UAE National Day 2026 (Eid Al Etihad) is a two-day public holiday on 2nd and 3rd December, for both the public and private sectors. This year the UAE celebrates its 55th anniversary, and with just one day of leave on Friday 4 December, you can turn it into a five-day escape.
What Is UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)?
UAE National Day marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates on 2nd December 1971. On that day, six emirates united under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who became the country's first president. Ras Al Khaimah joined as the seventh emirate in 1972, according to The National.
Why Is It Called Eid Al Etihad?
Since 2024, the occasion has officially been called Eid Al Etihad, meaning "Festival of the Union". The name reflects Arabic heritage and the theme of unity. You will still see "UAE National Day" and "Union Day" used for the same celebration.
What Is Commemoration Day?
Commemoration Day on 30 November honors Emiratis who gave their lives in service of the nation. It is marked with a minute of silence and flags at half-mast. It is not a separate paid holiday; the paid days off are 2 and 3 December.
When Is the UAE National Day Holiday in 2026?
The National Day holiday falls on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd December 2026. Both days are fixed under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, which sets the same two days every year. Unlike the Eid holidays, these dates do not depend on moon sightings.
Could the Holiday Move to Make a Long Weekend?
It is possible. Article 2 of the resolution lets the Cabinet move non-Eid holidays to the start or end of the week. In 2025, the holiday was observed on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 December instead. As of 15 October 2026, no change has been announced for this year, and such decisions usually come in mid-November.
How Can You Get a Long Weekend for National Day 2026?
Because the holiday falls mid-week, a few days of annual leave go a long way.
| Leave Days |
Leave to Take |
Your Break |
Total Days Off |
| 0 |
None |
Wed 2 – Thu 3 Dec |
2 |
| 1 |
Fri 4 Dec |
Wed 2 – Sun 6 Dec |
5 |
| 2 |
Mon 30 Nov – Tue 1 Dec |
Sat 28 Nov – Thu 3 Dec |
6 |
| 3 |
Mon 30 Nov, Tue 1 Dec, Fri 4 Dec |
Sat 28 Nov – Sun 6 Dec |
9 |
What Are the Car Decoration Rules for UAE National Day?
Only two things are allowed on your car: the UAE flag and approved National Day stickers. Everything else risks a fine or impoundment. These are the Ministry of Interior's 2025 rules, reported by Gulf News; the 2026 guidelines are usually issued in late November.
- Allowed: UAE flags and official Eid Al Etihad stickers, applied by shops that follow the approved guidelines.
- Not allowed: Changing the car's colour, covering the number plate or windscreen, or adding tint.
- Not allowed: Loud music other than approved national songs, foam or spray, and flags of other countries.
- Not allowed: Unauthorised parades or gatherings on public roads, overloading the car, or passengers leaning out of windows or sunroofs.
In past years, Abu Dhabi Police set fines of up to AED 2,000 and 12 black points for decoration violations.
Celebrate the 55th National Day the Beno Way
Eid Al Etihad is Dubai at its most spirited: flags on every balcony, fireworks over the water and convoys of decorated cars along Sheikh Zayed Road. At Beno, we have brought together everything you need to celebrate it on land, at sea and in the sky, all bookable in one place on our website or app.
Watch the Fireworks From Your Own Private Yacht
There is no better seat for the National Day fireworks than the deck of your own yacht. While the crowds gather at JBR and Bluewaters, you will be cruising just offshore with the whole show in front of you.
Beno luxury yacht charters start from around AED 400 per hour and range from intimate 40-ft cruisers to superyachts like the Santorini, which hosts up to 80 guests and comes with its own Jacuzzi. Every charter includes a licensed captain and crew, fuel, drinking water, beverages, a sound system and full safety equipment.
Beno tip: Book a 2–3 hour evening charter on 2nd December so you are on the water when the 9pm fireworks begin. Remember that swimming is not permitted after 7pm under UAE law, so plan any dips for a daytime cruise.
Make a Splash With Water Activities
Spend the morning of 3 December on the water before the beaches fill up. Our water activities run from two of Dubai's best beaches, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Beach and The Address JBR Beach, with views of Burj Al Arab, Ain Dubai and Bluewaters.
| Activity |
From (per person) |
Best For |
| Kayak |
AED 90 |
A calm paddle along the coastline |
| Aqua Cycle |
AED 170 |
Couples and families |
| Banana Boat |
AED 250 |
Groups of friends and kids |
| Parasailing |
AED 500 |
Skyline views from above JBR |
| Flyboard |
AED 510 |
Adrenaline seekers (16+) |
| Jet Ski Tour |
AED 550 (30 min) |
Touring the JBR coastline |
| Seabob |
AED 550 |
Gliding through the water |
| Jetovator |
AED 615 |
Flying without the balance challenge |
Every session includes a trained instructor, a safety briefing, life jackets and well-maintained equipment, so no experience is needed. November to March is peak season on the water, so we recommend booking ahead for the holiday weekend.
Conquer the Dunes With a Buggy Rental
Early December brings the cool, golden desert days Dubai is famous for, making it the perfect time to trade the city lights for red sand dunes. Our buggy rentals suit every group, from solo riders to families.
Every desert ride includes a helmet, goggles and gloves, a safety briefing, an experienced guide, fuel and refreshments. Drivers must be at least 16, or 18 for high-performance models, and no licence is needed on guided routes.
Beno tip: Book a late-afternoon slot (4–6pm) on Friday 4 December and ride into sunset over the dunes.
See the Celebrations From the Sky
For a view of Dubai lit in national colours, take to the skies with a helicopter tour over Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab and Downtown.
Your 5-Day National Day Plan With Beno
| Day |
Morning / Afternoon |
Evening |
| Wed 2 Dec |
Supercar drive along Jumeirah Beach Road |
Private yacht for the 9pm fireworks |
| Thu 3 Dec |
Water activities at JBR or Marsa Al Arab |
Dinner by the beach |
| Fri 4 Dec (leave day) |
Late-afternoon desert buggy ride |
Sunset in the dunes |
| Sat 5 Dec |
Helicopter tour over the city |
Free evening |
| Sun 6 Dec |
Slow brunch and rest |
Back to work Monday |
Why Celebrate With Beno?
- Since 2018: We have grown from a Dubai start-up into an all-in-one luxury platform for yachts, cars, helicopters, buggies, water activities and private jets (Gulf News).
- Trusted partners: Jumeirah Group at Marsa Al Arab, plus hotel partners including Palazzo Versace, Vida Hotels and JA Resorts & Hotels.
- Effortless booking: 24/7 support every day of the year, the Beno app, and payment by card, Apple Pay, cash or crypto with no hidden charges.
FAQs
- When is UAE National Day 2026?
UAE National Day falls on Wednesday 2 December 2026, with Thursday 3 December also a public holiday.
- How many days is the National Day holiday in 2026?
Two days: 2 and 3 December. With one leave day on Friday 4 December, you get five days off in a row.
- Is UAE National Day a holiday for the private sector in 2026?
Yes. Private sector employees get both 2 and 3 December as paid holidays, the same as government staff.
- Which National Day is it in 2026?
2026 is the UAE's 55th National Day, marking 55 years since the union on 2 December 1971.
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