Dubai: Burj Khalifa lights up for Eid Al Etihad 2025 (VIDEO)
The nation is celebrating 54 years of unity and progress
DUBAI – Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building in Dubai, illuminated the night sky on Monday night with a patriotic display marking Eid Al Etihad 2025, drawing crowds across Downtown who gathered to witness the dazzling tribute.
The tower featured vibrant animations, UAE colours and celebratory patterns commemorating the nation’s unity and progress.
The moment, shared widely across social media, set the tone for a festive week of national pride and community celebration across the Emirates.
Eid Al Etihad 2025
Eid Al Etihad, celebrated every 2 December, marks the unification of the seven emirates and the birth of the modern United Arab Emirates. It commemorates the formation of the UAE in 1971, marking the unity of the emirates under one federation. The national holiday is a reminder of the country's achievements, and every year the celebrations grow larger as attractions and landmarks take part in the festivities.
Across the country, residents and visitors join together for concerts, cultural shows, military-style displays, parades, themed light shows and fireworks. Malls host special activities for families, while public spaces across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and other emirates offer entertainment programmes honouring the UAE’s cultural heritage.
This year, Dubai’s celebrations also include live performances, themed fountain shows and extended hours at major attractions, giving residents a variety of options to enjoy the holiday.
Families visiting Downtown Dubai throughout the week can enjoy additional shows at the Dubai Fountain, special restaurant menus overlooking the Burj Khalifa and festive décor across the Boulevard. Many visitors also gather in Souk Al Bahar, The Dubai Mall promenade and Zabeel areas to take in the Eid atmosphere and witness the tower’s custom displays.
What’s next for Downtown Dubai?
As Eid celebrations continue, attention is already shifting toward one of the year’s biggest events: EMAAR’s New Year’s Eve 2026 celebration at Burj Park. Following the landmark’s national-day showcase, EMAAR has confirmed its return with a premium NYE experience promising fireworks, aerial displays, live performances and immersive light and laser shows surrounding the world’s tallest building.
For NYE 2026, Burj Park will again offer one of the closest and clearest vantage points to the Burj Khalifa fireworks. Tickets are already available online, with adult passes priced at Dh997.5 and children’s tickets (ages five to twelve) at Dh577.5. Children under five can enter for free but must still register for a badge. All attendees are required to collect access badges from Dubai Mall or Dubai Hills Mall between 26 and 30 December. Doors open at 12 PM, with last entry at 6 PM.
This year’s show includes a cinematic collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chilies Entertainment, offering a Bollywood-inspired layer to the celebrations. Visitors will be able to enjoy food trucks, stalls, kids’ workshops, live acts and large LED screens across the venue. Parking and shuttle arrangements have also been expanded, with designated zones operating before and after 4 PM and shuttle buses transporting badge holders to Dubai Opera.