Discounts at theme parks, big event celebrations, and a special projection on the Burj Khalifa…

One of the best qualities of the UAE is the many nationalities that call this country home. It makes for a wonderful melting pot of cultures to learn from and celebrate with. And for one of the biggest nationality groups in the UAE,  June 12 is a very important date. The Philippines – and its people – are celebrating the country’s 121st Independence Day, and naturally that calls for a party.

Here are 6 ways to celebrate Philippines Independence Day

Watch the Burj Khalifa light up in the colours of the Philippine national flag

Head to Downtown Dubai where you can catch the world’s tallest building light up in the colours of the Philippine national flag on June 12, 2019. This is the first time the Burj Khalifa will be displaying the flag so be sure to snap a picture of this landmark moment. The light show will begin at 9.40pm. It will be crowded, so get there early to nab a great viewing spot.

Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, free, 9.40pm on June 12, burjkhalifa.ae

Catch a record-breaking light, water, and laser show

IMAGINE is Dubai Festival City’s record-breaking attraction that uses the power of light, water and fire. It offers a unique sensory experience that involves 30 dancing fountains, surrounds sound and spectacular lasers. Shows, as seen in the video above, can be seen daily for free, but the show will be customised to help celebrate Philippines’ Independence Day. Expect to see the national flag being proudly displayed along with projections of some iconic landmarks from the Philippines. Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes will also be attending to inaugurate the first show that will take place on June 12 at 9pm. It’s most likely going to be crowded so show up early. If you miss the show on June 12, you can also catch it from June 13 to 15 every hour from 7pm.

Dubai Festival City Mall – Bay area, Dubai, 9pm on June 12, 7pm every hour from June 13 to June 15, free, Tel: (800) 332 dubaifestivalcitymall.com

ALSO READ: 9 of the best restaurants for Filipino cuisine in Dubai

Get your adrenaline fix at Dubai Parks and Resorts

Here’s a deal especially for Filipinos. Grab your friends and family and head to Dubai Parks and Resorts with a valid ID and you can enjoy access to all three theme parks – Motiongate Theme Park, Legoland Dubai and Bollywood Parks – for just Dhs39. Apart from the fun rides, there’s plenty of places to dine at all the three parks, plus live entertainment. The deal is valid only for three days from June 12 to 15, 2019.

Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road, Opposite Palm Jabel Ali, Dubai, from June 12 to 15 – Dhs39 entry to all three parks for Filipinos, Tel: (04) 820 0000 dubaiparksandresorts.com

Celebrate at the Dubai World Trade Centre

The event is hosted by the Philippine Consulate General for Dubai and the Northern Emirates along with the Dubai’s PID Organising Committee and is said to be the biggest and most festive annual gathering of Filipino expatriates in the region. The all-day event is free to attend and will showcase a variety of activities including dances, talent competitions plus a showcase of world-class fashion styles and designs. Filipino actor (Lovers in Paris and Big Brother) and model, Zanjoe Acuesta Marudo will also be in attendance.

Za’abeel Hall 5, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, Friday, June 14, free, Tel: (052) 711 9191 facebook.com/PID2019DNE

See Arnel Pineda perform live in Dubai

Arnel Pineda will be performing live in Dubai the weekend of the Philippines Independence Day on Friday, June 14, 2019, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. However, The Journey frontman will be landing in Dubai a few days before his concert on June 11, 2019, and we can only assume that he’s here to celebrate Philippines Independence Day alongside his fans. Tickets for his show start at Dhs99 and are selling out fast. Head here to make your purchase.

Za’abeel Hall 4, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, show starts at 7pm, Friday, June 14, ticket prices start from Dhs99, arnelpinedarocks.com

Sing your hearts out at Cactus Jacks

A fan of karaoke? Head to Cactus Jacks to celebrate Philippines Independence Day this year. The Mexican restaurant located at Millennium Airport Hotel is offering a 40 percent discount on food and drinks on June 12, 2019. You can sing your hearts out from 8pm to 11pm on the karaoke machine, but from 11pm resident DJ Stanz takes the stage until 3am.

Cactus Jacks, Millennium Airport Hotel, Airport Road, Al Garhoud, Dubai, open 6pm to 3am (following day), 40 per cent off on food and beverages on June 12, Tel: (04) 702 8855, millenniumhotels.com

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Images: Getty