Eid Al Etihad, A Long Weekend to Remember
The UAE celebrates its 54th National Day – Eid Al Etihad – on 2 December 2025, marking the historic union of the seven emirates in 1971. Every year, this time brings fireworks, concerts, parades, cultural shows and a generous public holiday for both public and private sector employees.
For 2025, the UAE government has announced a 4-day long weekend for most workers, with 1–2 December confirmed as official paid holidays, combined with the preceding weekend. Middle East Briefing+2Khaleej Times+2
That means extra time for:
Family road trips
City & shopping experiences
Beach days and staycations
Late-night celebrations and gatherings
In this guide, we’ll look at what you can do during the UAE National Day holidays and how Smooth Drive’s Safe Driver Dubai service can keep your travel comfortable, legal and stress-free.
What is UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)?
UAE National Day, now officially known as Eid Al Etihad (Festival of the Union), is celebrated every year on 2 December. It commemorates the day the emirates came together as a single nation under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.
On this day, the whole country lights up with:
Patriotic decorations and UAE flags on streets, towers, cars and homes
Special fireworks shows, air shows, concerts and heritage events across all emirates
Families gathering for barbecues, desert nights, mall visits and road trips
It’s not just a holiday; it’s a celebration of unity, culture and progress.
How Many Days Vacation Do You Get for UAE National Day 2025?
In 2025, UAE residents can enjoy a 4-day holiday block around National Day:
Commemoration Day (Martyrs’ Day): 1 December 2025
National Day / Eid Al Etihad: 2 December 2025
These fall on Monday and Tuesday, creating a long weekend from Saturday to Tuesday for many residents.
This gives you a perfect chance to:
Plan short domestic trips inside the UAE
Visit family and friends in other emirates
Book staycations and day tours
Explore events, fireworks and city activities without rushing
Best Things To Do in the UAE During the National Day Long Weekend.
Explore City Celebrations and Fireworks
Major spots like Downtown Dubai, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Dubai Festival City, and Sharjah’s Al Majaz Waterfront often host breathtaking fireworks and shows for National Day.
Activities you can enjoy:
Watch fireworks with the family
Enjoy National Day concerts and cultural performances
Visit National Day markets, food stalls and kids’ activities
How Smooth Drive helps:
Instead of worrying about traffic, parking or driving back tired, you can hire a Safe Driver in Dubai to drive your car. Enjoy the events, let our professional chauffeur handle the roads.
2. Take a Road Trip to Other Emirates
With a 4-day break, it’s the ideal time to explore:
Abu Dhabi – Louvre Abu Dhabi, Corniche, Qasr Al Watan
Sharjah – museums, Al Majaz Waterfront, cultural sites
Ras Al Khaimah – Jebel Jais, mountain views, zipline
Fujairah – beaches, snorkeling, coastal drives
The UAE road network makes intercity trips simple, and many residents use National Day to explore beyond their own emirate.
How Smooth Drive helps:
Book a personal driver for a full day to take your car from Dubai to other emirates and back
Relax with your family, enjoy the views, answer emails, or sleep in the back seat
No stress about long-distance driving, parking or staying alert on late-night returns
3. Enjoy Staycations, Resorts and Beach Days
National Day is peak time for:
City staycations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman or Ras Al Khaimah
Beach days at JBR, La Mer, Saadiyat, Al Hamra or Khor Fakkan
Pool access deals, brunches, and National Day themed offers
Hotels and resorts usually run special packages and themed décor to match the UAE flag colors.
