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Your Ultimate National Day Weekend Guide: 12 Ways To Celebrate The Long Holiday!
Undeniably, some of the best memories Dubai residents hold onto are the long holidays, especially around the National Day. Families take a break, kids set aside school works, friends are finally off the work schedule and can actually meet up! Phew.
It’s the weekend everyone’s been looking forward to and it’s almooooost here. Counting down hours, for sure.
If you’re hoping to find out where to hop off to celebrate the National Day while also catching up on life, here’s 12 spots you can check out! And while we’re at it,
Wishing you a Happy National Day and a happier weekend!
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JCC 2 Is Coming To Burj Park And It’s The Ultimate Vibe Check For Japan Lovers12. Start with a sweet note with the National Day complimentary Tartlet at Novikov
Celebrate UAE National Day with a sweet treat at Novikov in Dubai Mall. On Tuesday, December 2, pop in for a coffee and you’ll get a complimentary tartlet, decorated in the colours of the UAE flag. Not a bad way to mark the day, eh?
When: December 2nd | Open daily 9 AM – 1 AM
Where: Novikov, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
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11. Revisit nostalgia at the Jumeirah Heritage Club pop-up at Dubai Design District
Swing by The Jumeirah Heritage Club pop-up at Dubai Design District and take a trip down the nostalgia lane.
It’s a limited-time showcase inspired by that warm, familiar feeling of belonging, brought to life through clean lines, refined comfort, and the unmistakable spirit of Jumeirah. Forbes Middle East Top 50 Fashion Innovator Faiza Bouguessa put it perfectly when she said there’s a special kind of “magic in creating from memory”.
This collab is her personal tribute to a place and community she feels deeply connected to, and the collection reflects exactly that.
More deets!
When: Nov 24–30, 10 AM – 7 PM
Where: Dubai Design District
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10. Eat your heart out: the reimagined Sucre Brasserie is now open in DIFC
The new à la carte menu celebrates bold, sunny flavours with dishes designed for sharing. Start with a classic rustic salad or dive straight into signatures like the hearty Meatballs with portobello mushrooms served with an exceptional dairy-free pomme purée (a game-changer!) Dessert lovers, you’re in luck, the iconic Dulce de Leche Fondant and Basque Cheesecake remain, now joined by newcomers like the Tarte Tatin and Caramelised Banana Cake. And if you go, ask for Vee, the server who guides you through every inch of the menu with genuine passion.
Weekly Experiences to look out for!
Fries Before Guys (Wednesdays): Unlimited fries, free-flow drinks, a starter and a main.
Steak & Wine Fridays: Premium cuts paired with expertly selected vines.
Jazz Thursdays: Live music to ease you into the weekend.
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9. A new slice of Greece lands on Palm Jumeirah
If your idea of a perfect night out is great food, sea breeze, and that effortless island vibe, Bakalis at Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort needs to be on your list. This brand-new Mediterranean spot brings the charm of coastal Greece straight to Palm Jumeirah with a toes-in-the-sand setup and sunset views that genuinely hit different.
The menu is built for sharing, starting with classics like tzatziki, dolmades, and marinated anchovies before moving into warm favourites such as grilled eggplant with feta, zucchini chips, and grilled squid. Mains is a full Greek feast, from chicken souvlaki and whole sea bass to lamb chops cooked over open-flame grills.
And yes, they’ve got loukoumades and pistachio baklava to finish strong.
Where: Bakalis by ENVY, Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, Palm Jumeirah
When: Open daily
Book your feast here!
8. Disconnect from reality at the AYA Universe
Drift into a world of wonder at the AYA Universe at Wafi City. Get pulled straight into another dimension full of sensory escapes, immersive realms, cosmic gardens, and much much moreee.
The award-winning space has welcomed over 1.4 billion visitors, and if you’re planning to drop by, dont miss out on the crowd-favourite moments like drifting through glowing orbs in Celestia, wandering cloudburst-lit forests in Flora, or diving into Dubai’s largest immersive ball pit. With National Day around the corner, it’s the perfect pick for a universe to get lost in.
Where: AYA Universe, Wafi City
Price: AED 135 per person | Family Pass: 4 tickets for AED 399
More deets here!
7. Josette is back in bloom, and it’s the perfect time to visit
Dubai’s most enchanting dining destination is back. Josette has officially reopened in DIFC, unveiling A Season in Bloom , a vibrant new era inspired by a Parisian garden at its peak. The beloved dining destination balances French elegance with a lighter, seasonal culinary direction led by Chefs Burcu Cracknell and Rory Duncan.
