UAE National Day 2026: Holidays, Shopping Deals, Flight Offers, Hotel Promotions and Celebrations
The UAE National Day 2026, officially celebrated as “Eid Al Etihad”, is one of the biggest occasions of the year for residents, tourists and businesses across the Emirates. The celebrations bring the country together with spectacular fireworks, cultural events, special shopping promotions, hotel packages, airline offers and exciting family activities.
Whether you are planning a short holiday, booking flights, shopping for National Day discounts or looking for the best places to celebrate, this guide covers what to expect during the UAE National Day 2026 celebrations.
When is UAE National Day 2026?
The UAE will celebrate its 55th National Day on Wednesday, 2 December 2026. The occasion marks the unification of the Emirates in 1971.
| Detail | Information |
| Occasion | 55th UAE National Day |
| Official name | Eid Al Etihad |
| Main celebration | 02-Dec-26 |
| Public holidays | 2 and 3 December 2026 |
| Days | Wednesday and Thursday |
| Possible extended break | 2–6 December |
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
UAE National Day 2026 Holidays: Will Residents Get a Long Weekend?
The National Day holidays fall on Wednesday and Thursday, giving employees in the UAE a two-day public holiday. Here is how the break could look:
- Wednesday, 2 December – UAE National Day holiday.
- Thursday, 3 December – National Day holiday.
- Friday, 4 December – Working day for many employees, subject to company arrangements.
- Saturday, 5 December – Weekend.
- Sunday, 6 December – Weekend.
Employees who take annual leave on Friday may enjoy five consecutive days off. Government and private-sector employees should check the applicable official announcements and their employers’ holiday arrangements.
**Important: 30 November is Commemoration Day, but it is not listed as an additional public holiday in the current 2026 holiday schedule.
UAE National Day 2026 Offers and Promotions
National Day is a popular shopping and entertainment period, with retailers, shopping malls, hotels and attractions preparing special promotions.
Dubai’s 2026 retail calendar has scheduled Eid Al Etihad activities from 30 November to 3 December 2026, including retail promotions, fireworks, cultural showcases and family entertainment.
1. UAE National Day Shopping Offers
Shoppers can look out for special discounts and promotions across:
– Fashion, clothing and footwear.
– Smartphones, laptops and electronics.
– Jewellery, watches and accessories.
– Perfumes, cosmetics and beauty products.
– Home appliances and furniture.
– Supermarkets and grocery stores.
– Children’s products and toys.
Major shopping destinations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are worth checking for seasonal offers.
Shopping tip: Compare online and in-store prices before purchasing. Check the offer validity, discount conditions and return policies.
2. Dubai Mall and Shopping Festival Promotions
Dubai’s shopping destinations are expected to attract visitors with National Day decorations, family entertainment and seasonal retail offers.
The previous year’s Eid Al Etihad celebrations included a Dubai three-day shopping promotion from 28 November to 2 December 2025, with discounts of up to 90% advertised across participating brands.
However, the 2026 sale dates, participating retailers and discount percentages should be confirmed before publication as official announcements become available.
3. Hotel Offers and Staycation Packages
Residents who prefer to celebrate without travelling abroad can look for UAE National Day hotel packages. Possible promotions include:
- Discounted hotel room bookings.
- Family staycation packages.
- Complimentary breakfast offers.
- Resort and beach access packages.
- Spa and wellness discounts.
- Special dining experiences.
- Children’s activities and entertainment.
Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Al Ain are worth considering for a short staycation.
Abu Dhabi hotel booking alert: The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled for 3–6 December 2026, overlapping with the National Day break. Hotel prices and availability may be affected by increased demand. Book early and compare rates.
Flight Offers & Cheap Air Tickets on UAE National Day
The UAE National Day long weekend is a popular time for residents to travel internationally. Travellers can compare fares from Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport and Sharjah International Airport. Some destinations to consider include:
| Destination | Approximate flight duration |
| Muscat, Oman | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Doha, Qatar | 1 hour 10–15 minutes |
| Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 2 hours |
| Baku, Azerbaijan | 3 hours |
| Mumbai, India | 3–3.5 hours |
| Kochi, India | 4 hours |
| Colombo, Sri Lanka | 4–4.5 hours |
| Istanbul, Türkiye | 5 hours |
*Note: Flight durations are approximate and vary by airline and route.
