Not sure what to do with yourself over the long weekend? We’ve rounded up some of the best activities and events for you and your friends and family.
This year Commemoration Day will be observed on Dec 2nd, and then there are two days of celebration on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th for National Day. This means that private-sector workers will finish on a Friday and go back to work the following Tuesday.
And there’s a lot happening this year, so here’s how you can best spend your free time:
- Dance the Night Away to Becky Hill and MK
Pop down to Dubai Rugby 7s on Dec 2nd and catch the uber cool sounds of Becky Hill’s dance hits such as ‘Lose Control’ and ‘Crazy What Love Can Do’ as well as DJ MK who will be blowing up the stage with hits like ‘Back & Forth’, ‘One Night’ and ‘Burning’. Sounds like an event you’d be mad to miss. Tickets from AED 245 to the whole event between Friday 1st Dec and Sunday 3rd Dec at The Sevens Stadium.
- Feast at Avli by tashas Athenian Themed Lunch
Sleek DIFC dining haunt Avli by tashas is bringing a taste of ancient Greece on Saturday Dec 2nd with their Athenian lunch. Gather your friends and family for a sample of Greek hospitality where visitors can also explore a mini market filled with goodies such as fresh dairy, eggs, cheese, jams, preserves and other Greek staples – all locally sourced and produced. Splurge out here for AED 360 per person (food only) from midday until 4pm.
- Drunch for Less at Lo+Cale
At the venue’s Boogie Drunch you can take the whole family and enjoy a journey through the neon decades that are the 80s and 90s, while paying only 50% of the normal entry price. There’s a live DJ to enhance your listening pleasure and you can recline indoors or out. Pay AED 149 for soft drinks, AED 249 with house beverages, AED 349 for sparkling and just AED 49 for kids aged 6-12 years, while kids under 6 eat free. Friday Dec 1st from 8-11pm at Crowne Plaza Marina.
- Ride the Palm Monorail
The Palm will be gridlocked and packed full of excitable motorists on UAE National Day, so a better way to avoid the traffic and see the glorious views of the Palm Jumeirah is to hop on the Palm Monorail, which is also a bargain at only AED 10. See stunning views over the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, Al Ittihad Park and Nakheel Mall.
- Get Cultural with a Special Emirati Afternoon Tea at Atlantis The Royal
Visit the Royal Tearoom at Atlantis the Royal and enjoy a delicious Emirati themed tea where the menu includes an extensive menu of Arabic pastries, luqaimat, which are crispy fried dumplings paired with date syrup, spongy sago rich in cardamom, toasted coconut and topped with gold leaf, as well as the traditional khanfaroosh, drizzled in local mountain honey. Pay AED 440 for two people from 2-5pm at Atlantis the Royal at Palm Jumeirah.
- Crunch on UAE-themed Cookies at the Four Seasons
At Shai Salon at the plush Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Dubai guests can enjoy quaint homemade cookies and pastries that are Emirati themed, in honour of the country’s National Day. This is a great place to recline with a coffee and a sweet treat over the long weekend. From Friday Dec 1st-3rd, prices vary.
- Have a Splashing Good Time at AURA Skypool
Known for its incredible unparalleled views across Dubai, AURA Skypool is offering a chic evening event on Friday and Saturday that should be added to your calendar. From 8pm until 11pm you can enjoy a brunch with free-flowing beverages and a Pan-Asian menu, and you can dip in the pool and enjoy the glittering night sky. AED 480 for house beverages at Palm Tower.
- Try and Score at Rugby 7s
One of Dubai’s finest institutions, Dubai Rugby 7s is known for its musical acts, beer tents, spectacular costumes – and of course, rugby. You can also catch netball and cricket teams go head to head for supremacy. Tickets for this year are already on sale and general admission for the weekend is AED 425, and entry on Friday is included with the weekend pass. Friday 1st Dec-Sun Dec 3rd at The Sevens Stadium.
- Have a Lazy Sunday at Surf Club
The sometimes-party and sometimes-chilled venue is a good place to indulge on the weekend, especially for those living locally on the Palm. They’re hosting a big Sunday brunch with chef’s selection of mains, starters and desserts, plus beach access, and as day turns to night you can party on with deep house beats. AED 395 with soft drinks, AED 495 with house and AED 595 with bubbly, from 1-5pm on Sunday 3rd Dec.
- Celebrate the UAE in Style at Global Village
Somewhere for the whole family and even guests to enjoy, Global Village does UAE National Day with a bang. They’re now in season 28 of operation and have the Mini World – which is a new inclusion behind Restaurant Alley – plus 25 mini landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal and the Statue of Liberty. There’s even a mini golf in Mini World for game enthusiasts. Entry from AED 22.50 from 4pm-midnight daily.
