Top Things to Do in Dubai This UAE National Day
Fun fact: Did you know the UAE has the most date palm trees globally? In 2009, there were a whopping 42 million—that’s a LOT of dates!
Speaking of records, the UAE is the world’s 3rd-largest oil producer and home to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building! Not to mention, it’s a leader in artificial intelligence, with a dedicated Minister of State for AI elected in 2017.
For us, it’s no wonder both locals and tourists adore this rich country. If you’re ready to celebrate the UAE National Day, check out our favorite activities below!
What can I do in Dubai for National Day?
There are plenty of activities to do in Dubai for National Day. You can bike along the Al Qudra Cycle Track, grab brunch at Dhow and Anchor, explore the UAE Reimagined AI Exhibition, take a trip to Global Village, and heaps more!
Bike along the Al Qudra Cycle Track
Website: https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/about-rta/cycling-track
Address: X8X4+HQ8 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 800 900, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Feel like getting active this Dubai National Day? Hop on your bike and hit up the legendary Al Qudra Cycle Track! Whether you’re aiming for the full 50-km stretch or just a leisurely 18-km loop, this track welcomes cyclists of all levels.
Aside from the thrill of cruising past dunes, it’s the perfect chance to unwind amidst nature and escape the city’s buzz. And here’s the best part: keep your eyes peeled, and you might spot some desert wildlife!
With handy rest spots along the route, you can catch your breath and soak in the views without missing a beat. Don’t forget to swing by the shop at the start for some essential carbs and hydration since the water might be a bit scarce later on.
Pro tip:
Beat the heat! Get an early start to avoid the scorching desert sun. After 11 am, we’re afraid it’s like biking in a sauna.
We say ditch the plastic bottles too! Even those fancy cycling bottles won’t hold up. Your refreshing water could turn into a plastic-flavored nightmare after a few hours under the sun.
Dine at Dhow and Anchor
Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/dine/dubai/beach-hotel-dhow-and-anchor
Address: Lobby level, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeira Road, Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 800 323232
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Pricing: AED 125 – 250
If you want a chill dining spot to celebrate the UAE’s birthday bash, Dhow & Anchor at Jumeirah Beach Hotel offers a tasty British BBQ brunch you won’t want to miss. Think juicy lamb, beef, and chicken with all the fixings to satisfy your cravings.
As you tuck into BBQ goodness, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Burj Al Arab from the terrace. Plus, we’re big fans of the staff whipping up tasty veggie pies for non-meat eaters!
For us, it’s the perfect mix of delicious food and stunning scenery, making it a top spot for National Day celebrations.
Pro tip:
Feel free to indulge in pork delicacies and sip on refreshing alcoholic drinks at Dhow & Anchor. Just remember to keep the vibe respectful, especially during Ramadan.
Tour the World at Global Village
Website: https://www.globalvillage.ae/
Address: 38C5+F57 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 362 4114, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- October to April – Monday to Sunday – 6 PM to 2 AM
Ticket Fees:
- Any Day Entry – AED 27
- Weekdays – AED 25
- Senior Citizen – Free
- Children Under 3 – Free
- Person of Determination/Disability – Free
- Online booking offers a 10% discount
For an adrenaline-packed day on National Day, Global Village is a bustling hub for shopping, grubbing, and fun, open from October to April.
We love that over 90 cultures are flaunting their goods in 27 dazzling pavilions, plus over 175 rides and attractions that’ll keep you entertained all day long!
You can indulge in Yemeni honey, Afghan and Iranian carpets, Moroccan argan oil, Spanish necklaces, or Thai dried fruits. Each pavilion, from Egypt to Italy and Vietnam to Oman, offers a sensory journey through its culture. For us, it’s the ultimate world tour!
Pro tip:
Hey, foodies! At Global Village, you’re in for a treat with top-notch grub from all over the world, so come hungry and skip that pre-visit snack. You’ll want to make room for the delicious food scene here!
Chill at Surf Club
Website: https://www.surfclubdubai.com/
Address: West Palm Beach Palm – Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 589 5444, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 1 AM
Fees:
- Starts at AED 150
The Emirati day can be more fun by relaxing with your pals at the Surf Club. Imagine munching on Mediterranean-inspired treats right by the beach to celebrate!
Indulge in starters, mains, and desserts while soaking up the sunny seaside atmosphere. And why not dive into some water sports action in between bites? Later, you can also groove to the tunes for an extra dose of enjoyment.
Pro tip:
Surf Club is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along for the National Day celebrations to get some sun and fun exercise!
