Latest news with #UAENationalDay
Time Out Dubai
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
UAE officially launches Eid Al Etihad 2025 plans
The United Arab Emirates has officially launched its plans for the 54th Eid Al Etihad. Also known as UAE National Day, Eid Al Etihad celebrates the foundation of the country and the unification of the emirates every year. The UAE launched this year's celebrations on Friday July 18, as part of Union Pledge Day. Every year, the country unites for a big celebration on December 2, and 2025 will be no different. Officially, there are two public holidays to mark UAE National Day every year, with December 2 and 3 set aside to celebrate the occasion. However, this year, the holiday could begin on December 1, which would give us a four-day weekend. And there is even a slight possibility of a five-day weekend according to UAE public holiday law. What we know for certain, however, is that the UAE will throw a big party to mark the 54th anniversary of the nation. The rulers of the emirates come together every year for a special Eid Al Etihad celebration, previously known as Union Day, for a grand event held in a special location. This year's location for the Eid Al Etihad celebration will be revealed at a later date, but we do know that it will be held on Tuesday December 2. Last year, this main celebration was held at Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain and highlighted the UAE's values, rich heritage and future ambitions. We can expect a similar celebration to take place at another significant site in the UAE. In addition to the main event in Al Ain, there were special designated Eid Al Etihad zones throughout the other emirates, including Global Village, Festival Promenade, Hatta, The Outlet Village Mall and Quranic Park. An open invitation has been extended to everyone who calls the UAE home to begin preparations for this year's celebrations. Eisa Alsubousi, the director of strategic and creative affairs for Eid Al Etihad, said that the launch on Union Pledge Day was significant. He said: 'Union Pledge Day is more than a symbolic date. It signals a collective beginning of celebration and collaboration. 'This year, we reaffirm our commitment to partnership and inclusion, co-creating a memorable experience for all'. A behind-the-scenes film of last year's celebrations was released to coincide with the launch of this year's festivities. Looking for things to do in Dubai? All the sports events in Dubai in 2025 to sign up for Make 2025 the year of your PBs 50 brilliant outdoor activities to try at least once in Dubai Let's take this outside The incredible Dubai hotels offering more than just a room Did someone say freebies?
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
UAE National Day 2025: History, where to celebrate, and what to expect this year
TL;DR UAE National Day ( Eid Al Etihad ) is celebrated every year on December 2 to mark the country's formation in 1971. ( ) is celebrated every year on December 2 to mark the country's formation in 1971. Celebrations include fireworks, music, family gatherings, and cultural events across the country. The 2024 guidelines focused on safe celebrations, with restrictions on car parades, stickers, and public behavior. As the country prepares to mark its 54th National Day, plans for this year's Eid Al Etihad are already in motion. The reminder came on July 18, known as Union Pledge Day, a date that honors the moment when the UAE's foundation was first laid. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Back in 1971, a group of leaders, led by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, signed an agreement that changed the future of the region. That document, known as the Declaration of the Union, along with the newly drafted UAE Constitution, set the stage for what would officially become the United Arab Emirates later that year, on December 2. Since then, National Day has grown into something more than a holiday. It's a reminder of how far the country has come, from a newly formed union to a fast-moving, diverse, and forward-thinking nation. For many, it's also a time to reflect, reconnect with traditions, and come together in shared pride, whether you've lived here your whole life or just recently started calling it home. How National Day Is Celebrated Across the UAE The celebrations start well before December 2. The streets are full of flags, buildings are lit in red, green, white, and black, and families make plans to gather and celebrate. 1. Fireworks Shows: Every emirate hosts fireworks displays that draw big crowds. Some of the most popular spots include: Bluewaters Island Dubai Festival City Al Seef Hatta Wadi These shows aren't just for show, they're a symbol of national pride, with each display reflecting the UAE flag's colors. 2. Burj Khalifa Lights and Music: The Burj Khalifa turns into a massive canvas on National Day. Light shows often include the UAE flag, messages of unity, and themed music. It's a popular gathering point and one of the biggest tourist draws during the holiday. 3. Cultural Spots Like Al Seef: Want a quieter but still festive way to mark the day? Head to Al Seef, where you'll find: Traditional music and dance Emirati food stalls Historical displays and performances It's especially good for families or anyone who wants a more local feel. