17 things to do this National Day weekend
Rugby Sevens, theme park discounts, dinner deals, cinema and family friendly fun…
It’s the final long weekend of the year, and we’ve filled it with heaps of fun things to do. Whether you’ve got three or four days off we’ve got discount tickets, National Day-themed buffets and the region’s biggest rugby tournament to keep you entertained.
Happy 46th UAE National Day!
Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this National Day weekend…
Thursday November 30
1. Head to an annual sporting event
The Dubai Rugby Sevens is one of the most anticipated weekends on the Dubai calendar, and it’s happening this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. As well as the small matter of the annual rugby tournament, there’s music, street food and fancy dress all to look forward to.
The Sevens Stadium, Dubai, Thur to Sat, 7.30am to 10pm, Dhs300 in advance, Dhs400 on the door, under-12s free. Thursdays free too. Tel: (04) 321 0008. More info on website.
2. Make a splash
In honour of UAE National Day, Splash n Party will be hosting a celebratory party for the little ones to enjoy from November 30 to December 3. As well as the usual splash slides, the entertainment will include; stilt walkers, jugglers, dancers, LED light shows and a mermaid show. Entry tickets will cost Dhs46 for one child and one adult, tickets will be available at the entrance of the park.
Splash n Party, Villa 1, Street 8A, Al Safa 2, 9am to 9pm, November 30 to Dec 3, Dhs46 for one adult and one child. Tel: (04) 388 3008. More info on website.
3. Experience a National Day winter garden market
The St. Regis Dubai is celebrating UAE National Day with a themed market. As well as kitting out the venue with National Day themed decor, there will be a number of activities and attractions that pay homage to the UAE culture including pop-up stalls, live entertainment, an assortment of national culinary delicacies and a dedicated children’s play area.
The St Regis Garden Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Weds Nov 29 to Sat Dec 2, free entry. More info on website.
4. Tuck into a National Day Platter in DIFC
7Elephants Dubai already offers seven different types of cuisine, and for a week-long celebration for National Day, they’re adding a special National Day platter menu to their offering. It includes lamb kebab skewers marinated in saffron and turmeric, beetroot hummus mixed with tahini, yogurt, olive oil and topped off with walnuts, and the national salad with kale quinoa, cherry tomato and date.
7 Elephants, Level C, Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC, 12pm to 2am, Thurs Nov 30 to Thurs Dec 7, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 354 4354. More info on website.
5. Enjoy a family-friendly film
The family-favourite literary bear Paddington is bringing joy to the screens once again in Paddington 2. The second installment of the animated comedy will see Paddington and the Brown family go on an adventure in the search to find the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy’s one-hundredth birthday.
Novo Cinemas, from Thurs Nov 30, various timings and locations including Ibn Battuta Mall and Dragonmart. More info on website.
6. Get Dhs46 off your ticket to IMG world
In honour of National Day, IMG Worlds of Adventure are offering Dhs46 off both adult and junior ticket prices. The world’s largest indoor theme park will be treating guests to traditional Emirati music and entertainment, which includes, Ayylah dancers, an Emirati traditional band, falcon displays, and Arabic specialty sweets and beverages.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, near Arabian Ranches, next to Global Village, daily 11am to 12am. Tel: (04) 403 8888. More info on website
Friday December 1
7. Celebrate National Day with Last Exit
Last Exit will be opening a new concept called Last Exit Live this weekend, where regular performances from local and regional talent will take place live on stage. The musical airstream will make its debut at Last Mad X from Friday December 1, before it makes the move across Sheikh Zayed Road to Last Exit E11 in time for music lovers to celebrate the 46th UAE National Day on Saturday December 2. Last Exit Live will host weekly performances thereafter, with musicians, DJs, dancers and other performers every Friday from 7pm to 11pm. Selected food trucks will also be offering up to 15% off for cars decorated in National colours across the weekend.
Last Exit E11 and Last Exit Mad X, Sheikh Zayed Road, free. Tel: (04) 317 9999. More info on website
8. Enjoy a nocturnal karaoke brunch
With the dry day on Friday, Lucky Voice is moving their award-winning Friday brunch to the evening. From 8pm to 11pm, expect all the usual lip sync battles, sharing plates, live entertainment and free-flowing drinks.
