Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates-: This year, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi invites you to celebrate the 53rd UAE Union Day. Starting 27 November untill 3 December, this seven-day extravaganza is filled with cultural experiences, live entertainment and indulgent traditional Emirati and modern culinary offerings.
Whether looking to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display, a picnic under the palms, or immerse yourself in family-friendly activities, the resort has curated an engaging line-up of activities and an exclusive stay offer to mark this momentous occasion.
The ‘Union Day Getaway’
Soak in the Union Day atmosphere in the heart of the UAE’s capital at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. The luxurious stay features daily breakfast for two at Vendôme; choice of an Emirati-inspired afternoon tea for two; half-day access to Kids Palace for two children (up to the age of twelve); and specially curated Emirati-themed amenities on arrival.
28 November to 3 December
Starting price from AED 2,400
Key Highlights on 2 December
- Enjoy the dazzle of a fireworks show on the beach
Witness a synchronised fireworks display lighting up Abu Dhabi’s skyline. Take a front-row seat at the Palace Terrace as the sky comes alive with a symphony of colours.
Time: 9pm
Open to Public - Scintillating performance of an Emirati Orchestra
Experience a grand orchestral showcase by some of the UAE’s finest musical talents. This mesmerising performance will fill the air with melodies that celebrate the UAE’s cultural richness.
Time: 2pm
Open to Public - Sand & Koal: Beachside dining and fireworks
Dine al fresco while soaking in the sunset and live entertainment including percussionists and fire dancers, all leading up to the grand fireworks show.
Date: 2 December
Time: 6 to 10.30pm (at restaurant) | 5.30pm to 1am (at lounge)
Price: Restaurant minimum spend AED 380 | lounge minimum spend AED 220
Arts and Culture
- Exhibition by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Soak in the local heritage at the Grand Dome with the Spaces of Light exhibition, celebrating the visual culture and architectural beauty of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Dates: 19 November to 3 December - Celebrate sustainable local art in a workshop by Hessa Al Mansoori
Join renowned Emirati artist Hessa Al Mansoori for an exclusive workshop at Kids Palace. Kids aged 8-12 can explore sustainability in art and creativity with Al Mansoori.
Date: 2 December
Time: 3pm
Price for in-house guests: AED 320
Price for external guests: AED 720
Family Fun
- Cultural Family Village
Head to the Cultural Family Village at the Grand Dome for a range of family-friendly activities, including a ‘lucky souq wheel’, calligraphy, henna, mascots and even falconry displays.
Dates: 30 November to 3 December
Times: 10am to 3pm - Kids and Art
Enjoy a full range of activities from Emirati-inspired calligraphy to live henna and sand art. Perfect for families looking to immerse themselves in Emirati culture.
Dates: 30 November to 3 December - Kids Palace and Kids Village Activities
Keep the little ones entertained with stargazing, pearl diving treasure hunt and a cake-building workshop at Kids Palace and Kids Village, alongside a slumber night for teens.
Dates: 28 November to 3 December
Time: 8am to 9pm
Priced at AED 320 (in-house guests) | AED 720 (day guests)
Little Chef Class: 30 November | 9am to 11am | priced at AED 450
Teens Slumber Night: 2 December | 7pm to 10am | AED 1,440
Culinary Delights
- Emirati-inspired picnic experience under the palm tree
Step into a cosy beachside cabana and indulge in a local cuisine picnic or private sunset afternoon tea with stunning views of palm trees on the horizon.
Dates: 1 to 3 December
Time: 2 to 7pm for the picnic, 5 to 7pm for sunset afternoon tea in the Cabana
Price: AED 390 per 2 guests (picnic) | AED 2,500 per cabana for 4 guests - Afternoon Tea at Episodes
Indulge in an Emirati-inspired afternoon tea under the cherry blossom trees at Episodes lobby lounge. Featuring traditional delicacies and aromatic tea, it’s a perfect way to celebrate the holiday.
Dates: 27 November to 3 December
Time: 2 to 6pm
Priced at AED 285 per person - Al Qasr Al Hosn cake by Chef Alexandre Thabard
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a decadent Union Day cake created by Chef Alexandre Thabard. Available exclusively at The Mandarin Cake Shop located in the resort.
Dates: 27 November to 3 December
Time: 10am to 11pm
Priced at AED 400 per cake - Enjoy Arabic delicacies by the fountains
Enjoy traditional dishes while watching the fountains dance and don’t miss the traditional lugaimat dessert station.
Dates: 28 November to 3 December
Time: 3 to 7pm for Afternoon Tea| 4 to 7pm for Lugaimat Station
Priced at AED 395 for 2 guests | AED 50 per serving at lugaimat station - Savour the best of Levant cuisine
Tuck into a Lebanese delicacy feast, served in a sharing-style set menu or à la carte, with live evening entertainment.
Dates: 28 November to 3 December
Time: 12.30 to 11pm
Priced at AED 350 per sharing-style menu
- Culinary artistry at Talea
The Michelin-rated restaurant has curated a special set menu featuring the finest ingredients and culinary artistry for the occasion of UAE National Day.
Dates: 2 December
Time: 6 to 10.30pm
Priced at AED 550 per person and additional AED 450 wine pairing
- Contemporary Indian dining experience at Martabaan
Savor authentic Indian dishes on the exceptional balcony while watching spectacular fireworks light up Abu Dhabi’s night sky.
Dates: 2 December
Time: 6 to 11.30pm
Priced at AED 290 per person
Leisure and Wellness
- The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
Enjoy a 90-minute signature Palatial Hammam and receive a complimentary MarocMaroc skincare gift to mark the occasion.
Dates: 1 to 7 December
Time: 10am to 10pm
Priced at AED 1,100 - Tennis and Padel Tournaments
The hotel is hosting a UAE Union Day Tennis and Padel Tournament, inviting players of all ages to showcase their skills on the court and celebrate unity through sport.
Tennis Tournament: 1 December | 4 to 9pm
Padel Tournament: 2 December | 4 to 9pm
Kids Tennis: 8 to 11.30am | AED 160 per player
Don’t miss the…
- Union Day illumination
Watch the Palace come alive with a dazzling display of colours at sunset, reflecting the UAE’s vibrant heritage.
Dates: 28 November to 12 December - Celebrating Union Day at The Mandarin Cake Shop
Find the Palace’s distinctive hamper box and signatures at The Mandarin Cake Shop, packed with locally sourced delights.
From: 27 November to 3 December
Hampers priced from AED 300
Signature cakes priced at AED 30
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is the place to be for a day of celebrations and delight, this Union Day.