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 4. Outdoor Celebrations in Hatta: In Hatta, the celebrations are more scenic. With mountains in the background and a strong community vibe, Hatta's fireworks and traditional events feel more rooted in heritage. Traditions That Still Matter Car Decorations and Parades: People love decorating their vehicles with UAE flags and themed designs. Some take part in informal parades, honking and waving. But authorities remind residents every year to follow safety rules. People love decorating their vehicles with UAE flags and themed designs. Some take part in informal parades, honking and waving. But authorities remind residents every year to follow safety rules. Family Gatherings and Food: Many families come together to share Emirati dishes like Harees and Machboos. These meals often become full-day affairs, with relatives and neighbors joining in. Many families come together to share Emirati dishes like Harees and Machboos. These meals often become full-day affairs, with relatives and neighbors joining in. Music and National Songs: You'll hear patriotic songs everywhere, on the radio, in malls, at public events. The UAE National Anthem plays during ceremonies and fireworks. It's a simple but powerful reminder of the country's unity. Last Year's Safety Guidelines Last year, authorities focused heavily on safety and respectful celebrations. These were the key rules shared in 2024: No unapproved car parades or gatherings No party sprays allowed on roads or in cars License plates had to remain visible No dark window tints or full vehicle wraps unless officially allowed No excess passengers or people hanging out of windows or sunroofs No reckless driving or stunts on public roads Avoid blocking roads, especially for emergency vehicles These rules were meant to keep the spirit of celebration intact, without putting anyone at risk. FAQs 1. Why do we celebrate UAE National Day on December 2? Because on December 2, 1971, six emirates united to form the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah joined shortly after. It marks the birth of the nation. 2. Are tourists allowed to join National Day celebrations? Yes. Events, fireworks, and cultural activities are open to everyone, residents and visitors alike. 3. Will the 2025 rules be the same as 2024? We don't know yet. But based on previous years, expect similar safety guidelines around traffic, public gatherings, and vehicle decorations.
Khaleej Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Preparations for 54th UAE National Day celebrations underway, says official
Preparations are now underway for the 54th Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day), and everyone who calls the UAE home is encouraged to begin preparing for this year's celebrations, it was announced on Friday, July 18, on the occasion of Union Pledge Day. This day, 54 years ago, in 1971, Sheikh Zayed and his fellow founding fathers signed the Declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution, laying the foundation for the country's establishment on December 2, 1971, which the nation commemorates as Eid Al Etihad. 'Union Pledge Day is more than a symbolic date. It signals a collective beginning of celebration and collaboration. This year, we reaffirm our commitment to partnership and inclusion, co-creating a memorable experience for all,' said Eisa Alsubousi, director of strategic and creative affairs at Eid Al Etihad team. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'As the 54th Eid Al Etihad on December 2, 2025 approaches, every act of participation helps create a collective expression of national pride and shared identity, honouring the UAE's values, rich heritage, and future ambitions through meaningful moments and creative participation,' Alsubousi added. Meanwhile, a new behind-the-scenes film was released on Friday, offering an exciting look into the 53rd Eid Al Etihad official ceremony, which took place last year in Al Ain against the city's striking natural landscape of Jebel Hafeet. The short film features insights from the diverse collaborators who brought the story of the union to life, revealing the scale, creativity, and diversity at the ceremony's core. It can be watched here:
Campaign ME
17-07-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
How drone show technology is redefining experiences in the Gulf's events industry
In the Gulf region, luxury and high-end events have always celebrated originality and creative identity. A private party, a brand launch, a royal celebration – no matter the event, it's planned meticulously to leave a lasting impression. At the moment, the incorporation of drone show into events is becoming a hit. With all the potential they hold for elevating an event, there is no doubt about creating a strong impression and truly amazing the audience. This novel combination of visual storytelling and a strong emotional impact has all the power to reshape luxury experiences in the region's events scene. As B2B marketers aim to reach wealthy audiences that want scale and uniqueness, drone shows are becoming the new first choice. Here are some examples of how companies are using drone shows to enhance narrative, marketing strategy, and sustainable event positioning throughout the area. A signature display that grabs attention Luxury events can increase the brand's reach, tell a compelling story, or serve as unique expressions of identity. Powerful visual technologies like drones, lasers, and projection mapping are the perfect asset for marketing teams that seek to distinguish their brand and invest in major events. For example, a drone show in Dubai for AC Milan's 125th anniversary featured a thousand drones that displayed the club's iconic logo, anniversary emblem, and branded animations. By all means, a spectacle of such scale is novel, memorable, and highly shareable. It is not hard to see why brands would opt for a grand drone show on an important day. This format can leave a lasting impact, strengthen brand identity, and simply help the company stand out. Drone show technology is a means of storytelling Modern brands use events as narrative platforms – tailored to a client's story, a specific event, or cultural context. Take, for example, a recent private celebration in the UAE desert, in which drones traced the hosts' initials across the