A special Golden Jubilee pass has been introduced.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has released the programme of events for the Year of the 50th National Day celebrations and it promises to be one major party.
Running from 1 to 3 December, the schedule will see more than 20 immersive events celebrate the UAE’s culture and diversity through heritage festivals, music and dance performances, sporting activities and firework displays.
.@dctabudhabi has released the 50th UAE National Day celebration programme, with more than 20 events across the emirate highlighting UAE heritage and culture, and inviting everyone to celebrate the past 50 years and look forward to the next. pic.twitter.com/j85FOrgF4p
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) November 23, 2021
In addition to the numerous events, DCT Abu Dhabi has also launched a special Jubilee Cultural Pass, granting free or discounted access to a diverse range of cultural sites and museums across the emirate which can be purchased online at Abu Dhabi Culture.
So, what should you expect from Abu Dhabi’s National Day celebrations?
Music performances
On 1 December, Iraqi artist Majed Al Mohandis and Iraqi singer-songwriter Aseel Hameem will take to the stage at Emirates Palace with Emirati singer Hamad Al Ameri performing at Qasr Al Hosn on 2 December and Emirati songstress Ahlam closing the weekend at Louvre Abu Dhabi on 3 December.
Airshows
Residents and visitors will turn their eyes to the skies on 2 December as the Abu Dhabi Sports Aviation Club throws up a Skydive Show and Formation Jump featuring 16 skydivers carrying the UAE flag and forming a ‘50’ above the city.
At Jazira Club, almost 50 airplanes and local pilots will take part in a fly-over displaying the UAE flag. Spectators will also have the chance to get their hands on vouchers for skydiving, parasailing and aviation classes.
Arts & Culture
The National Day celebrations will place a huge emphasis on the arts and culture of the UAE with Bawabat Al Sharq Mall hosting the Sheikh Zayed Hologram interactive experience and screenings of Majlis the Story of the 50th.
Qasr Al Hosn will also showcase a screening of a special ’50 Year’ film with the first 50 guests on 2 December treated to a private experience of the attraction.
The Cultural Foundation will offer audiences performances of Sailing the Silk Road by the Caracalla Dance Theatre, plus art installations and screenings of films by Emirati filmmakers while Manarat Al Saadiyat will host immersive art installations and workshops over the weekend.
Over in Al Ain, Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa and Al Jahili Fort will be providing residents with the opportunity to view historical artefacts from life in Abu Dhabi over the last 50 years and activations which embrace Emirati culture through art, music and gastronomy.
Fireworks displays
The sky pyrotechnics associated with UAE National Day are world famous and Abu Dhabi is promising the biggest display in 50 years. The skies will be lit up with dazzling colours over Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, Al Ain, Al Dhafra and Bawabat Al Sharq Mall on 2 December, Al Maryah Island on 2 and 3 December from 9pm and on Yas Island on 1 to 3 December from 9pm.
Cuisine
We all know enjoying ourselves can build up quite an appetite and 17 malls and more than 100 restaurants around the emirate will dish out delicious meals for the special price of AED 50 until 9 December.
Other
The Golden Jubilee celebrations will also continue with Marsana at Hudayriyat Island’s special Year of the 50th activations from 1 to 3 December as well as events at Sheikha Fatima Park and Qasr Al Muwaiji.
For all the latest news in Abu Dhabi, visit Yalla – Abu Dhabi Life
