UAE unveils Eid Al Etihad plans with potential 5-day weekend
Behind-the-scenes film released ahead of National Day celebrations
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates has officially launched preparations for its 54th National Day festivities, known as Eid Al Etihad.
Celebrated annually on December 2, the occasion marks the country’s foundation and the unification of the seven emirates. Each year, citizens and residents unite in a vibrant display of heritage, national pride and cultural appreciation.
For 2025, the government has confirmed December 2 and 3 as public holidays. Depending on how the calendar aligns, the long-awaited celebration could extend into a four-day weekend beginning on December 1. UAE public holiday law even allows the possibility of a five-day weekend, making it one of the most anticipated breaks of the year.
Eid Al Etihad 2025
The highlight of the National Day festivities will be a grand ceremony attended by the UAE’s leaders. Organisers have confirmed that the official event will take place on Tuesday, December 2, though the precise location will be revealed later.
Last year’s celebration was staged at the dramatic Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, an event that showcased the UAE’s values, cultural legacy and vision for the future. For 2025, expectations are high that another landmark location will be chosen to host the showcase event.
How will it be celebrated?
Beyond the central ceremony, the festivities will spread nationwide. Designated celebration zones will once again transform popular destinations into hubs of entertainment and cultural expression. In 2024, these included Global Village, Festival Promenade, Hatta, The Outlet Village Mall and Quranic Park, drawing large crowds to mark the occasion.
This year, similar zones will be created across the emirates, ensuring that every resident and visitor has the opportunity to participate in the commemoration. The inclusive nature of the celebrations reinforces the unifying message of Eid Al Etihad.
Union Pledge Day
The launch of the 2025 celebrations coincided with Union Pledge Day, an important date symbolising national commitment and solidarity. Eisa Alsubousi, director of strategic and creative affairs for Eid Al Etihad, emphasised that Union Pledge Day represents a collective start to the celebrations and a reaffirmation of unity and inclusion.
To further build anticipation, a behind-the-scenes film of last year’s grand event has been released, offering a glimpse of the scale and creativity that goes into organising the nationwide festivities.
With the countdown now underway, organisers have extended an open invitation to everyone who calls the UAE home to begin preparing for a celebration that promises to be both memorable and unifying.