51st UAE National Day 2022
The UAE National Day is right around the corner and anyone who loves this country knows that it’s time to go crazy with a variety of fun activities, fireworks and cultural performances. Whether you’re looking forward to watching the fireworks or having a blissful barbecue night with your family, UAE never fails at celebrating this occasion with great enthusiasm. This year, the public and private sector will be enjoying a 4 day long weekend starting from Thursday, 1st December to Sunday 4th December 2022. Keep reading to know more about all the fun activities UAE is offering for the course of these four days.
History
Let us first dive into the history of how UAE came to be and its progress to what it is, ever since. Many years ago, before the union of the 7 emirates, each city – known as the Trucial States, was colonized by the Portuguese initially and then the British.
In 1960, Abu Dhabi unearthed oil. It was then, when the sheikhdoms decided to join hands and structure a council known as the Trucial States Council.
The union included the initial Trucial States along with Bahrain and Qatar, to be a 9 emirates country. Although, due to political disagreements, Bahrain and Qatar further decided to be independent countries.
Towards the end of November 1971, Iranian troops captured part of Ras al Khaimah and forcibly displaced its citizens to another location, martyring a young soldier on who’s honor the UAE embarks the Commemoration Day on 30th November.
On December 1st, the remaining states, i.e., Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Quwain and Fujairah agreed to sign the founding treaty.
On 2nd December all the 6 states came together in the Union House, as the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi was declared the capital of the country. Ras Al Khaimah joined this treaty after almost 2 months, in 1972 after which, the initial states, formerly known as the Trucial States, are addressed as the 7 emirates of the United Arab Emirates.
Today, with the growth in oil and tourism industry, UAE stands to be the most influential country in the Middle East. A country that defies every limitation and aims higher and higher.
Did you know? Each color in the UAE flag symbolizes a characteristic portrayed by the country. Green symbolizes hope, optimism, joy, and love. Black determines strength of mind and enemies’ defeat. White is said to portray honesty and peace. Lastly, the Red color conveys the country’s everlasting bravery, courage and strength in a vertical manner conveying the unison of the representation of the other colors.
Celebration
A strong and powerful country was born on this day and the citizens/residents of UAE celebrate this day of freedom and unison in the most extravagant ways. The public and private sector of each emirate in the country celebrates this union anniversary in their own special ways. Here are few things you can do during your National Day Holidays.
In Abu Dhabi
1) Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
Abu Dhabi will be hosting a nine day event from 3rd December – 11th December 2022 in the National Exhibition Center. The show will be a walkthrough of the diverse culture of the early times to the modern advancements of the country. The portrayal of various inspiring discoveries and innovation through many generations will be done through exciting performances and unique technologies. To book your tickets, visit ADNEC.
2) Fireworks
Zayed Heritage Festival, Madinat Zayed, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Dahfra or Abu Dhabi Corniche are great places to watch the wonderful lights break through the sky.
3) Sheikh Zayed Festival
Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wuhtba is set to bring you a plethora of fun activities and shows. The festival begins at 4pm on 2nd & 3rd December 2022. The tickets are priced at AED 5 and can be bought from their website, here.
4) Air Show
Abu Dhabi are all set with their new fighter planes, Mirage 2000 and F-16 jets, to soar across the sky for the air show. The show will take place over the Abu Dhabi Corniche between 4pm – 5pm.
In Dubai
1) Fireworks
There is no National Day celebration without fireworks and Dubai is known for their extravagant display of sparkling fireworks. The following locations will be elevating your vision towards the glimmering night sky:
● Global Village – A family destination featuring cultures, traditions and food all around the world will host a grand national day fireworks in honor of the country at 9 PM
● Dubai Festival City – A spectacular show involving fountains, lasers lights and the UAE essence in the most family friendly shopping mall. There’s music, food and cultural performances.
● Bluewaters Island – Experience the traditional culture, enjoy Emirati music and apply henna at the Bluewaters Islands before you set your eyes on the most eye catching fireworks across the area, featuring the Ain Dubai at 8 PM.
● The Pointe – You can view The Palm light up right Infront of you at The Pointe at 9pm.
● Al Seef – The historic location in Old Dubai will be hosting various events and parades starting at 4pm. The fireworks will be displayed between 8pm – 10pm.
2) Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa
- The infamous Dubai fountain show at the Dubai Mall is a long going ritual on the UAE National Day.
In Sharjah
1) Al Dhaid City
A plethora of fun awaits you at Al Dhaid City with various activities, cultural performances and more from 4 PM – 10 PM
2) KhorFakkan
The Khorfakkan Amphitheatre will host an event featuring a variety of musical and cultural performances on 3rd December 2022.
Conclusion:
The UAE, particularly Dubai, is a standard for extravagance and lavish living. The country is so rich in culture and innovation. UAE is a great example of a country who not only focuses on future enhancements and modern advancements, but also a country that has not lost the touch of its cultural and traditional roots. We wish you all a very happy 51st UAE National Day! To learn more about the history and culture of the United Arab Emirates, you are always welcome to our blog.