Enjoy a plethora of entertainment across the city to ring in the UAE’s jubilee anniversary
Preparations are well underway across Dubai Holding Asset Management’s (DHAM) destinations to mark 50 years of the UAE. From a taste of local legacies to high-tech spectacles, discover the ultimate spots to ring in the jubilee anniversary with friends and family.
The city’s most beloved destinations are getting in the celebratory spirit, and here is a list of things not to be missed:
Waterfront views galore at the ever-trendy Bluewaters. Wander the alfresco lifestyle hub at your own pace on weekends from December 2-11 and uncover a plethora of high-energy roaming entertainment and scintillating themed lights along the way. Dance to the tunes of live Ayyala dancers or a rambunctious parade as it comes barreling in waving hues of red, white, green and black. Ladies, have your hands decorated with authentic henna designs courtesy of a talented artist. Ain Dubai, the emirate’s newest landmark is offering anyone who buys a standard views experience on December 1, 2 or 3 receives an AED50 voucher to use on their next ride from January 2 to March 31, 2022.
The best part? Grab an outdoor table at one of the sea-facing eateries on National Day itself to catch a dazzling firework display decorating the sky above you at 8:30pm.
This outdoor favourite is a staple in Dubai’s winter to-do list, all 1.7km lined with stylish shops and flavour-packed restaurants. There’s something planned for every weekend of the holiday calendar at JBR throughout the month, and National Day is the perfect excuse to check it out. Grab some old-school Arabic grill at Automatic or celebrate the UAE’s cultural diversity at one of the many eclectic food haunts. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for neck-craning stilt walkers and ears perked for joyous tunes by the UAE Marching Band. Settle in with your little ones for a deep dive into Emirati folklore with an Arabic storyteller for the perfect sign off.
A whole host of fun awaits at the eccentric outdoor destination Boxpark from December 2-3. Little ones can get crafty at workshops on painting clipart or drawing intricate designs with sand. Dive headfirst into Emirati culture by learning the art of Sadu weaving, a practice perfected by Bedouin women, or try your hand at the basics of Arabic calligraphy.
Once you’ve had your fill of hands-on entertainment, take a break and enjoy live Tanoura and Ayyala performances three times a day. Wrap up the evening over a delicious feast at any one of the destination’s food haunts, challenge your loved one to a spooky escape room or pick up an Arabic classic at the newly opened Kalemat bookshop.
Al Seef elevates local heritage with its old-world charm and view of bobbing dhows at the Dubai Creek year-long, so there are few better settings to ring in the jubilee anniversary. While parents shop and soak in the sights, little ones can get their creative juices pumping at arts and crafts stations available from 4-10pm. The UAE Marching Band and a 6-piece Ayyala dance group will add great cheer to the atmosphere and early birds on December 2 can catch talented UAE Flag Dancers impress on stage.
Young homegrown actors will bring to life an elaborate play produced specially for the occasion on December 3, and Arabic storytellers will spin evocative tales to have you hooked. Don’t miss out on Jalsat musical performances in between all the fun and be sure to make your way around seven kiosks – each representing one of the emirates – to learn about major milestones in local history.
The greenhouse inspired Al Khawaneej Walk is decking out in all the colours of the UAE flag. The halls will ring with the resounding call of Ayala dancers from 5-9pm on both days, but if you want to see choreography as sharp as a knife, a traditional eight-piece Al Harbia Band from 3-9pm on December 2 will not disappoint.
Settle into a cosy spot at an authentic majlis where a storyteller will take you on a journey into the UAE’s captivating past with three shows a day at 5:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm. For our little Monet’s in the making, an arts competition invites the first 50 artists to design paintings about the UAE to be showcased at the mall for 10 days. The ultimate treat for all Dubai kids, Modesh and Dana are making special National Day appearances at the mall on 2 December.
Be sure to leave plenty of time to explore the unbeatable deals and offers awaiting you at Al Khawaneej Walk. Enjoy 50% off clothes for the whole family, exotic Oud and perfumes, and more at Al Salami and Sons until 5 December. High Street Jewelry is joining in the fun with 20% off all their stylish accessories from November 28 to December 4. And if you spend AED89 at Mumuso and Duozoulu, you’ll receive a special edition 50th National Day mask.
Made in the image of a traditional Arabian bazaar, Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s evocative ambiance, lantern-lit halls and treasure-packed shops will take you into the modern past. December arrives here with workshops for the kids within the Heritage area, officially kicking off on UAE National Day.
Residents of Serena, Al Waha and Al Layan can join in all the action without venturing too far from home. The Mediterranean-themed community centre is gearing up with two whole days of fun with Instagram-ready photo ops. Children can design their own Burqa masks, have their faces painted in vibrant colours, or get their hands messy at themed arts and crafts stations. Don’t miss out on the chance for little ones to take home arts and crafts and a vivacious atmosphere set amid the city’s spectacular winter weather.
Dubai Holding Asset Management is a major contributor to the growth and development of business and tourism in Dubai with its leading commercial, retail and residential leasing destinations and communities across the Emirate. Enriching the lives of hundreds of thousands of people that live and work in Dubai and those who visit, Dubai Holding Asset Management offers a world-class portfolio of 10 business districts, 20 retail destinations and 15 residential communities that continue to reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
Dubai Holding Asset Management’s retail leasing division further elevates the city’s position as a global centre for tourism and leisure as it operates and manages an extensive range of strategically located retail assets across prime destinations and communities, comprising over 2,500 retail and F&B outlets with leading international and local brands.
From hot-spot retail destinations like Bluewaters, JBR, Souk Madinat Jumeirah and The Outlet Village to niche and vibrant community centres like Serena Marketplace, Mudon Community Centre and Bay Avenue, the diverse retail portfolio offers plentiful opportunities for retail partners and appeals to millions of visitors and tourists every year who are attracted by the destinations’ popular attractions including Ain Dubai, Madinat Theatre, Madame Tussauds and others.
Dubai Holding Asset Management’s residential leasing portfolio addresses every aspect of Dubai’s accommodation landscape with the aim to provide ideal solutions for individuals and families as well as corporate clients seeking cohesive living environments for their employees.
The residential portfolio offers a spectrum of housing catering to a wealth of different lifestyles, from studio apartments to luxury villas, in communities strategically located across the city. Its communities include family-friendly communities at Layan, Ghoroob, Shorooq and Remraam; upscale living at City Walk Residences, Bluewaters Residences and Dubai Wharf; value housing at Al Khail Gate and convenient staff housing at Nuzul, Al Quoz Accommodation and Rahaba Residences.
Dubai Holding Asset Management is a strategic business enabler contributing to the realisation of Dubai’s knowledge-based economic aspirations, through the creation of sector-focused business districts and work environments that provide innovative ecosystems. Reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for business and talent, Dubai Holding Asset Management’s 10 business districts accommodate over 6,500 companies covering 6 vibrant sectors with 95,000 professionals and entrepreneurs as well as 27,000 students.
The business districts feature purpose-built facilities and industry-specific infrastructure, delivering the right mix of commercial space suited for businesses of any scale, from major multinationals to local SMEs and start-ups. These include Dubai Internet City, Dubai Outsource City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Industrial City and Dubai Design District (d3).
Our business districts attract and support companies and entrepreneurs who will lead the innovation output of the future. With a series of different initiatives, we encourage the development of a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through axs, the smart services online platform, business partners and their business professionals, entrepreneurs and students across our communities can seamlessly access government, leasing and other setup services – all under one roof.
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