Citywide celebrations unveiled to mark Eid Al Etihad in Dubai

This 54th Eid Al Etihad, Dubai is transforming the long weekend into a citywide celebration of unforgettable moments for families and friends from Dec.1 to 3.

Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), a diverse mix of fireworks, outdoor entertainment, and family-friendly activities invites residents and visitors of all ages to witness a spectacular showcase of heritage, unity, and national pride.

This year’s programme returns with refreshed experiences across culture, gastronomy, hospitality, and family entertainment, alongside brand-new initiatives designed to engage young visitors and families.

Families and friends can choose from multiple venues to witness breathtaking fireworks light up Dubai skies on Dec.2, starting with Dubai Festival City Mall and Hatta at 8pm, followed by Souk Al Seef, Bluewaters, and The Beach, JBR at 9pm. Meanwhile, Global Village will host dazzling displays of fireworks and synchronised drone shows all weekend at 9pm from Dec.1 to 3.

Parents and children have plenty to look forward to with a packed programme of creative workshops, interactive experiences, open-air entertainment, and much more.

A major family favourite, the Eid Al Etihad Parade returns to City Walk on Dec.1 at 4pm in collaboration with Dubai Police. More than 1,000 participants from Dubai Police, KHDA students, and other government entities will come together for a dynamic showcase of unity, creativity, and community pride.

Several more cultural performances and parades are set to take over 20 locations in the city, spotlighting authentic Emirati traditions for residents and visitors - from Al Ayala, Al Harbia, Yola, and Liwa to live folk crafts and storytelling.

Families are invited to witness one of the most scenic Eid Al Etihad experiences in Hatta, complete with cultural festivities, illuminated streets, folk performances, and an 8pm fireworks show. Hatta Heritage Village opens its doors for specially curated, free-to-attend festivities every Saturday and Sunday from Nov.24 to Dec.6 from 4:30pm to 10:00pm - including children’s theatre, folk dances, heritage food experiences, and interactive cultural activities.

In addition, a dedicated Hatta Winter Camp welcomes children aged 7 to 12 to immerse themselves in Hatta’s unique natural surroundings, history, and traditions through hands-on experiences every weekend from Nov.15 to Dec.3.

Adding to the family-friendly spirit, a student art competition featuring everyone’s favourite Dubai character Modesh invites schools to submit artworks, collaborative murals, short videos, poetry, essays, or spoken-word performances from Nov.24 to Dec.3. Hosted in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), entries must be created within school premises and submitted online through the school’s official Instagram account using #EidAlEtihadJoy.

Dubai’s premier hotels and attractions are rolling out unmissable experiences and exclusive offers to make the 54th Eid Al Etihad a celebration for the whole family.

Dubai Frame, Children’s City, and Mushrif Park are hosting themed cultural programmes, traditional performances, and hands-on workshops on Dec.2 and 3.

Meanwhile, Global Village is pulling out all the stops for a vibrant long weekend featuring 10 creative cultural installations from Nov.25 to Dec.4, live cultural performances, an unforgettable concert by the iconic Khalid Mohammed on Dec.1, a powerful operetta performance with “From The Desert To The Stars” twice daily on the main stage from Dec.1 to 3, and nightly displays of fireworks and synchronised drone shows from Dec.1 to 3.

Dubai’s leading hotels are joining the celebrations with curated experiences and limited-time family staycations, giving visitors and residents even more ways to enjoy the long weekend.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach, Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, and Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai are offering 20% discounts on their two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, inclusive of breakfast as well as a 20% off dining at selected outlets, in addition to free stays for children up to 6 years old. Grand Hyatt Dubai, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Jumeirah Al Qasr, and Jumeirah Mina A’Salam are extending up to 25% off rooms alongside additional savings.