Which Airlines should you Check for National Day Deals?
Travellers can compare fares, baggage allowances and promotional offers from:
Check the official websites for promotional fares, seasonal discounts, extra baggage offers and return-ticket deals.
Where Can You Find Cheap UAE National Day Flight Tickets?
You can compare flight prices through:
– Wego UAE.
– Skyscanner UAE.
– Google Flights.
– Airline official websites.
**Booking advice: Reserve early, compare nearby departure airports and check baggage charges before completing your booking. Airfares may rise as the holiday approaches.
UAE National Day 2026 Celebrations and Fireworks
The Emirates will celebrate National Day with patriotic decorations, cultural performances and entertainment across the country. Visitors can look out for:
- Fireworks and evening light displays.
- Traditional Emirati dance performances.
- Cultural exhibitions and heritage activities.
- Live music and entertainment.
- Family-friendly events at shopping malls.
- UAE flag-themed decorations.
- Special attractions and outdoor celebrations.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix During UAE National Day 2026
One of the major attractions during the December holiday period will be the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026. The event is scheduled for 3–6 December at Yas Marina Circuit, coinciding with the National Day holiday period. Visitors can expect international motorsport entertainment and a busy tourism period in Abu Dhabi.
If you are planning to visit, consider:
– Booking hotel accommodation early.
– Checking official race ticket availability.
– Comparing airport transfer options.
– Checking hotel packages around Yas Island.
– Allowing additional travel time around the circuit.
Best Places to Visit During the Holiday
If you are planning a family outing or short road trip, consider these destinations:
| Destination | What to experience |
| Dubai | Fireworks, shopping and entertainment |
| Abu Dhabi | Grand Mosque, Yas Island and F1 activities |
| Sharjah | Museums, heritage and family attractions |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Mountains, beaches and outdoor activities |
| Fujairah | Beaches and mountain scenery |
| Al Ain | Parks, cultural attractions and family outings |
Tips to Save Money During UAE National Day 2026
Here are some practical ways to enjoy the celebrations without spending too much:
1. Book flight tickets early instead of waiting until the last minute.
2. Compare fares from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports.
3. Look for hotel packages that include breakfast and family activities.
4. Compare shopping discounts across different retailers.
5. Check free National Day celebrations and public entertainment.
6. Use airline loyalty points and available credit card offers.
7. Check cancellation policies before confirming travel bookings.
UAE National Day 2026 FAQ
1. When is UAE National Day 2026?
UAE National Day 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, 2 December 2026. It marks the 55th anniversary of the UAE’s formation in 1971.
2. How many public holidays are there for UAE National Day 2026?
The UAE public holiday schedule lists 2 and 3 December 2026 as National Day holidays for public and private sectors.
3. Will UAE residents get a five-day holiday in December 2026?
Residents can potentially enjoy five consecutive days off from 2 to 6 December by taking Friday, 4 December, as annual leave.
4. Are UAE National Day 2026 shopping offers available?
Dubai’s retail calendar includes National Day promotions from 30 November to 3 December. Individual retailer discounts and sale conditions should be checked through official stores.
5. Which airlines offer UAE National Day flight discounts?
Travellers can check Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia, IndiGo and other airlines for promotional fares. Specific National Day discount campaigns should be confirmed directly with the airlines.
6. Where can I find cheap flights for UAE National Day 2026?
Compare fares through Wego, Skyscanner and Google Flights, as well as airline websites. Prices depend on the destination, departure airport and booking date.
7. Will there be fireworks in Dubai for UAE National Day 2026?
Fireworks are part of Dubai’s Eid Al Etihad celebration programme. Check Visit Dubai and Dubai’s official tourism channels for confirmed 2026 locations and timings.
8. Is Abu Dhabi hosting Formula 1 during UAE National Day 2026?
Yes. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled for 3–6 December 2026 at Yas Marina Circuit.