UNMISSABLE FUN-FILLED FAMILY ATTRACTIONS THIS UAE’S 52ND UNION DAY
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 2 December 2023
With UAE Flags flying andcolourful decorations across the city, plus family-friendly activities and a long list of live events spread far and wide across Dubai, UAE Union Day is the perfect time to come together to commemorate the nation’s 52nd anniversary.
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s UAE Union Day events in Dubai span from 1 to 3 December, and across the city, citizens, visitors and residents alike are invited to enjoy the long weekend, mark the nation’s union and show their national pride, together.
THEME PARK FUN
Union Day in Dubai is ideal for spending time with the family, with the city’s famous theme parks ready and waiting to give a warm welcome to those wishing to create special memories during the 52nd UAE Union Day weekend.
Global Village is open for another bumper season, and the ever-popular destination has some impressive shows lined up for visitors looking for an escape this Union Day.All set against a patriotic sea of UAE flags and decorations to celebrate the founding of the nation on 2 December. Gates open from 4pm each day, and visitors can navigate easily around the site by visiting the Global Village mobile app to keep up-to-date with what is happening on each day.
Dubai Parks and Resorts is another destination firmly established in the hearts of families and all those taking the time to visit the park, located just a short drive outside of the city. Union Day activities will run until 3 December. Families can set up for an evening of foodie delights with an unlimited barbecue at Al Mashowa in Riverland for just AED 99.
Nearby Motiongate Dubai is also preparing for an action-packed weekend with live shows and a huge variety of food options from around the world, set against a backdrop of thrilling rides for families to enjoy.
Meanwhile over at LEGOLAND Dubai, the resort has a timely eye on sustainability and is embracing the theme of the Year of Sustainability, to coincide with the hosting of COP28 in Dubai. A special Union Day themed brunch is planned at the Bricks Family Restaurant from 1-4pm on 2 December. And if you’re worried there might be too much to cram into a single day, then why not make it an extra special family weekend to remember with an overnight stay at the Lapita Hotel, which will be decked with decorative flowers and traditional Ayalla dancers, to offer a blend of cultural experiences.
DISCOUNTED RELAXATION
For those looking to kick-back and relax over the Union Day weekend, there is also plenty on offer. The View at the Palm has cut its admission rates for UAE residents and GCC visitors to mark the occasion, with AED 52 discount for two people. Meanwhile, over at the AURA Skypool – the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool – visitors can enjoy a 20 per cent discount on swimming experiences to soak in the splendour of the spectacular Dubai skyline.
Visit the wonder-filled Miracle Garden on 2 and 3 December to catch the Magical Live and Parade Show taking place at 6pm in the Amphitheatre. What’s more, UAE residents can avail the exclusive discounted ticket rates by presenting their Emirates ID at the dedicated ticket counters.
A sure way to experience an unforgettable Union Day is to spend it with dolphins. Make plans to see the Dolphin and Seal show with the whole family from 1 to 3 December at the Dubai Dolphinarium. Shows take place at 11am, 2pm and 6pm, lasting for 45 minutes each, so there’s plenty of opportunity to see these lovable sea creatures in action.
CULTURAL FUN FOR ALL AGES
For families looking to strengthen their cultural connections with the UAE, take a trip to Al Shindagha Museum where workshops, performances, and heritage demonstrations will honour Dubai’s rich maritime history. Etihad Museum is also embracing heritage by looking back to the past, as well as forward to the future, with plenty of family-friendly celebrations lined up from 15 November to 3 December.
The Al Danah event at the open Jumeirah Beach near the Bulgari Hotel offers a rich cultural experience integrating the past with the present and preserving maritime heritage through the means of captivating live performances and educational workshops. On 29 November from 4pm to 11pm there will be a host of activities for every member of the family to part in – young ones can try out maritime crafts, competitions and activity sessions guided by Mubarak Mashi, while parents can listen to the melodies of the Alayla band and sample delicious food from the restaurants from the neighborhood residents.
There are more Union Day activities at Fareej Al Khawaneej, including educational workshops with Skill Lab, folk crafts, and competitions on December 1 and 2, from 4 pm to 11 pm. Abdullah Al Fahidi will present a dedicated segment for kids, in addition to awe-inspiring performances by military bands. Ladies can participate along with their kids in Samra, a special only women event, which includes activities, crafts, and competitions.
One of the most enticing destinations for families to visit over the Union Day weekend is the Hatta Wadi Hub – an arena built purely to engage with the beautiful great outdoors. Visitors can enjoy a 30 per cent discount on a range of exciting family activities like archery and zip-lining to make it a Union Day to remember, from 9am to 9pm on 2 December.
Celebrated each year on 2 December, UAE Union Day marks the federal unification of the seven emirates and official formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s UAE 52nd Union Day commemorative events in Dubai will take place from 1 to 3 December, inviting all citizens, visitors and residents alike to immerse themselves in the UAE Union Day spirit.
For more information, visit www.uniondaydubai.com and follow @CelebrateDubai and @StyledbyDubai on social media.
