The citywide celebrations are being organised by different government departments covering various aspects of the country's evolution over the years and highlighting the Emirati lifestyle heritage and culture.

Many of the events are open to the public including the official 'Spirit of the Union' celebrations that will be held at Business Bay behind Dubai Design District. Entry to this event is by registration.

The array of events and activities that are being organized for government sector employees and the public are aimed at showcasing the love of the UAE people to their homeland and their loyalty to the country's leadership. With the UAE being home to many expatriates and constantly receiving a large number of visitors from around the world the celebrations will give them an opportunity to learn about the UAE's glorious and colourful past and revered traditions.

Calendar of events

Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
Official celebration of 44th Spirit of the Union

1 December Business Bay behind Dubai Design District

Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to watch a spectacular water-based show titled "Reflections" that traces the story of the resourceful people of the UAE their culture heritage and values and how the UAE has evolved over the years to the modern nation it is today. Entry to this event is by registration.

Fireworks show

2-4 December THE BEACH opposite JBR

Join in the National Day celebrations and watch the festivities take to the skies over Dubai thanks to a dazzling display of fireworks organized by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) daily at 8.30pm at THE BEACH opposite JBR.

National Market

26 - 29 November Burj Plaza

In celebration of UAE's 44th National Day Dubai SME is hosting the second edition of the National Market which represents a platform for local vendors to display their handmade products which will give visitors a glimpse of the Emirati culture and traditions.

UAE 44th National Day celebrations

25 November Godolphin Ballroom Emirates Towers

The 44th National Day Celebrations of UAE will feature a range of events and activities organized jointly by a group of government entities - The Office of Prime Minister Cabinet Secretariat The General Secretariat of the Executive Council Executive Office of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al MaktoumVice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubaiand Dubai Holding. The ceremony will include a major show of 30 minutes duration in addition to activities at the Heritage Village a showcase of popular local dishes contests giveaways and a range of traditional activities. Attendance is by invitation only.

Dubai Police

1 -3 December Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard

As part of celebrations marking the UAE's 44th National Day Dubai Police will hold many activities including an Open Sports Day; Carnival and Military Parade featuring the Mounted Police and band; a parade by supercars and bikes and a special radio program on the occasion of National Day on Noor Dubai radio station.

Roads and Transport Authority

29 November and 2 December

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will organise different activities for its employees as well as activities for the public at Metro stations that will showcase UAE heritage and popular Emirati cuisine. RTA will fly 1000 pieces of the national flag at main streets in Dubai with national flags being also used to wrap 44 taxicabs 10 bus stops Dubai World Trade Center station and 3 buses in addition to one Abra one Ferry and one Water Taxi.

Events include a workshop for painting UAE map using the flag colours a corner for therapeutic herbs & perfumes used in the past while traditional tents will be erected at nearby metro stations offering traditional dishes gifts and fun activities to entertain children.

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority

26 November Al Mankhool Public Library

As part of the UAE's 44th National Day Celebrations Dubai Culture and Arts Authority will organise a number of activities to be staged at the Al Mankhool Public Library including theatrical events; a children's corner offering recreational activities; a puppet theatre; recital by young poets showing their love for the UAE; an environmental-friendly Dolls Workshop a traditional fashion show for children henna and showcase of traditional food.

29 November Al Twar Public Library

Organised by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Al Twar Public Library will also host a number of activities including theatrical events a children's corner puppet theatre a recital by young poets Dolls Workshop and a UAE corner showcasing the country's culture and cuisine.

Hatta Village

25 November

The celebrations organized by Dubai Culture and Arts at Hatta Village will feature performances by folkloric bands like Al Ayalah traditional Arabic hospitality and competitions and gifts being given away to members of the public.

Heritage Village in Shindagha

2-4 December

A number of activities will be staged at the Heritage Village including performances by folkloric bands featuring Al Harbia Al Ayalah Al Laiwa and the Amdemah bands; a play for families and children that will aim to encourage one to love the homeland be loyal to the homeland and help protect the achievements of the homeland; cartoon characters Umm Khamas Umm Salloum and Abboud will welcome the visitors in the historical Shindagha area and pose with them for photos.

