UAE National Day — also called Eid Al Etihad — falls on 2 December every year. In 2026 it marks the 55th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates. The official public holiday for National Day is listed as 2 and 3 December (two days) on the UAE Government portal. Confirm any later Cabinet changes on u.ae public holidays closer to the date.
Written and reviewed by Stephen Njenga, Dubai resident since 2020. Last verified: 5 October 2026.
When is UAE National Day 2026?
UAE National Day is always on 2 December. For 2026 that is a Wednesday, and the government holiday list pairs it with 3 December as the second National Day holiday.
- National Day: 2 December 2026 (55th anniversary of the union)
- Public holiday (as published): 2 and 3 December 2026
- Also known as: Eid Al Etihad
Islamic holidays on the same calendar can shift with moon sighting. National Day itself is fixed on the Gregorian date of 2 December.
What does National Day commemorate?
On 2 December 1971, six emirates formed the United Arab Emirates under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation in February 1972. National Day marks that union and the start of the federal state.
The official celebration theme on the UAE Government portal is “Spirit of the Union”, linked to Sheikh Zayed’s founding vision. You can read the government summary under Public holidays.
How Dubai usually celebrates
Dubai usually marks National Day with flags on buildings and cars, family gatherings, cultural shows and evening fireworks. Hotels, malls and waterfront areas often run special programmes in the days around 2 December.
Exact 2026 venues, parade routes and fireworks times are announced closer to the date by Dubai authorities and event organisers. Treat early listings as provisional. Check official Dubai channels and the UAE Government portal before you travel or book.
If you are planning a wider Dubai trip around the holiday, start with our Dubai travel guide and resident things-to-do guide.
Tips for residents and visitors
- Traffic: Roads near popular viewing spots usually get busy on the evening of 2 December. Leave early or use the metro where it serves your route.
- Book ahead: Restaurants and hotel terraces that overlook fireworks often fill weeks in advance in a normal year.
- Flags: Display the UAE flag respectfully. Flag Day on 3 November is a separate occasion — see below.
- Families: Daytime cultural events are usually easier with children than crowded late fireworks zones.
- Work schedules: Private-sector holiday practice can differ from the published public-sector list. Confirm with your employer.
UAE Flag Day is separate
UAE Flag Day is observed every year on 3 November. It is not the same as National Day. For Flag Day history and how Dubai marks it, see UAE Flag Day.
Moving or living in Dubai around the holiday
If National Day falls during a move or house hunt, banks, trustees and many government counters follow the public holiday calendar. Build buffer days into any transfer or Ejari appointment that sits near 2–3 December. For housing basics, see moving to Dubai and the Dubai real estate guide.
Past celebrations
In 2025 the country marked the 54th National Day on the same 2 December date. This page is now the evergreen National Day guide and will be updated each year without changing the URL.
FAQs
Is UAE National Day always on 2 December?
Yes. The commemorative date is fixed on 2 December. The accompanying public holiday block is published by the government (currently 2 and 3 December) and can be adjusted by Cabinet announcement.
What is Eid Al Etihad?
Eid Al Etihad is another name for UAE National Day — the celebration of the 1971 union.
When is Flag Day?
Flag Day is 3 November each year. Details: UAE Flag Day.
