National Day is fast approaching, and so too are the celebrations to hail the UAE’s birthday – and the anniversary of the formation of the emirates.

December 2 is one of the most exciting days on the UAE calendar and for good reason.

National Day is a nation-wide celebration, it’s a time where the country comes together to celebrate its heritage, and is a fabulous weekend out.

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Here’s some facts to know ahead of National Day 2018.

1. It’s the UAE’s 47th birthday

On December 2, 1971, Father of the Nation, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan and the other founding fathers signed the agreement to form the United Arab Emirates.

Six of the seven emirates confirmed it on December 2, with Ras Al Khamiah joining in February, 1972.

2. This year is extra special as it’s the Year of Zayed

Celebrating 100 years since Sheikh Zayed’s birth, it has a special place in people’s hearts.

National Day will have a special focus on celebrating the UAE’s founding father and his ethos, his visions for the nation, and his initiatives.

3. It’s a public holiday

Music to everyone’s ears.

TWO days off this year, means you can head out to celebrate the birthday of the UAE in true style, and see some REAL spectacles. Read on to hear all about the incredible happenings at the Mall of the Emirates.

4. The whole country goes into party mode

Cars are adorned in national colours, houses draped in fairy lights, people wear red, green, black and white, and it’s a distinctly festive feeling. Join the fun with silly string, hats, car dressings, streamers, whatever you like!

5. There is entertainment GALORE

Mall of the Emirates is putting on a spectacular line-up of cultural shows throughout National Day weekend – with the Bedouin Wonders & The Story of a Pearl showing from December 1-3.

There will also be a traditional band, henna, Arabic calligraphy, a falcon and plenty of live entertainment happening.

See the schedule of entertainment here.

6. And CRAZY offers to boot

To make the National Day even more special, Mall of the Emirates is going ALL OUT with some crazy offers and deals.

Families heading to Ski Dubai get a 47% off on the Snow Plus packages during a two-day flash sale on December 1 and 2.

PLUS Shine Spa at Sheraton Hotel will also have 47% off on all spa treatments for one day only on December 2.

Hold on…there’s MORE!

Diners at Olea in Kempinski will be offered a 10% discount on their daily breakfast buffet…whereas other restaurants at the mall will have a 20% off on food and beverages as well.

You can find more details of the offers here.

Important deets

You can go WILD shopping at your favourite lifestyle and luxury brands at MOE with their unbeatable prices on this National Day.

MOE is also providing a complimentary Hands Free service which allows customers to drop off their bags at the Hands Free desk and have them delivered later whenever and wherever they want and wherever they want using the mall’s mobile app.

Mall of the Emirates has celebrations for National Day from now until December 3, in the Central Galleria.

Entertainment starts at 3.30-9pm, check the full schedule here.