Abu Dhabi sets stage for grand celebrations
AIR SHOW, FIREWORKS, SHOPPING DEALS AND MORE AWAIT RESIDENTS
Abu Dhabi is celebrating the Spirit of the Union on the 47th National Day with a line-up of entertainment events and promotions, including hotel and dining offers, celebratory events, special shopping experiences and dazzling fireworks displays.
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism-Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in partnership with key government and private partners, celebratory activities began on Wednesday and will run until December 5.
Official programme
The official National Day celebrations will take place at Zayed Sports City Stadium on December 2 with visual entertainment honouring the life and achievements of the UAE’s founding father Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose centennial birth year coincides with 47th National Day.
There will be spectacular fireworks displays at four locations on Sunday: Corniche at 9pm, Shaikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Al Wathba at 9pm, Al Ain’s Hili Fun City at 8pm and Madinat Zayed in the Al Dhafra region at 9pm.
Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi city will showcase a fireworks display at 8.40pm.
Air show
Also on Sunday, there will be an air show on the Abu Dhabi Corniche by Fursan Al Emarat, the national aerobatic team, which will feature a Mirage2000 and an F-16.
“On 47th National Day, we are proud to work together with our partners all across the emirate to deliver this impressive and diverse programme of events,” said Sultan Al Mutawa Al Daheri, executive director of the tourism sector at the DCT Abu Dhabi.
Shopping
In cooperation with the retailers, DCT Abu Dhabi has also organised special promotions on December 2, offering the first 100 shoppers on the day a chance to win vouchers worth Dh100 for every Dh1,000 spent on health, beauty and personal care products, as well as oud perfumes and fragrances. Stores at four malls — Al Wahda Mall, Marina Mall, Bawadi Mall and Dalma Mall — will participate in the campaign.
Big Drive
At Yas Island, the Big Drive event will offer urban fun and UAE culture on Sunday, from 2 to 10pm at Yas Marina Circuit’s iconic North Grandstand. An exciting mix of motorsport drift shows, music, modern and classical art, food and beverage outlets promise a fun day out for the whole family, with a ‘heritage village’ also offering Arabic calligraphy, local graffiti art, inflatable amusement rides and karting activities. Apart from the dazzling fireworks finale at 9pm, Yas Mall will have an array of traditional Emirati activities and entertainment, marking the Year of Zayed.
Cultural shows
Abu Dhabi Municipality’s events near Municipality Park will offer ayala dances, Saudi and Indian folklore bands until December 5, with 40 heritage kiosks and 10 food trucks on site.
Al Ain events
Al Ain City Municipality’s events at Hili Fun City on December 1 and 2 will have a series of artistic and innovative performances, including the world premiere of the ‘Open Sesame’ show, which will be presented at the children’s theatre; National Day rowing race off the shores of the Heritage Village on the Corniche breakwater organised by Emirates Heritage Club.