Best places to view UAE National Day Fireworks

Spots to catch fireworks in Abu Dhabi:

Venues across the capital are putting together meal deals, discounts, concerts, family-friendly activities and lavish fireworks displays as the UAE is heading towards 51st National Day celebrations which falls on December 2.

Emirates Palace

The fireworks display is set to take place on the hotel's beachfront on the evening of December 2 and expected to start between 9pm and 9.30pm. The storied hotel has a full programme of festivities planned for the National Day holiday, starting on November 28. 

The Grand Dome will double as a family-friendly cultural village with themed activities, a falconer and a dates exhibition. It will also host traditional Al Ayala dance performances from 3pm to 6pm.

Those who sign up for the picnic in the Palace Gardens can catch the National Day air show, while the Palace terrace will put on a live Khaleeji concert at 7.30pm on December 1 and 3.

Al Maryah Island

Al Maryah Island promenade will display an awe-inspiring fireworks display dominated by the four colours of the UAE flag at 9pm on December 2 and 3. The show is open to the public and since the 5.4km waterfront stretch of the mall's promenade is home to a number of cafes and restaurants — from Bentley Kitchen and Loca to Nusr-et to the Michelin Guide-lauded 99 Sushi and Almayass — visitors can watch the spectacle enjoying a good meal.

Bawabat Al Sharq Mall

The shopping centre in southern Abu Dhabi's Baniyas area promises to hold the "biggest fireworks show yet in the history of the mall". The colours of the UAE flag will dominate the fire and light show, which can be enjoyed on December 2 at 9pm. More details are available at bawabatalsharqmall.ae.

Fireworks in Dubai:

A number of venues in Dubai have confirmed they will hold fireworks show this year, with more expected to follow suit, while Burj Khalifa will display an LED show this year.

The Pointe, Dubai

The waterfront destination on Palm Jumeirah will host two celebratory shows on National Day. At 9pm on December 2, guests can expect a dazzling firework show set against the backdrop of the dancing waters of The Palm Fountain.

The fountain will be set to the tune of Ya Salam Ya Dubai along with the fireworks will indeed be a treat for the eyes and ears. The song, which translates as “Oh my, My Dubai” is a duet by Swedish Moroccan producer RedOne (real name Nadir Khayat) and Bahraini-Saudi singer Rashed Al-Majed. It was originally released as part of last year's Dubai Shopping Festival and is an up-tempo track that blends Al-Majed's Khaleeji rhythms with RedOne’s signature euphoric dance beats. The track's bilingual verses celebrate the city’s dynamism and diversity. The two shows can be viewed from any of The Pointe's fountain-facing restaurants — from Alaca, Al Safadi and Zor on the west side to A Cappella, Samakje and Social Distrikt on the east.

Festival Bay

The waterfront extension of Dubai Festival City Mall will put on a four-and-a-half-minute fireworks display starting at 9pm on December 2. The 3,000 fireworks will light up the night sky in synch with the mall's famed Imagine laser and fountain show, resulting in a sensory experience that melds light, water, fire and music.

The Beach, Dubai

The fireworks at The Beach can be seen from The Walk, JBR, Bluewaters Island and the footbridge between the two. 

The Beach at JBR will have fireworks on December 2 at 8pm. These can be enjoyed from the many dining and leisure destinations dotted along both The Beach (PF Chang's, The Cheesecake Factory, Bosporus) as well as Bluewaters Island (The London Project, The Selfish Bull, Shi et al), which is accessible via a walkway. The bridge itself is also a cool spot to watch the action.

Bluewaters Island

Bluewaters Island, across the bridge from JBR, will host its own display on December 2, also at 8pm. The island will put on a line-up of themed entertainment from 4pm to 10pm on December 2 and 3, including Ayala, Al Harbia and Lewa troupes dancing to Emirati folk tunes along the avenues, plus henna artists, traditional handiworks on sale from local artisans and falconry corners.

Al Seef

The Creek-side venue is known for its traditional architecture set in part of the development, warm hospitality and year-round live shows. Visitors get to enjoy a parade from 7pm to 9pm, plus waterfront fireworks displays between 8pm and 10pm on the National Day.

The area will also host a series of activities until December 4, including Al Harbia and Ayala troupes, a majlis with Arabic coffee and dates, henna and falconry artists, a stage show and arts and crafts workshops for children.