Dubai is preparing for citywide celebrations from 1 to 3 December 2025 for the 54th Eid Al Etihad, marking the UAE’s union with a programme of culture, entertainment, gastronomy, and community events.
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the festivities include fireworks, live concerts, parades, retail promotions, family entertainment, and new experiences debuting this year.
Parades and community events
The annual Eid Al Etihad Parade will return to City Walk on 1 December at 4pm, featuring more than 1,000 participants from Dubai Police, KHDA students, and other government entities. The parade showcases national unity and community pride and remains a highlight of the city’s celebrations.
Fireworks across Dubai
Dubai’s skyline will be illuminated with fireworks on 2 December, starting at Dubai Festival City Mall and Hatta at 8pm, followed by Souk Al Seef, Bluewaters, and The Beach, JBR at 9pm. Global Village will host fireworks and synchronised drone shows every night from 1 to 3 December at 9pm.
Live entertainment
Eid Al Etihad will feature a wide line-up of performances. Emirati singer Balqees will headline a concert at Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall on 2 December, starting with fireworks at 8pm. Tickets start at AED 75 via Platinumlist.
City Walk will host free concerts by GCC artists Diana Haddad on 1 December and Emirati talent Shamma Hamdan on 2 December. Additional performances include Al Wasl Season at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai until May 2026, and two nights of Kuwaiti comedy “Ayal Iblees” at Dubai Opera on 1 and 2 December.
Cultural experiences
Visitors can explore Emirati traditions across more than 20 locations, including Al Ayala, Al Harbia, Yola, and Liwa performances, live folk crafts, and storytelling. Hatta will feature fireworks, folk performances, and illuminated streets at 8pm, providing a scenic Eid Al Etihad celebration surrounded by nature.
Retail promotions and mall events
From 1 to 3 December, Dubai malls will host exclusive retail offers, family entertainment, and free-to-attend experiences. Dubai Festival City Mall will offer double points on the BLUE app for spending between Dhs1,000 and Dhs10,000, alongside an experiential food market, games, cultural events, and workshops.
City Centre Mirdif will run a week-long celebration from 28 November to 3 December with fashion showcases, interactive workshops, and cultural performances. Ibn Battuta Mall will present “Expressions with Art” featuring interactive digital zones, live performances, and family workshops from 1 to 3 December.
Hotels and attractions
Leading hotels across Dubai will offer stay packages, themed décor, and family promotions. Attractions including Dubai Frame, Children’s City, Mushrif Park, and Global Village will host cultural performances, workshops, concerts, and fireworks displays throughout the weekend.
Sports and active events
The celebrations also include sporting events such as Baseball United Season One at The Sevens Stadium from 14 November to 14 December, the Sir Winston Churchill Cup at Al Habtoor Polo Resort from 3 to 6 December, and the 1000 Miglia classic car rally from 30 November to 4 December.
Food and dining
Dubai Burger will offer a citywide culinary experience, with limited-edition burgers inspired by Emirati ingredients at top eateries including High Joint, Sfumato, Hoe Lee Kow, Izu Burger, and Eat Beaf.
Art and community engagement
A student art competition from 20 November to 3 December, themed “Proud to Belong – Celebrating Our Union, Heritage, and Future,” invites schools to submit artwork, videos, poetry, essays, or spoken-word performances online using #EidAlEtihadJoy.
Eid Al Etihad 2025 is supported by partners including Al Futtaim Malls, Al Zarooni Group, AW Rostamani Group, Commercial Bank of Dubai, DHAM, Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim, Merex Investment, and Talabat.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
