For most parents and kids – we will all have a 4-day long weekend, in honour of Eid Al Etihad 32, or as we know as ‘National Day Holidays’. There will be a host of activities and entertainment to honour UAE’s heritage and aspirations, as well as other offers to keep families busy. Here’s our suggestion on what to do, and what is happening in and around Dubai.
Enjoy the National Day long weekend with the family!
Christmas Tree Lighting
Take the little ones to Al Habtoor Grand Resort for their Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Listen closely for the familiar sound of sleigh bells, as Santa Claus and his choir of elves will keep families entertained with heartwarming carols.
Free. 6-7pm, Friday 29th November 2024. The Grand Garden, Al Habtoor Grand Resort.
Filed under ‘Christmas Tree Lighting Events with Kids in Dubai : 2024‘
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Book a Staycation at the Palm
Families can enjoy the National Day long-weekend celebrations with a luxurious 2-night stay at Dukes the Palm. There are two rates being offered – 2553 AED for two nights, to include breakfast and a dinner buffet, or 2,653AED for two nights, to include breakfast and afternoon tea.
Available Thursday 28th November to Tuesday 3rd December 2024. Dukes the Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. 04 455 1101 Whatsapp here and quote DFLG for this offer.
See full details at Exclusive Offers at Dukes the Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
Do A National Day-themed Afternoon Tea
Why not savour a delightful afternoon tea with an Emirati twist at the Champagne & Tea Lounge, blending tradition with elegance. With a selection of well-crafted pastries, perfectly paired with premium aromatic teas and refreshing beverages, each creation is a tribute to local flavours and the nation’s long heritage and culture.
135 AED Classic, 150 AED with a Glass of Wine, 185 AED with 1 Glass of Sparkling Wine. Available Thursday 28th November to Tuesday 3rd December 2024. Champagne Tea & Lounge. Dukes the Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. 04 455 1101 Whatsapp here.
Book a Turkey Takeaway for a Gathering
Planning to stay home? Don’t cook! Order a turkey from these venues – Emirates Golf Club at The Lakes, Marriott or Dukes at the Palm, One&Only Royal Mirage by the edge of the marina, The Ritz-Carlton, Hilton or Delta in JBR, Grand Plaza Movenpick at Media City or otherwise Jumeirah Golf Estates. Some even do honey-glazed ham pork, roast beef sirloin, roast leg of lamb and so much more. Just give them a call, and drive over to pick it up!
Varies. See Turkey Takeaway in Dubai 2024 for our full listing.
Do a Family Brunch
Not to worry – family brunches are still happening throughout the weekend! Lots of brunches that were put on hold throughout the summer season have also resumed – and some offer pool and beach, as well as kids’ club access! Featured above : Lazy Sundays at Beach Bar &Grill, at One&Only Royal Mirage.
Varies. See our ‘Family Brunches in Dubai : Tried and Tested‘ listing for details.
Public Parks and Pizzas with the Kids
Long weekends are the best time to take the family to the many public parks in and around our beautiful city. We absolutely love Dubai Hills Park for the space – kids can cycle and scoot around, plus their playgrounds keeps everyone happy. There’s also Safa 2 for younger ones, or head over to Dubai Creek Park for a full day of play.
A hidden gem of sorts is Al Ittihad Park in Palm Jumeirah. Don’t forget to have pizzas at Organic Foods and Cafe as it’s Buy 1 get 1 free from Sunday 1st December to Tuesday 3rd December 2024! Pop in for some shopping while you’re there as most items are 20% storewide. Have a peek at what’s in store, from OFC’s online shop.
Buy 1 get 1 free Pizzas. Sunday 1st to Tues 3rd December 2024. Organic Foods and Cafe – SZR, Greens, Cityland & Golden Mile Branch only.
Stock up on Books at the Big Bad Wolf Sale
The world’s greatest book sale Big Bad Wolf, is back in Dubai for a sixth season, promising an exceptional experience for book lovers from 29th November to 9th December 2024. This year’s event not only boasts a record-breaking collection of both Arabic and English books, also highlights its global mission of “changing the world one book at a time” positioning as a hub for diverse voices and stories to promote literature. Take the family over to stock up on books!
10am to Midnight. Big Bad Wolf. Sound Stages, Dubai Studio City. @bigbadwolf.uae
See Animals at The Green Planet
Throughout the long weekend, children will receive flag-themed souvenirs, arts and crafts based on national day colors, free henna, arabic sweets, mosaic wall interactive activity, mashrabiya seating and entertainment. Families can engage in live interactive animal talks and feeding sessions, and also take part in henna inspired by the UAE’s national colours. There will also be an enchanting storytelling sessions under the iconic Kapok Tree, thrilling simulated thunderstorms, and interactive arts and crafts activities, all themed around the flavours and colours of the UAE.
