks light up the skylines. Schools perform songs and dances. Families, and visitors of many nationalities, gather to eat, take photographs and join in the festivities.
UAE National Day dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | UAE National Day date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 to 3 December 2026 |
| 2027 | 2 to 3 December 2027 |
| 2028 | 2 to 3 December 2028 |
What is eaten
- luqaimat
- harees
- Arabic coffee
Also part of it, and being written: Al-Ayyala (The dance of drums and canes.), Falconry (The traditional sport shown at heritage villages.), Flag of the United Arab Emirates (The tricolour with black.).
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Background: "National Day (United Arab Emirates)" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.