night sky before morphing into a 3D rose in full bloom. Or similarly, a couple used animated aerial sequences synced to live music to tell their story at a luxury wedding. This translates personal branding into visible storytelling. Technology can also elevate large-scale public events. A recent example is the projection mapping and pyrotechnic show at Expo City Dubai during the UAE National Day celebrations. Immersive visuals of desert landscapes, falcons, and poetry verses were displayed against the facade of Al Wasl Dome, the largest 360 degree projection surface in the world. For B2B marketers, this sort of bespoke narrative communicates brand values, heritage, and ambition in a single frame. Drone shows offer marketers an unmatched way to deliver emotional experiences aligned with business and event objectives. Every event can be a marketing asset. Video snippets of drone performances also translate easily to social media accounts, press, and owned channels, which amplifies the event ROI well beyond the live audience. In a recent real estate launch in Ras Al Khaimah, drones revealed the project's name and sketched out its future skyline in 3D. On the one hand, it was a promotional move; on the other hand, it was a poetic and memorable performance. The audience and future investors could get a sense of what's to come and see the brand's new chapter come alive right around them. Drone shows stand out because they are extremely hard to replicate, making them ideal for luxury brands seeking bespoke experiences. That is because they require a combination of technical expertise, creative direction, and cultural sensitivity. Delivering a high-class show in the Gulf involves different levels of organisation, ranging from understanding airspace regulations to designing regionally appropriate animations that resonate with the audience. For instance, the camel festival in Saudi Arabia show by Cyberdrone used a drone show that entwined traditional motifs: camel silhouettes, desert landscapes, and regional calligraphy. The show was staged several times during the festival, with varying numbers of drones to match different parts of the celebration. This type of performance can't be recreated elsewhere without losing its meaning and cultural significance. Drone shows help brands and their clients unlock a new level of luxury – the one that is more about self-expression and exclusivity. That exclusivity drives prestige. Brands that commission these kinds of high-tech aerial narratives stand out not merely for being luxurious but for being personal and intentional. In other words, customised performances reflect something unique about the person or the company organising them. A more sustainable form of experiences In a world that's starting to take environmental and social responsibility more seriously, ESG considerations become central to brand image. Drones offer an environmentally friendly alternative to event organisers, helping brands make a positive impact. There is no smoke, no debris and pollution, and far less noise than traditional pyrotechnics. For a brand concerned with its environmental footprint, a drone show aligns perfectly with sustainable messaging. Companies still impress by delivering the scale and performance expected from a luxury event, all while minimising their environmental impact. Some clients also prefer all-drone celebrations precisely because they want an impactful show with no adverse effects on the environment. Looking forward Drone shows are increasingly becoming a defining feature of the Gulf's most remarkable events. They can increase brand visibility through unique visual content that attracts media and social stories, build a personalised narrative, and offer high-end customisation, helping brands achieve event exclusivity. Moreover, drone shows are an eco-friendlier choice that supports sustainability objectives and helps reduce negative environmental impact. The new drone-powered format is incredibly flexible and can be adapted to different purposes, stories, and cultural contexts. Story-telling makes it very difficult to replicate an event, but it's not just that – it's the technical expertise required to organise such a powerful and impressive display. In a region like the Gulf, where innovation and tradition go together, drone shows are the perfect fit. By Mohamed Munjed, Director of Sales at Cyberdrone.
Mid East Info
16-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
DP World ILT20 Season 3 merchandise finds new purpose in Madagascar through Gulf for Good partnership - Middle East Business News and Information
The DP World International League T20 has teamed up with UAE based, non-profit organisation Gulf for Good, to support sustainable charity projects for children around the world. – and give the tournament's Season 3 merchandise a new lease of life. Through the CSR partnership (Gulf for Good's Outreach Programme), the DP World ILT20 has handed over more than 500 items for children in Madagascar as part of a wider mission aimed at supporting education and community development. The programme will continue for the remainder of the year and in the longer run, more than 2000 children are expected to benefit from the DP World ILT20-Gulf for Good collaboration. DP World ILT20 CEO David White: 'This collaboration with Gulf for Good reflects our belief in the power of play. This initiative is all about making a small contribution to a much bigger cause. At the DP World ILT20 we are committed to making an impact and improving lives wherever possible. 'We are proud to have the UAE as our home; the UAE is globally recognised as one of the most generous and hospitable nations in the world. As the biggest cricket league of the region we remain committed to making an impact beyond the field of play.' The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026