How Smooth Drive helps:
Our Safe Driver Dubai can drop you with your own car at the hotel and drive you back after your staycation
If you plan to enjoy drinks at brunch or dinner, you can stay responsible and let a professional driver take you home safely
Avoid valet queues and taxi hunting on busy nights
4. Desert Trips, BBQs and Family Gatherings
Many residents prefer:
Desert barbecues with friends
Picnics in Al Qudra, Lahbab desert or family farms
House gatherings with traditional food, games and National Day decorations
How Smooth Drive helps:
Hire a driver for round-trip service from your home to the desert and back
After a long day of BBQ, games and late-night chatting, you don’t have to drive tired
Our chauffeurs follow RTA and traffic safety rules so your family is always in safe hands
5. Shopping, Malls & National Day Offers
Malls across the UAE usually celebrate with:
National Day sales and promotions
Flag-themed décor and kids’ activities
Extended shopping hours
It’s a good time to:
Refresh your wardrobe
Buy gifts for family abroad
Enjoy food courts and entertainment zones
How Smooth Drive helps:
Book a driver by the hour for mall hopping in Dubai (Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, City Centre Deira, etc.)
Our driver can drop you at the entrance, park your car, and be ready when you’re done
No more circling for parking in crowded underground lots
Why Use a Safe Driver in Dubai During UAE National Day?
The National Day long weekend is festive, but roads can be:
Busier than usual
Full of decorated vehicles, convoys and celebrations
Affected by traffic diversions near key event location.
Using Smooth Drive’s Safe Driver Dubai service gives you:
1. Safety First – No Drink & Drive
If you plan to celebrate with friends, attend parties or enjoy a drink, driving yourself is risky and illegal. A designated safe driver:
Drives your own car
Is trained and professional
Keeps you fully compliant with UAE traffic laws
You enjoy the night. We handle the steering.
2. Comfort for Families and Guests
Have relatives visiting for the long weekend?
Hire a personal driver for your family programs
Let them sit comfortably in the back with kids
Our chauffeur will manage the routes, timings and parking
This is ideal for:
Families with kids or elderly parents
Multiple stops in one day (mall → dinner → fireworks → home)
Guests who are new to UAE roads. Click here to learn about more our personal driver services
3. Stress-Free Intercity Travel
If you’re planning Dubai–Abu Dhabi, Dubai–Sharjah, Dubai–RAK or Dubai–Fujairah trips:
A long drive after a full day of fun can be tiring
Late-night highway driving needs full focus
With Smooth Drive:
Book a Safe Driver for intercity rides
Sit back, relax, or even sleep on the way back
Reach home safe while your car is parked at your doorstep
4. Save Time on Parking & Traffic
On National Day, popular spots get crowded and parking can be a headache.
Your Smooth Drive’s Safe driver can:
Drop you right at the entrance
Find legal parking, follow RTA rules and temporary arrangements.
Be ready at pickup time, so you don’t waste time searching for your car
How to Book Smooth Drive’s Safe Driver in Dubai for National Day
Booking your driver for the National Day long weekend is simple:
Contact us on WhatsApp at +971 52 5206701
Share your date, time, pickup location and approximate plan
Choose between:
One-way safe driver (drive you and your car home)
Hourly bookings inside Dubai
Full-day drivers for intercity trips and tours
Get confirmation and enjoy a hassle-free UAE National Day.
Frequently Asked Questions about booking a Safe Driver on UAE National Day
What are traffic conditions like in Dubai on UAE National Day?
Having a safe driver helps tremendously in these conditions. An experienced driver from Smooth Drive will know the city’s traffic patterns, use alternate routes if needed, and handle parking for you – so you can enjoy the festivities without the stress of driving through jams.
Should I book a safe driver in advance for UAE National Day?
Reserving a driver ahead of time (even a few days before) ensures you have someone confirmed and ready. This way, you won’t have to worry about finding a ride amid the holiday rush.
Are safe driver services available on UAE National Day?
Do safe driver services charge extra on UAE National Day, or are rates the same?
Is it safe to hire a safe driver on UAE National Day?
In fact, using a safe driver is one of the safest ways to get around on a big holiday night. There will be a strong police presence enforcing road safety during National Day celebrations, and Smooth Drive’s drivers strictly adhere to all laws (including Dubai’s zero-tolerance DUI laws). By riding with a professional, you avoid risks like accidents or legal issues, and you can enjoy the holiday knowing you’ll get home safely.