15 THINGS TO DO THIS NATIONAL DAY

▶ The UAE typically marks its unification with a smorgasbord of themed activities and menus, fireworks, discounts and even some freebies, writes Panna Munyal

Celebratory bling

Themed trinkets are all the rage around National Day, and this year is no different. La Marquise outlets across the UAE will stock limited-edition pendants and bracelets, starting from Dh2,250, crafted from baguette diamonds, black onyx, green malachite and dark coral, shades to match the colours of the flag. In Dubai, Harmesh will offer two types of bracelets in 18K gold and four-hued enamel, priced at Dh820 at its West Zone Mall store.

Record breakers

On Saturday, Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi will attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the number of dominoes toppled in a circle field. Once they collapse, the 95,000 dominoes will reveal the Year of Zayed logo. Last year, the Incredible Science Machine team succeeded in knocking over 76,017 dominoes at its annual event in Michigan. The Marina Mall event will start at 7pm, and is open to the public, with a designated viewing balcony above the arena near Bounce Abu Dhabi.

Game on

TepFactor at JBR Walk in Dubai has rooms full of physical and mental challenges. From Friday to Sunday, bring along a memento of your UAE experience – from a date to the flag or other themed souvenir – to avail your team a four-forthe-price-of-three offer.

In Abu Dhabi, walk into to Bounce on Sunday to get 47 per cent off premium tickets (Dh55 instead of Dh105).

Fireworks displays

No UAE celebration is truly complete without fireworks. Head down to The Beach in Dubai on Saturday and Sunday at 8pm for a sparkling display of flaming balls, sky flyers and colourful aerial chrysanthemums.

In Abu Dhabi, head to the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday at 9pm, for fireworks, plus live music, drift car racing and off-track entertainment from 2pm.

Wild times

If you’re thinking of things to do with your kids over the long weekend, consider spending a day at Wild Wadi in Dubai before it closes for renovations in January. The water park has a National Day offer for UAE residents until December 15. Entry is Dh141, down from Dh336 for adults and Dh284 for children. Attractions include a wave and riptide pool, lazy river, and aquatic roller coasters and slides.

Pamper packages

Pay for any four services at a Tips & Toes salon and get an additional three free. If you pay on Sunday or Monday, you can reserve any or all of your seven options until January (hint: save them for your Christmas or New Year’s Eve bash).

In Abu Dhabi, Chi, the spa at Shangri-La, will tack on an extra 47 minutes for every hour of massage booked. Treatments include an express body scrub or facial, and a hand or foot quench.

Dance performances

If you’re strolling along Boxpark in Dubai this weekend, chances are you’ll spot Emirati dancers and entertainers, who are due to perform every hour from Saturday to Monday. The area, which will be awash with the colours of the UAE national flag from today until Monday, will also host henna artists, face-painting sessions, and themed art and craft workshops for children. Guests can write messages and comments on a large board next to Bianca Mozzarella.

Stage shows

Mall of the Emirates will stage The Bedouin Wonders and Pearl Passion, dance-and-drama shows inspired by the roots of the country, when Bedouins roamed the lands and pearl-divers ruled the waters. These are in the Central Galleria on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 3pm to 9pm.

Free food

In Dubai, Taqado Mexican Kitchen will serve 1,000 free burritos at its Mercato Mall branch from 5pm. Wok Boyz has a buy-one get-onefree offer on its wok combos between 4pm and 7pm. And Park House will give away free coffee at its Nessnass location from 9am to noon – ideal if you want to spend time at the beach this long weekend. All on Sunday.

National anthem recitation

Head to Global Village in Dubai on Saturday and Sunday at 9pm to join the UAE’s biggest gathering of national anthem singers, including 10,000 partners of the park plus any and all guests. The multicultural village will also house a vending machine that dispenses prizes, including gold coins when you recite the anthem into its audio receptor. Other activities include an operetta called Zayed: Leader of the Humans, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday; and a concert by Emirati star Hamad Al Ameri, on Sunday at 9pm.

Themed treats

Black Tap recreates its famed CrazyShake. The vanilla-flavoured shake comes with strawberry syrup, a chocolate-frosted rim, red, green and chocolate M&Ms, and topped with a cake slice with whipped cream and pistachio crumbles. It’s available at Abu Dhabi and Dubai branches from Friday to Monday, for Dh69. Sprungli will serve a limited-edition praline, while Roxy Cinemas will serve popcorn in themed boxes All proceeds will go to Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital.

New eats

Gossip Cafe will mark National Day with the launch of its new Jalsa menu, at its Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai branches. Start with the eatery’s popular chai karak, and choose three chapattis from options such as sambousek with Emirati spice; Khaleeji beef with crispy potato and cheddar; hummous with avocado, red pepper and sesame seeds; chips Oman; halloumi with pesto; and shakshuka. Sweet options include Nutella; pistachio and white chocolate; white cheese and honey; and kunafa and ashta. The Dh65 meal ends with a serving of luqaimat.

Traditional tastes

Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi will create dishes using venison and ostrich at its Emirati restaurant Mezlai, as well as themed cakes at Le Café, available on Sunday.

Latest Recipe at Le Meridien Abu Dhabi has a lunch buffet for Dh141, featuring lamb ouzi, machboos and dajaj samak muhamar, and traditional Emirati sweets, such as aseedah, khanfroush, and awamat.

In Dubai, Canvas Hotel MGallery by Sofitel has a Sunday brunch for Dh147, with chicken Lalla Fatima, Emirati salona vegetables, tagine, umm Ali and baklava.

Swish staycation

Book now to get a one-night stay on Sunday at the Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf for Dh47 only (plus taxes). Guests who are able to reserve the limited rooms at this rate can also partake in the dinner buffet for Dh47. Rooms will be allotted on a firstcome, first-served basis and can be reserved by calling 04 317 7777. The hotel’s Lobby Lounge will offer a saffron cheesecake, made from cardamom, saffron, rose water and vermicelli, from Friday to Sunday.

Live sounds

Fireworks are also on the charts at Dubai’s La Mer on Saturday and Sunday, at 9pm. After 10 minutes, there will be a free concert by Yemeni singer Fouad Abdul Wahed on Saturday and Emirati pop star Mohamed Al Shehhi on Sunday. Wahed performed at Dubai Summer Surprises alongside Balqees, while Al Shehhi has performed at Dubai Opera, and is known for adding uplifting western beats to his poetic Arabic lyrics.