On 2 December 1971 the emirates came together as one country. Every year since, the first days of December turn Dubai red, green, white and black: flags on cars, lit-up towers, families out late, and a general feeling that the whole city is on holiday at once. Because it usually is.
2026 is the 55th National Day, now officially called Eid Al Etihad. Here is what you need to know to plan around it.
When is the National Day holiday in 2026?
- Wednesday, 2 December 2026 and Thursday, 3 December 2026 are the public holidays.
- With the Friday and Saturday weekend straight after, many people get four days off in a row.
- The UAE Cabinet can move some holidays to the start or end of the week. No change had been announced when we wrote this, but keep an eye on the news in late November.
What is Dubai like that week?
Expect decorated streets, landmarks lit in the national colours, and events across the city. Dubai normally announces its National Day fireworks and celebrations in the second half of November, so the official list for 2026 is not out yet. Check Dubai's official events calendar closer to the date rather than trusting old lists from last year.
What we can say for certain is that holiday evenings are among the busiest of the year for restaurants, beaches and boats. If you know which evening you want, book it early.
A simple four-day plan
You do not need to fill every hour. Here is one relaxed way to use the long weekend:
- Wednesday 2 December (National Day): join the celebrations in the day, then a dinner cruise in the evening. The Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner boards at 8:00 PM and is back by 10:30 PM.
- Thursday 3 December: a slow morning, then a desert safari in the afternoon. Hotel pickup is included.
- Friday 4 December: the Dubai Shopping Festival begins. See our festival evening plan for ideas.
- Saturday 5 December: beach day at JBR, and an early night before work.
Which cruise for a National Day evening?
| Cruise | Price per person | Boarding |
|---|---|---|
| Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner | AED 90 | 8:00 PM, Dubai Marina Harbour |
| Luxury Marina Cruise | AED 100 | 8:00 - 9:00 PM, Dubai Marina West |
| Premium VIP Marina Cruise | AED 150 | 8:00 PM, Dubai Marina Harbour |
| Diamond Dhow Cruise | AED 200 | 7:45 - 8:30 PM, Dubai Marina Yacht Club |
Children aged 3 and under sail free. Every cruise has vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, soft drinks and a choice of the open upper deck or the air-conditioned lower deck.
Practical tips for a holiday evening
- Leave early, or leave the car. Holiday traffic around the Marina is heavy. The metro to DMCC or Jumeirah Lakes Towers, then the tram, is often faster than driving. We can also arrange a shared transfer (AED 30 per person) or a private car (AED 300 for up to 7 people).
- Arrive on time. Boats leave on schedule, holiday or not. Aim to be at the boarding point at least 15 minutes early.
- Wear the colours. Lots of families dress in the national colours for the day, and it makes for great photos on the upper deck. The dress code is smart casual.
- Cancellation. Cancel at least 2 days before for a full refund.
The short version
National Day is Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026, the 55th Eid Al Etihad. With the weekend, most people get four days off, and the Dubai Shopping Festival starts on 4 December. Official fireworks are usually announced in late November. Holiday evenings get busy, so book your cruise early. Prices start at AED 90.
