United Arab Emirates UAE National Day (Arabic: اليوم الوطني) or Al Yawm Al Watani, is celebrated annually on 2 December in the UAE. Ras al Khaimah was added to the federation on February 10, 1972, as the seventh emirate making it the last emirate (state) in the UAE. It is a public holiday in the UAE and therefore, public offices, businesses, schools and colleges are closed.
UAE National Day 2023 Date
Every year, the UAE National Day is celebrated on December 2, marking the 1971 unification of the six Emirates into one nation (Ras al Khaimah was added later). From spectacular fireworks displays to elaborate parades and lavish events, UAE National Day is a time when locals and expats come together to celebrate. This year, in 2023, the 51st UAE National Day will be celebrated on Friday, December 2.
History of UAE National Day
The UAE was not the powerhouse it is today. The country was divided into warring tribal groups, each occupying different areas. In 1820, Britain, to protect the tribals, entered their lands to gain some control over the land. Many of these tribes accepted the peace offer, letting Britain settle their disputes. In 1968, Britain pulled out of the picture as the financial crisis began.
After Britain exited the scene, the rulers of Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain, and Umm Al-Quwain came together and decided to unite. On December 2, 1971, the United Arab Emirates - UAE was made after declaring its independence from Britain. Later, Ras Al Khaimah also joined the union making it the seventh emirate. Recently, the Day has been integrated with the Emirati Martyr's day that is on 30th November.
United Arab Emirates National Day Celebrations
The National Day of the UAE is celebrated with great fervor and zeal throughout the country to mark the unification of the Emirates. Many festivities take place on the 2nd of December; fireworks, car rallies, and dance performances are among the most popular events. People usually wear the colors of the UAE flag and decorate their homes, workplaces, cars, and streets to mark the occasion. The palm trees are decorated with lights in the colors of the flag.
Dubai was lit up with fireworks, with the Burj Khalifa screening the national flag of UAE. It is packed with people looking to watch the national holiday fireworks and celebrations. Hotels, motels, shopping malls, malls, institutions, and other public places are arranged with flags and lights. A few UAE residents are also organizing some kind of sporting battle to celebrate.
Cultural Villages throughout the UAE commemorate this traditional event. The airshows take place during military processions at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre for Emirati rulers, members of the Federal National Council, and Emirati citizens.
This year, an "epic" official exhibition has been arranged by the organising committee of the 51st National Day, and everyone can participate in the celebration from December 3 to 11 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).
Is UAE National Day a Public Holiday?
National Day of UAE is one of the public holidays in the United Arab Emirates and holidays are given up to two days after National Day. The UAE Cabinet has officially announced that the UAE National Day of Commemoration Day holiday in 2023 will fall from Thursday 1 December to Saturday 3 December.
How to celebrate UAE national day?
5 ways to celebrate the United Arab Emirates National Day are given below -
1. Learn the background history
Celebrating an occasion without knowing its background is stupidity. So first of all, learn the history behind the UAE National Day through history books or documentary films.
2. Visit the country
Celebrate your day in the UAE with an unforgettable stay at the magnificent Burj Al Arab for the ultimate spectacle of fireworks. Abu Dhabi always has more excitement at the Yas Marina Circuit where you can expect an incredible fireworks display, live music, car racing and a children’s fun show.
3. Throw a dinner party
This day brings an opportunity to chill with friends. So arrange a short dinner party keeping traditional dishes on the menu.
4. Decorate your apartment
Decorating your home with the colours of the UAE flag is an exciting way to celebrate the day.
5. Join a celebration
If you are in Dubai on this day, visit Global Village, where crowds gather to sing the national anthem. Also, Dubai Mall, to witness troupes of ayala dancers' performances. The Burj Khalifa has a stunning LED display designed by the UAE flag, while the Dubai Fountains has a choreographed performance of the national anthem.
Significance & Importance of UAE National Day
The 2nd of December is very important for UAE residents as it marks the UAE's formal nationalisation in 1971. This is the most significant day and event in the country’s history for the nation.
National Day attracts people and inspires the spirit of patriotism in them. The UAE is a land of rich cultures and the truth makes all sense and affairs in the region. Thus, the UAE National Day is one of the most important events in the UAE calendar.
National Symbols of UAE
"golden falcon" is the national emblem of the United Arab Emirates.
It is designed with a golden falcon (Hawk of Quraish) with a central disk depicting the UAE flag and seven stars representing the seven Emirates of the federation. Besides, the seven tail feathers of the falcon represent the seven Emirates.