10am – 6pm. 29th November to 3rd December 2024. The Green Planet. Get Green Planet Tickets here. 800 7699
Free Masterclasses at Osteria Mario & Shvili
Keep your little ones busy this National Day weekend with a free cooking class at Shvili and Osteria Mario. Little guests can learn to make fun-themed dishes for UAE National Day celebrations, including special UAE Flag Pizza and a delicious UAE Flag Khachapuri.
Free for kids when parents dine in. 11-12pm. 30th November to 3rd December 2024. Osteria Mario & Shvili – All branches.
For a full list – See ‘Restaurants with Indoor Play Areas in Dubai‘
See a Circus Show
If you haven’t taken the kids to a circus show yet – this is the time! Pluma is showing at their Circus Tent in Festival City Bay, on Thursday to Sunday over this long weekend.
Tickets from 95 AED. 28th November to 1st December 2024. Pluma Circus Tent – Festival Bay Dubai. Get Pluma tickets here*
*Leave a comment on this post, for a 20% discount code on Red, Silver and Gold seat tickets.
Experience Winter Magic at The Ice & Lights Festival at The Bay by Social
Get ready for an enchanting holiday season at The Bay by Social, located in Dubai Festival City Mall, as it transforms into a winter wonderland during the Ice & Lights Festival. In partnership with 360iPopup, this event promises a festive blend of dazzling lights, family-friendly activities, delicious food, and much more. There will be a Fountain Show every 30 minutes and a National Day light show by Dubai Festival City Mall.
Free Entry. 4pm – 12am. 28th November to 28th December 2024. The Bay by Social. @360_ipopup @thebaybysocial
Head over to JBR The Walk
Witness the majesty of falconry, savour aromatic coffee and dates and experience the rich traditions of the emirates at the vibrant JBR The Walk. Parents can attend child-friendly perfume-making workshops to create a bespoke fragrance with personalised branding for a memorable keepsake. Visitors can also meet and snap a picture with the national bird of the UAE, a falcon. Watch the majestic bird of prey in action with its trainer as it demonstrates what makes it a symbol of strength and heritage.
Furthermore, as part of JBR Winter Nights – there will also be Movie Nights, Roaming Entertainment and Kids’ Activities.
Free. 6-10pm 2nd-3rd December 2024. JBR The Walk. See JBR Winter Nights for kids’ activity schedules and EID Al Etihad Event Schedule.
Bluewaters Dubai for Cultural Festivities and Fireworks
Experience the charm of the UAE’s coastal heritage and uncover the legacy of pearl diving at the idyllic island of Bluewaters Dubai. A Tawash installation will display natural pearls and the tools Ghawas (pearl divers) used to recover them without the help of high-tech breathing gear.
Fishermen will tell the story of their lifestyles through songs on 2nd of December. The performances will feature drums, the habbān (a bagpipe), and other instruments native to the region.
Fireworks : Sunday 1st December 2024 8 PM *Update – Cancelled due to weather conditions
Restaurants with the best spots of the fireworks : Eataly at the Beach , Fogueira at Delta JBR, Wavebreakers at Hilton JBR
Free. 6-10pm 2nd-3rd December 2024. Bluewaters Dubai. See bluewatersdubai.com for event schedule.
Visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah for National Day Festivities
Souk Madinat Jumeirah will spotlight local traditions and artistry across a host of workshops, activities, performances and more. Schedule below :
- Coffee and dates: 12 – 8 PM
- Arts and crafts workshops: 12 – 3 PM and 5 – 8 PM
- Fishnet-making: 1 – 5 PM
- Falconry and henna art: 2 – 8 PM
- Roaming entertainment: 2 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM, 7:30 PM
- Al Ayyala dance performance: 2:30 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM, 7 PM
- Sadu weaving: 3 – 7 PM
- Carpet weaving: 4 – 8 PM
- Storytelling: 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM
12-8pm, 2nd-3rd December 2024. Souk Madinat Jumeirah. soukmadinatjumeirah.ae
Ibn Battuta Mall
Head to the Egypt court at Ibn Battuta Mall for a heavy dose of the Eid Al Etihad 53 spirit. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities such as burqa decorating, bracelet making and Kheyrazan (stick painting). Henna art and face painting, traditional bands and a mesmerising cultural art display also await.
2-10pm, 1st to 3rd December 2024. Ibn Battuta Mall Dubai. ibnbattutamall.com
How did your long weekend go? Drop us a message here.
🎄While you’re here…..have a look at the following Festive Listings for 2024 :
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- Festive Afternoon Tea to do with the Family in Dubai 2024
- New Year’s Eve with Family in Dubai : Gala Dinners 2024/2025