1️⃣ Introduction to Eid Al Etihad 2025 in the UAE
Eid Al Etihad in the UAE is the new official name for the annual National Day celebrations that mark the historic union of the emirates in nineteen seventy one. After the decision to bring back the traditional Arabic name for this occasion, you will now see Eid Al Etihad branding on official campaigns, media, and events instead of the older English label National Day. This guide explains everything confirmed so far for the twenty-twenty-five holiday, including dates, long weekend details, and how residents and visitors can make the most of the festivities.
As the fifty-fourth edition approaches, interest in Eid Al Etihad in the UAE is higher than ever. Government entities, private brands, and communities have already started rolling out programmes that stretch across the whole month of November, turning the period into a full season of flags, lights, concerts, and patriotic shows.
2️⃣ What Eid Al Etihad means and why the name was revived
To understand Eid Al Etihad in the UAE, you need to know what the phrase itself stands for. The words translate literally to Festival of the Union or Celebration of the Union. Local historians and officials have explained that this is not a new invention. It revives the wording used by the country’s founding leaders to describe the second of December when the federation was formally declared.
Media reports in twenty twenty four and twenty twenty five note that the change from National Day to Eid Al Etihad was introduced to highlight authentic Emirati identity, Arabic language, and the deeper meaning of unity that goes beyond a one-day public holiday. For many residents, especially young Emiratis and long-term expatriates, Eid Al Etihad in the UAE has quickly become a symbolic moment to celebrate both the country’s heritage and its future ambitions.
3️⃣ Confirmed public holiday dates and long weekend for twenty twenty five
When people search for Eid Al Etihad in the UAE, the first question is usually about the exact holiday dates and whether a long weekend has been granted. Under Cabinet Resolution number twenty-seven of twenty-twenty-four, National Day for both public and private sectors is set every year on the second and third of December, with the Cabinet allowed to move non-Eid holidays to the start or end of the work week to create smoother breaks.
For twenty twenty five, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed that the official Eid Al Etihad break for federal ministries and entities will fall on Monday, the first of December, and Tuesday, the second of December, with work resuming on Wednesday, the third of December. The National and other local outlets further reported that the same schedule applies to the private sector, meaning most employees across the country will enjoy a two-day paid holiday.
Because the weekend in many workplaces now follows a Saturday and Sunday pattern, this arrangement creates a three-day break for some employees from Saturday to Monday, while others with different work weeks may experience four days. Either way, searches for Eid Al Etihad in the UAE long weekend packages are growing as hotels, attractions, and airlines respond with themed offers.
If you are planning travel, always double-check your employer’s official circular about Eid Al Etihad in the UAE, since schools, semi-government entities, and free zone companies sometimes adjust timings within the framework of the federal decision.
4️⃣ National campaigns and official programmes during November and December
Eid Al Etihad in the UAE is no longer limited to a single evening ceremony. In twenty twenty five authorities announced a National Month-style campaign running from the third of November to the second of December, bringing together government bodies, private companies, and creative communities in one umbrella programme. Activities include flag-raising events, public art, storytelling projects, light shows, and educational workshops that highlight values of unity, tolerance, and innovation.
Complementing this, brands are also launching themed initiatives. For example, Dubai road toll operator Salik has rolled out a quiz competition dedicated to the fifty-fourth Eid Al Etihad with weekly questions about the country’s history and prizes in the form of recharge cards. These campaigns show how Eid Al Etihad in the UAE has become a shared celebration between public institutions and the wider community.
5️⃣ Emirate by emirate celebrations and headline events
Every emirate contributes its own flavour to Eid Al Etihad in the UAE, and twenty twenty five is shaping up to be especially active.
Sharjah has already announced an extended two-week programme for the fifty-fourth Eid Al Etihad, with events running from the nineteenth of November to the second of December. Parks, heritage sites, and suburbs such as Al Siyouh Family Park, Kshisha Park, Sharjah National Park, and Al Layyah Canal will host parades, musical evenings, fireworks, youth panels, and heritage markets, ensuring that almost every neighbourhood feels part of the story.
Across the rest of the country, residents can expect large-scale fireworks, drone shows, and concerts at major destinations including the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Yas Island, Dubai Festival City, Global Village, Hatta, Al Majaz Waterfront, and other popular leisure spots, according to recent coverage of preparations for the fifty-fourth National Day.