6th floor, Grand Millennium Hotel, Barsha Heights, Dubai, 8pm to 11pm, Dhs195 soft drinks, Dhs295 house drinks, Dhs350 sparkling drinks. Tel: (800) 58259. More info on website.
9. Flip Out at half price
Flip Out are offering a buy-one-get-one-free over the long weekend for both children and adults. When you buy an hour at the indoor trampoline park, you’ll get a second hour for free, making it Dhs80 for two hours (it’s a flat rate for both children or adults). The park boasts more than 200 interconnected trampolines and over 4,000 square metres of mini foam pits, volleyball, dodgeball, bubble soccer and the region’s first archery tag facility.
Flip Out, Al Quoz 3, Warehouse #5 Dubai, 10am to 10pm, Thurs Nov 30 to Sun Dec 3. Tel: (600) 567 568. More info on website
10. Celebrate international heritage at City Walk
Between November 29 and December 4, City Walk is putting on a four-day festival with heaps of things to keep all of the family busy. There will be a performance from local dance groups and parades across City Walk, a heritage village, children’s workshops, live stage performances in Multaqa Al Adwa, art booths featuring live painters, traditional pavilions from 16 different countries showcasing their culture and more.
City Walk, Dubai, Nov 29 to Dec 4, 4pm to 10pm, free. Tel: (04) 317 3999. More info on website.
11. Enjoy a free meal at Wild Wadi with your entry ticket
Enjoy National Day Weekend with a special offer from Wild Wadi. Pay Dhs195, and receive your admission ticket plus a free regular meal on Friday, Saturday and Sunday December 1, 2 and 3.
Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim 3, Fri Dec 1 to Sun Dec 3, 10am to 5.30pm, Dhs195. Tel: (04) 348 4444. More info on website.
Saturday December 2
12. Enjoy a National Day brunch
Millennium Airport Hotel, Garhoud, 12pm to 4pm, Fri Dec 1 and Sat Dec 2, Dhs199 soft, Dh249 house, Dhs99 children. Tel: (04) 702 8888. More info on website.
13. See some National Day fireworks
Well known for their annual National Day Celebrations, there’s plenty going on across Dubai Festival City for the 46th National Day celebrations. As well as flypast jets and live entertainment, there will be two fireworks shows at 9pm and 11pm on Saturday December 2.
Dubai Festival City, Saturday December 2, from 1pm onwards, fireworks at 9pm and 11pm, free. More info on website
14. Head to the polo
Head to the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club on Saturday, December 2, for this year’s annual UAE National Day Polo Cup. As well as an impressive line-up of international polo players, shows and traditional equestrian activities there will be pony rides, bouncy castle, craft table, popcorn and candy floss for the little ones and plenty of live music.
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, opposite Arabian Ranches, 12.30pm onwards, Sat Dec 2, free entry. Tel: (04) 361 8111. More info on website
15. See a sound and light show
Many residents in the UAE are familiar with the Light and Sound Show presented by Wafi Mall. This year, on the occasion of the 46th UAE National Day, Wafi will showcase a brand new light and sound attraction that will be projected across the Pyramids building in the Central Courtyard at Wafi Mall.
Central Courtyard, Wafi Mall, Wafi, 8pm and 9.30pm, Saturday December 2, free. More info on website.
16. Feast on a National Day buffet by the racecourse
Farriers restaurant at the Meydan Hotel is getting a UAE-themed makeover this Saturday especially for National Day and throwing a family friendly buffet brunch. There will be a focus on Arabic cuisine with more than 12 live cooking stations whipping up the likes of lamb machbous, margouga, prawn nashaf, chicken biryani and lamb ouzi. There will also be fun activities for the kids including a magician, face painting, drawing, arts & crafts, and balloon twisting.
17. Chill out at Dubai Garden Glow
It’s one of the city’s most Instagrammable spots thanks to its glow in the dark multi colour structures. And as it’s opened for its third season, it’s also added Dubai’s first ice park to its list of attractions. As well as the new ice park, there’s also a new ‘magical nights’ area littered with illuminated animal sculptures and a laser effects and lights show.
Dubai Garden Glow, Zabeel Park two, daily 4pm to 12am, Dubai Garden Glow, Dhs60, extra Dhs40 for entry into the ice park. More info on Facebook
Images: Supplied/Facebook