In addition there will be workshops for children such as the Doll Workshop an environment friendly activity on making dolls from recycling/used materials to highlight the importance of environmental protection and the development of artistic and creative skills of children while a quiz competition on heritage will offer valuable prizes for adults and children daily at the Heritage Village Theatre. Visitors will experience traditional Arabic hospitality and be able to buy traditional crafts at the souq.

Flag Martyr Exhibition

22 November -3 December Dubai Airport

Organised by the Watani Al Emarat Foundation this exhibition traces the story of The Martyr Salem Suhail Khamis who is considered the first Martyr of the United Arab Emirates killed in defense of his homeland. He was the commander of six comrades at the Great Tunb Island. On Monday 30th November 1971 at 6.00am Salem Suhail Khamis led a battle of defense of his Great Tunb Island against the attackers where he was martyred protecting an important part of his homeland and carrying his homeland's flag high to refusing to let the flag fall.

Journey to the Union

25 November - 6 December Dubai Festival City Mall

This event is organized by Watani Al Emarat Foundation to showcase the early crucial steps taken on the way to the founding of the Union in December 2 1971. Focusing on the key drivers that led to the establishment of the modern federal state with a unified identity and such a strong presence would reveal the fact that securing such an ambitious achievement not only required the territorial and human unity and integration of Emirati people but the adoption of a comprehensive federal ideology that has been associated with the history of the UAE. It is that early intellectual trend that grew and solidified itself in the UAE long before the founding fathers evoked the Spirit of the Union.

Dubai Airports

26 November Terminal 3 Entrance 3 Arrivals Hall

Dubai Airports will organise an employee-oriented event that will also include the participation of government partners including Dubai Police Dubai Customs Emirates Airline Dubai Duty Free and Dnata. The event will include hoisting of the UAE flag by Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum Chairman of Emirates Airline and Chief Executive of the Emirates Group Jamal Al Hai Deputy CEO Dubai Airports and senior officials from other government entities. Among the activities will be a special lunch for orphans.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority

22- 26 November

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) will hold a number of activities at its head offices featuring special heritage areas showcasing traditional handicrafts a video on the founding of the Union and a separate video highlighting the social services work done by DEWA. There will also be poetry sessions a show by school children heritage-related competitions and much more. DEWA will also host various activities at its branches in Jebel Ali Hudaiba Al Quoz and Warsan.

Dubai Sports Council

National Sports Day 25 November Various locations in Dubai

On the occasion of the UAE's 44th National Day celebrations Dubai Sports Council in coordination with several governmental corporations private entities and sports & social clubs will organise a National Sports Day consisting of 44 events in various locations of Dubai under the motto "# UAE Unites Us". The events include sports activities and challenges in football handball foot tennis rugby badminton cycling table tennis chess billiard hockey aerobics several water sports boat race fly board physical fitness training body building zumba tug of war to name a few.

Dubai Legal Affairs Department

29 November

On 29 November from 11am to 1 pm employees of the Dubai Legal Affairs Department will join in a special programme of celebrations titled "Love for the Homeland" on the occasion of the UAE's 44th National Day.

Downtown Dubai Parade - UAE National Day

Under the theme "Home to the World" Emaar is organizing the 5th edition of the Downtown Dubai Parade - UAE National Day during which all residents of the UAE will get the chance to participate in celebrating the Spirit of the Union of the 7 emirates.

FAI World Air Games

1- 12 December SkyDive Dubai

Premier international multi-discipline air sports event fielding the world's top Air Sports athletes. Don't miss this 12 day spectacular sports event in the skies of Dubai!

FlyBoard World Cup

3-5 December SkyDive Dubai

XDubai hosts the second edition of XDubai Flyboard World Cup. The tournament will be held across three days with a Nations Cup held on the 3rd which is open to UAE citizens.

Masters of Dirt

2-4 December Dubai World Trade Centre

Watch the world's leading freestyle extravaganza presented by XDubai in partnership with Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Featuring 17 of the world's leading international FMX BMX MTB Quad and Snowmobile riders two fire cube artists six Fuel Girls and a live DJ - all combined into one high-octane entertainment-fuelled arena show.

Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby 7s

3-5 December The Sevens Stadium

One of the most popular sporting events showcasing the best rugby players in the world. Enjoy some awesome action and entertainment and fantastic fun activities for the whole family. The tournament is expected to attract more than 100000 spectators.