The menu celebrates refined simplicity, from herb-infused olive oil to beautifully crafted dishes and delicate, dreamy desserts.
A major highlight is Le Jardin, Josette’s new botanical cocktail collection. Standouts include La Coquine, a playful martini with dill and a blue-cheese olive; Le Flirt, a sparkling French-twist Bellini; and Brève Liaison, a breezy chamomile-kissed cocktail.
Step onto the extended terrace to enjoy stunning DIFC and Burj Khalifa views, plus a new private dining room for intimate gatherings. Parisian performer Philippe Krier returns for a winter residency, adding theatre and charm to the season.
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6. Take in the beauty of the Flag Garden
Catch one of Dubai’s most striking seasonal sights this year – the UAE Flag Garden at Umm Suqeim Beach.
Now in its 12th year, thousands of UAE flags line the shore with the iconic Burj Al Arab as the backdrop, creating a colourful tribute to Flag Day and National Day. It’s free to visit and perfect for a stroll, photos, or just soaking in the festive vibes.
When: Until January 10th, 2026
Where: Umm Suqeim Beach
Free entry!
5. Watch the sky light up for Eid Al Etihad
Look up with pride this National Day! Dubai’s skies are about to light up for Eid Al Etihad as usual, and this year’s going to be beautiful as always (if not more). From Global Village and Burj Khalifa to Al Seef and Bluewaters, the city will be bursting with colour and celebration as it marks the 54th National Day. It’s a show that’ll leave you amazed for sure, so do check out!
Where: Multiple iconic locations across Dubai, including Global Village, Burj Khalifa, Al Seef, and Bluewaters
Free of cost!
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4. Enjoy a simple, delicious meal with a secret sauce
Craving a fuss-free familiar meal that still hits all the right notes? Swiss Butter is your next fav steakhouse that keeps it simple with just three mains — beef filet or ribeye, chicken breast, and salmon filet. All dipped yummyyy in their signature in-house sauce, crafted specially with 33 herbs and spices. Each dish also comes with your classic sides of a mesclun salad, fresh baguette, and your choice of fries or baked potato.
Swiss Butter’s now open at two key Dubai spots: Novotel Al Barsha and Sofitel Downtown, both on Sheikh Zayed Road, plus a store in Abu Dhabi at Novotel Al Bustan.
When: Open since Nov 20th
Where: Novotel Al Barsha & Sofitel Downtown, Dubai
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3. Sun, sea, and brunch at Al Manara
Make your Saturday feel like a mini getaway with the Sun Kissed Brunch at Al Manara Beach Bar. Start slow with a relaxed seaside breakfast from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM on the sunbeds, then jump into a lively beach brunch from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM, complete with live cooking stations, international favourites, and upbeat tunes keeping the energy alive.
Families can take their much-needed break as kids get to join the fun at the Kids’ Club, with activities like face painting and fun round the clock.
So if you’re looking to kick up your feet, soak up the sun and sip onto some bubbles, this is the place to go to.
When: Every Saturday, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Al Manara Beach Bar, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, JBR
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2. The ultimate sports & festival weekend with Emirates Dubai 7s
Mark your calendars for November 28-30 and head to The Sevens Stadium for the Emirates Dubai 7s, the Middle East’s biggest sports and entertainment festival. Expect three days of world-class rugby action, with top international teams going head-to-head in the HSBC SVNS Series, plus amateur rugby, netball, cricket, and fitness competitions.
Ohhh and it’s not just sports. The festival comes alive with epic music from world-renowned DJs, multiple live performance stages, and festival zones packed with interactive experiences and delicious eats. There’s something for everyone, from family-friendly fun to high-energy vibes, making it the perfect weekend to soak in sport, music, and non-stop entertainment.
When: 28–30 November 2025
Where: The Sevens Stadium, Dubai
What: Rugby, live music, festival fun & more
More info: emiratesdubai7s.com
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1. Celebrate UAE’s spirit at the Al Safa Library for Arts and Design
Until December 2, Al Safa Library for Arts and Design is turning into a hub of creativity and culture to celebrate the period between UAE Flag Day and National Day. Drop by for poetry readings, artistic performances, and traditional music that bring the nation’s spirit to life.
It’s a perfect spot to soak in art, culture, and a sense of community all in one place.
When: Until Dec 2 | Sun–Thu 8 AM–8 PM | Fri 8 AM–12 PM | Sat closed
Where: Al Safa Library for Arts and Design, Al Wasl Rd, Jumeirah 3
Info: 800 33222
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