- Handicraft demonstrations and authentic Arabian hospitality at Al Seef
- Live artisan demonstrations, storytelling, interactive art activities and performances at Souk Madinat Jumeirah
- Maritime showcase at Bluewaters Dubai spotlighting UAE’s pearl diving and fishing heritage
- Emirati art exhibition and cultural performances at Al Khawaneej Walk celebrating local stories and spirit
- Themed live graffiti and musical showcase at Boxpark, blending tradition with contemporary art
- Burqa decorating, bracelet making and Kheyzrazran (stick painting) at Ibn Battuta Mall
- Bespoke perfume-making workshop and falconry at JBR The Walk, and much more across Dubai – discover all there is to do, see, eat and explore below
Dubai, UAE-: Eid Al Etihad 53 returns with a host of activities and entertainment that honour the UAE’s heritage and aspirations. Join Dubai’s leading destinations – such as Al Seef, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Bluewaters Dubai, Boxpark, Al Khawaneej Walk and more – in celebrating the richness of the nation’s storied past and ambitious future with their unique twists and immersive experiences.
Al Seef (2 – 3 December, 6-10 PM)
Witness Emirati craftsmanship in motion over live pottery and Sadu weaving at Al Seef. Local artisans will display how they preserve and promote age-old traditions, and you can even try your hand at both with their guidance.
Visitors can also revel in the soothing, stringed songs of an oud player (2 December) and Qanun player (3 December), witness live Harbia dance performances or sample aromatic Arabic coffee and dates. For a wholesome experience of the Emirati journey, tuck into an authentic Emirati feast at Al Fanar Seafood Restaurant, a homegrown eatery that captures the Emirate’s fishing heritage through food, and stroll through the Afaneen district within Al Seef’s souq area home to several Emirati retail concepts, such as Tamashi. Take pictures with an installation of UAE flags shaped in the image of the elegant falcon and enjoy breathtaking fireworks over the creek on 3 December at 9 PM.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah (2 – 3 December, 12-8 PM)
Souk Madinat Jumeirah will spotlight local traditions and artistry across a host of workshops, activities, performances and more. Discover the Bedouin practice of Sadu weaving, meet and greet a noble falcon, savour fresh coffee and dates and revel in vivacious Al Ayyala performances in the souk’s outdoor amphitheatre. A storytelling corner will bring folktales and cultural stories to life for children, or they can get creative at themed arts, crafts, and face-painting workshops. While there, don’t forget to leave your mark on a collective art mural of the UAE map.
The cultural encounters continue indoors, where a fisherman will present the long-standing art of fishnet-making, and skilled artisans will weave carpets before your very eyes. Alongside all this action, musicians will fill the souk’s halls with the harmony of traditional bagpipes and drums.
Detailed schedule below:
- Coffee and dates: 12 – 8 PM
- Arts and crafts workshops: 12 – 3 PM and 5 – 8 PM
- Fishnet-making: 1 – 5 PM
- Falconry and henna art: 2 – 8 PM
- Roaming entertainment: 2 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM, 7:30 PM
- Al Ayyala dance performance: 2:30 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM, 7 PM
- Sadu weaving: 3 – 7 PM
- Carpet weaving: 4 – 8 PM
- Storytelling: 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM
Al Khawaneej Walk (1 – 3 December, 6-10 PM)
Al Khawaneej Walk tells the story of Emirati heritage, history, and aspirations through art. Masterful Emirati artist Maisoon Al Saleh will present surrealist portraits that capture the UAE’s culture and identity in an exclusive Eid Al Etihad exhibition. Titled “Masarat,” meaning paths, journeys and direction, this showcase invites visitors to dive into a world in constant motion, symbolising the UAE as a land of infinite potential and ambition. Al Saleh is a prolific Emirati artist with a global footprint. Her work has been featured in 100 exhibitions in over 20 countries, including Carrousel du Louvre Paris, Contemporary & Fine Art Basel Biennale, Art Cannes Biennale during the Cannes Film Festival and more. The displayed pieces will blend Emirati motifs and figures with visual representations of the sine wave, creating a bridge between the past and present, movement and connection.
Once you’ve had your fill of Al Saleh’s inspiring work, wander outdoors where live Oud (2 December) and Qanun (3 December) musicians and Al Ayyala dancers will bring to light Emirati culture. Dine at Emirati-owned favourites like Home Bakery and Salt or support homegrown cafes such as Foret, Temple and Asma.
Bluewaters Dubai (2 – 3 December, 6-10 PM)
Experience the charm of the UAE’s coastal heritage and uncover the legacy of pearl diving at the idyllic island of Bluewaters Dubai. A Tawash installation will display natural pearls and the tools Ghawas (pearl divers) used to recover them without the help of high-tech breathing gear. A guide will walk you through the history of this age-old custom that once was central to the UAE’s trade and economy. Keeping with the maritime theme, fishermen will tell the story of their lifestyles through songs on 2 December. The performances will feature drums, the habbān (a bagpipe), and other instruments native to the region. On 1 December, a dazzling fireworks show will light up the sky at 8 PM.
Ibn Battuta Mall (1 – 3 December, 2-10 PM)
Head to the Egypt court at Ibn Battuta Mall for a heavy dose of the Eid Al Etihad 53 spirit. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities such as burqa decorating, bracelet making and Kheyrazan (stick painting). Henna art and face painting, traditional bands and a mesmerising cultural art display also await.
Boxpark (2 – 3 December, 6:30-9 PM)
The offbeat urban shopping and dining hub Boxpark has equally offbeat plans to honour the holiday. Experience a vibrant fusion of artistic expression, urban culture and local heritage during live graffiti sessions by Dubai-based street artist Shakir Sulaiman, accompanied by live guitar performances.
Last Exit (1 – 3 December, 5-10 PM)
Select Last Exit destinations are getting into the Eid Al Etihad spirit with unique performances and showcases. At Last Exit Al Khawaneej, enjoy Al Ayyala dance performances alongside the exhibition and live entertainment just a short walk away at Al Khawaneej Walk. Meanwhile, Last Exit Al Qudra is unveiling an Instagrammable installation of 53 UAE flags to commemorate the occasion throughout December.
JBR The Walk (2 – 3 December, 6-10 PM)
Witness the majesty of falconry, savour aromatic coffee and dates and experience the rich traditions of the emirates at the vibrant JBR The Walk. Parents can attend child-friendly perfume-making workshops to create a bespoke fragrance with personalised branding for a memorable keepsake. Visitors can also meet and snap a picture with the national bird of the UAE, a falcon. Watch the majestic bird of prey in action with its trainer as it demonstrates what makes it a symbol of strength and heritage and return on 3 December for a breathtaking fireworks show at 9 PM.
Other cultural displays to keep an eye out for on 2 and 3 December:
- The Outlet Village is hosting captivating Al Ayyala dance performances on both days at 6 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM. Keep your eyes peeled for the display while scouting unbeatable deals on leading luxury brands, sportswear, international fashion and homeware to get ahead of holiday shopping.
- Serena Marketplace is hosting exciting children’s arts and crafts sessions from 4 to 8 PM. Little residents of Serena can create artworks to honour the occasion.
- Shorooq Community Centre in Mirdif is going all out for Eid Al Etihad 53 from 4 to 8 PM. Families can enjoy Al Ayyala dance performances and falconry displays, sipping on fragrant Arabic coffee and fresh dates, while children can create masterpieces using traditional materials.
Don’t miss all the exciting activities to commemorate the UAE’s Eid Al Etihad 53.