The other national symbols include -
- National tree of UAE: The Ghaf tree
- National fruit of UAE: dates
- National Bird of UAE: The falcon
- National animal of UAE: The Arabian oryx
- National flower of UAE: Tribulus Omanense flower
UAE National Flag
The national flag of the UAE consists of a horizontal tricolour of green, white and black with a vertical ¼ wide red bar on the hoist and a proportion of 1:2. The flag was designed by Abdulla Mohamed Al Madinah and adopted on December 2, 1971. The main purpose of the flag’s four colours is the unity of the Arab nations.
Historians believe the white in the UAE flag symbolizes peace and neutrality, acting as a counterpoint to the militant red and black. Black is the colour of solidarity and mental strength. This represents the enemy’s defeat complementing the red stripe on the flag.
National Anthem of UAE
"Ishy Bilady" (Arabic: عيشي بلادي), in English: 'Long Live my Country', is the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates (Arabic: النشيد الوطني الإماراتي, English: "Emirati National Anthem"'). It was officially adopted as the national anthem of the UAE after the unification of the country in 1971.
National Motto of UAE
'Make it Happen' – the slogan represents the 7 emirates and the 7 founding fathers.
Besides, 'Spirit of the Union is known as the theme of the UAE's National Day celebrations.
United Arab Emirates National Day FAQs
We've answered the frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding UAE National Day below
Why do we celebrate UAE National Day?
The UAE celebrates its National Day on December 2nd recalling the foundation of the integrated country in 1971. On this day, six emirates united to form the United Arab Emirates, with Ras Al Khaimah joining as the seventh emirate next year.
What does UAE National Day represent?
UAE National Day commemorates the nationalisation of the British Protectorate Treaties in 1968, and the anniversary of the federal unification of the six emirates (seven in 1972 after the accession of Ras Al Khaimah). In 1971 it came together to form the modern nation led by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the federation's first president.
When did National Day start in UAE?
1971 - UAE National Day was first celebrated in 1971 to mark the integration of all the regions of the Emirates.
What is National Day in the UAE?
December 2 is locked for the United Arab Emirates National Day as a remembering event of the 1971 unification of six major Emirates into one nation after the British exit.
How many days do people get off work on National Day in the UAE?
2 Days - the government staff, officials, educational institutions and others get two days of holiday for National Day in the United Arab Emirates.
UAE National Day Facts
On the occasion of the 51st anniversary of United Arab Emirates National Day, let's learn about some interesting facts which you may not know:
- The UAE National Day is observed annually on December 2 and commemorates the union of the emirates into a federation.
- Six out of the seven emirates joined on 2 December 1971, while Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation on 10 February 1972.
- This integration and their independence from the colonial rule were achieved without any violence!
- The United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates: Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Fujairah.
- The UAE was established under the leadership and vision of the late Sheikh Zayed, who is known as the Founding Father.
- The United Arab Emirates oil reserves are currently the sixth largest in the world.
- UNESCO 1998 proclaimed Sharjah as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World.
- Dubai is famous for the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, which stands 829.8 metres tall.
- Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates which means 'Father of the Gazelle'.
Happy UAE National Day 2023 Wishes, Messages, Greetings, Quotes
As UAE marks the beginning of the federal unification of The Emirates in 1971, wish your friends and family with these UAE National Day Wishes, greetings and messages –
- May the UAE National Day carries joy and success to each of us. Happy UAE National Day!
- Greetings to all on the UAE National Day. We should be happy that together we are making a progressive nation.
- Be proud to be an Emirati and to be born in a country that is so royal. Happy National Day UAE!
- I wish that the UAE National Day will add the colours of freedom, the colours of happiness and tones of glory to your life to make it a great day.
Happy UAE National Day 2023 Status
Since 1971, every year the UAE National Day has been celebrated in the Gulf with a flurry of celebrations. Share your thoughts on social media with UAE National Day Facebook WhatsApp Twitter status –
- I wish you freedom in your mind and pride in your soul, faith in your words and joy in your heart on the occasion of UAE National Day!
- We should learn to cherish freedom on UAE National Day because it turned the country into a powerful sovereign.
- We should celebrate the UAE National Day with all our might and at the same time, we should be proud to be a part of this wonderful country.
- Let us promise to fulfil all our roles and responsibilities to this great nation on UAE Day. Happy UAE National Day!
UAE National Day 2023 SMS
On the occasion of this glorious day text your loved ones with the UAE National Day short messages (SMS) below –
- May this UAE National Day fill your life with glory and prosperity.
- Here's sending my patriotic wishes to make this day worth memorable. Happy National Day, UAE!
- Let's take a moment and feel proud to have the great honour to be an Emirati. Happy National Day!
Currently, the UAE is known as a semi-powerful and dynamic country with a vibrant economy, oil reserves, numerous tourist attractions, and some of the highest buildings in the world. However, today's strength lies in the fact that the seven emirates decided to unite in 1971. As a public holiday, UAE National Day brings families and friends together for a day of celebration and contemplation.