UAE National Day holidays are building excitement as people are already planning what to do next with friends, family, and loved ones. On a general note, every corner of the country has something lined up for the long weekend. Looking for what to explore next? Check out our recommendations.
Emirates Dubai 7s
Families can head to the Emirates Dubai 7s on November 29 with free entry that features performances by Stormzy and Sugababes, alongside plenty of fun activities for kids. Children can enjoy a jungle-themed zone with gorillas, balloon benders, board games, and a mini outdoor cinema with free popcorn. There’s also a mini DJ station for kids to try their hand at mixing.
OliOli® Launches Playback UAE
OliOli® is inviting families to step back in time with its special UAE National Day activation, Playback UAE. Running on weekends throughout November and the National Day public holidays, this experience celebrates childhood games and honors the UAE’s cultural heritage. Featuring classic games, interactive exhibits, and a vibrant museum takeover, this event offers families a chance to rediscover the joy of play that has shaped generations. National Day Holidays Opening hours: 10 am to 9 pm.
Kutubna Cultural Center launches intercultural program
Kutubna Cultural Center in Dubai is launching “A Journey Through the Five Senses: Exploring Emirati Culture”, an immersive cultural program running from November 21 to December 19. The program offers a multisensory exploration of Emirati arts, coffee, music, and fragrance, engaging participants with hands-on activities that connect both expats and locals to the UAE’s rich heritage.
The five-session program includes:
- Touch – The Timeless Craft of Theatre with Naji Al Hai (Nov 21)
- Sound – The Voices of UAE with Al Anood Bukhammas (Nov 28)
- Taste – The Art of Hospitality with Medina Ilyas (Dec 5)
- Sight – Capturing the Beauty of UAE with Hussain AlMoosawi (Dec 12)
- Smell – The Art of Fragrance with Mike Metzger (Dec 19)
Participants will explore Emirati culture through interactive storytelling, live demonstrations, and sensory experiences.
Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara
Take a luxurious escape to Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, located in the heart of the Empty Quarter. The resort offers a unique blend of Emirati traditions and modern luxury. Guests can explore the golden dunes, unwind with soothing spa treatments, and enjoy family-friendly activities like desert football, water polo, and the “Cinema Under the Stars.” Children can participate in fun experiences such as shawarma-making, sand art, and falconry shows, while fitness enthusiasts can enjoy dune walks, desert hikes, and aqua aerobics.
 Patina Maldives
If you’re looking forward to taking a flight and escaping, head to the blue waters of Patina Maldives, Fari Islands. With one to three-bedroom Beach and Water Pool Villas, as well as an additional 20 Fari Studios, Patina Maldives offers the perfect balance of retreat and inspiration. The resort features a range of family activities, personalized wellness paths, interactive music programs, exceptional culinary experiences, and more, all designed to delight visitors. Families from the region can now book and make this UAE National Day unforgettable with the resort’s Stay 4, Pay 3 offer.