Authorities have also indicated that there will be a grand official ceremony on Tuesday, the second of December, attended by the leadership. As of mid-November twenty twenty five, organisers have not publicly revealed the exact venue, only confirming that it will be a site of strong cultural significance. When details are released closer to the date, they will be carried by official channels and major news outlets, so anyone writing about Eid Al Etihad in the UAE should rely on those announcements rather than speculation.
6️⃣ Travel, staycation, and shopping ideas for the long weekend
Because the calendar for twenty twenty five creates a compact break, many people searching for Eid Al Etihad in the UAE are looking at short regional trips or domestic escapes rather than long-haul journeys. Popular choices include staycations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, mountain retreats in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, or desert resorts in Al Ain and Sharjah. Hotels typically launch special National Day offers such as complimentary breakfast, themed dinners, and access to viewing spots for fireworks.
If you prefer to stay within the city, look out for malls and outlets that decorate heavily for Eid Al Etihad in the UAE. Many shopping centres run extended opening hours, musical performances for children, and limited-time sales, which makes the long weekend a favourite period for residents to upgrade electronics, home decor, or fashion essentials before the year-end festive rush.
Transport-wise, it is wise to book inter-emirate buses or flights early for the days just before and after Eid Al Etihad in the UAE. Public transport authorities usually increase frequency on busy routes, yet prime departure times still sell out quickly as families choose to travel together.
7️⃣ Family-friendly experiences and cultural activities
One of the strongest themes of Eid Al Etihad in the UAE is that it is designed for all ages. Families with young children can enjoy storytelling sessions about the union, flag-making workshops, craft corners, and traditional games in parks and cultural centres. In Sharjah and other emirates, heritage villages stage folk dances, poetry recitals, and traditional markets where children can interactively experience Emirati customs.
For teenagers and young adults, concerts featuring Emirati and regional artists, a drone light show, and creative digital installations are a big draw. Many venues create social media-friendly zones that allow visitors to capture the colours of Eid Al Etihad in the UAE through selfies and short videos while enjoying live performances and food stalls.
Expatriate residents also find this period a perfect time to deepen their connection with the country. By attending public events, visiting museums such as the Etihad Museum in Dubai or Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, and learning the stories behind the flag and the founding of the union, they can engage with Eid Al Etihad in the UAE beyond fireworks alone.
8️⃣ Practical tips for residents and visitors during the celebrations
With millions of people taking part in Eid Al Etihad in the UAE, some planning goes a long way. Celebration spots like waterfronts, popular parks, and major malls see heavy traffic, especially on the evening of the second and on the nights when fireworks are scheduled. Aim to arrive early, use public transport where possible, and follow guidance from local authorities regarding parking, entry points, and crowd control.
The weather in early December is generally pleasant, with warm afternoons and cooler evenings. Light layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a small bag with water and snacks are ideal for outdoor Eid Al Etihad in the UAE events. Families with children should agree on a meeting point in case anyone gets separated in busy areas.
Finally, remember that this is a patriotic celebration. Dressing modestly, respecting flag protocols, and following instructions from event marshals and security teams will help everyone enjoy Eid Al Etihad in the UAE safely and respectfully.
9️⃣ Conclusion: The evolving spirit of Eid Al Etihad
In just a short time, the shift from National Day to Eid Al Etihad in the UAE has transformed the way the country frames its union anniversary. The revived Arabic name links the modern skyline with the original vision of the founders, while the expanded month-long programmes show how deeply the values of unity, ambition, and hospitality are woven into daily life.
With confirmed public holiday dates on the first and second of December twenty twenty five, a focused long weekend, city-wide events, and rich cultural programming, Eid Al Etihad in the UAE offers residents and visitors a chance to celebrate the federation’s achievements and look forward to the future together.
External Links
- The Official Portal of the UAE Government’s public holidays page
- Cabinet Resolution number twenty seven of twenty twenty four concerning public holidays
- Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announcements
- Khaleej Times coverage explaining why National Day is now called Eid Al Etihad
- Arabian Business report on the twenty twenty five Eid Al Etihad holiday dates
- The National overview of public and private sector holidays for National Day twenty