Take a Dip at AURA Skypool
Website: https://auraskypool.com/
Address: Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Tower – 50th Floor – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 566 2121, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday & Thursday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Tuesday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Wednesday & Friday – 6 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 6 AM to 7 PM
Fees:
- Indoor Lounge – Starts at AED 150 per person
- With pool experiences – Starts at AED 200 per person
Dubai’s skyline at AURA Skypool is amazing for a chic brunch—a must-do for National Day! Perched 210 meters above ground on the 50th floor of the Palm, it features the world’s highest 360° infinity pool—top-of-the-world vibes right there!
This includes sipping on free-flowing drinks and feasting on Pan-Asian delights against the city’s glittering backdrop. For us, it’s all about experiencing Dubai from a fresh angle, whether you’re unwinding with friends or enjoying a romantic date.
Pro tip:
Secure your spot at AURA Skypool in advance, even weeks ahead if possible! This ensures you snag the best view and your preferred lounging spot for a picture-perfect National Day celebration.
Go on a Wellness Retreat at Bab Al Shams
Website: https://www.babalshams.com/
Address: Al Qudra Road – opposite Endurance City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 809 6100, [email protected]
Fees:
- About AED 365 for a night’s stay
Bab Al Shams is among the ultimate UAE anniversary getaways you should consider. Here, you can enjoy a 3-day wellness journey packed with relaxation and rejuvenation!
Kickstart your mornings with a buffet breakfast and lunch at Zala, then wind down with dinner at the Anwa Rooftop Lounge. Plus, indulge in sound healing meditation, yoga sessions, and a destressing massage. Sounds like pure bliss!
To top it all off, we say don’t forget the private dinner in the dunes and a guided nature walk in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
Pro tip:
Bringing the kids along to Bab Al Shams? We’re pretty confident that they’re in for a treat! From camel rides to falcon holding and a super engaging kids club, there’s plenty to keep them entertained while you unwind in style.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Royal Tearoom
Website: https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/dining/the-royal-tearoom
Address: Atlantis The Royal – Crescent Rd – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 426 2626
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 12 AM
Tearoom Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 2 PM to 5 PM
Fees:
- Signature Afternoon Tea – AED 560 for 2 people
Got a craving for something fancy this National Day? Atlantis The Royal offers special Emirati afternoon tea at the Royal Tearoom for you and other high tea and pastry enthusiasts!
Why should you go? Well, imagine this: a mouthwatering spread of Arabic pastries, like crispy luqaimat (sweet dumplings) with Emirati date syrup and spongy sago or tapioca pearls with cardamom and coconut, all topped with gold leaf!
And don’t forget about the traditional khanfaroosh (Arabian fritters), dripping in local mountain honey, and halawet el jibn (sweet cheese dessert) served right at your table. It’s a unique treat you won’t want to miss!
Pro tip:
Still hungry? If you want more dining options, just hop on the shuttle between The Royal and Atlantis to explore the diverse range of excellent restaurants available.
Hop on the Palm Monorail
Website: https://www.palmmonorail.com/
Address: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 390 9999, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM, with a 15-minute gap between every departure
Ticket Fees:
- Single Trips – AED 5 to AED 20
- Round Trips – AED 10 to AED 30
- Day Pass with Unlimited Rides – AED 35
- Family Pass – AED 99
- UAE Resident Pass – AED 135
- Palm Residents & Tenant Monthly Pass with Unlimited Rides – AED 165
Here’s a fun travel idea: Hop on the Palm Monorail for a cool ride along the famous Palm Jumeirah! We reckon it’s a fantastic way to celebrate the UAE’s formation day.
During the 5.5-km journey, you’ll get to enjoy the scenic views of this man-made island without the crazy traffic. You’ll also cruise past chill spots like the Golden Mile Galleria, Al Ittihad Park, Nakheel Mall, and the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark station.
Pro tip:
If you want to save money, check out Palm Monorail’s deals before taking a ride. You can snag tickets starting from AED 10 for a one-way trip!
It offers sweet bundles and packages like family passes and weekly, monthly, or yearly memberships, where you can save up to 60%.
Go Hiking through Hatta
Website: https://www.visithatta.com/en/play/hiking
Contact Details: +971 566162111, [email protected]
Fees:
- Free
Dubai’s National Day calls for an epic adventure, and Hatta’s rugged mountains are where the action’s at! For us, these hiking trails lead to jaw-dropping vistas and hidden oases. And with December’s cool breeze, it’s prime time to tackle those trails!
Hatta is also home to the tallest landmark sign in the world—talk about bragging rights for your holiday snaps. And guess what? We love that hikers can check it out for free!
But the fun doesn’t stop there! From mountain biking adventures to kayaking in the turquoise waters of Hatta Dam, there’s something for every thrill-seeker.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget your hiking essentials! Pack safety gear like a GPS tracker, extra batteries, and hydration packs for those hiking and biking adventures. And since the phone signal can be spotty, it’s best to stick together in groups.