National Day round-up: celebrations span arts, culture and lifestyle experiences in the UAE

Food, fashion, art and fun - here's what you can see, do and shop for this National Day

Falcon artwork. Courtesy Gallery One

In addition to commemorating the UAE’s unification – and rejoicing over the long weekend – National Day celebrations typically involve a host of deals, discounts, activities and events. Here are some you can experience this year.

ART

Syrian artist Ghiath Lahham has created Emirates Falcon, limited-edition artworks mounted on silkscreens, which capture the glory of the UAE's national bird. The digital prints cost between Dh1,295 and Dh1,995, and are available from Gallery One, Dubai.

Gallery One will also showcase a curated selection of art inspired by the Emirates. Showcasing Arabian patterns and motifs as well as calligraphy, the works have been created by emerging regional artists, and can also make for interesting gifting options.

Another patriotic gift option is the National Day flower crafted by Forever Rose.

ON STAGE

Lebanese diva Nancy Ajram will perform at the du Forum on December 2. 1 Ajram is one of the Arab world's most successful pop stars, and is known for her fun and hit-laden concerts. Tickets cost from Dh250 on tixbox.com.

Take the young ones for the Smurfs Save Spring musical, at the du Arena on November 30 and December 1.

FASHION

ISawItFirst.me has a 50 per cent discount on all its collections from November 30 to December 4. The "luxe-for-less" shopping portal stocks clothing, footwear, handbags, belts, sunglasses and costume jewellery.

Diamond design studio 55Fifty7 at D3 will launch a limited-edition National Day Collection, which will use gemstones that reflect the UAE flag colours – pearls, rubies, emeralds and black diamonds.

Themed jewels are also the order of the day at Sauce Rocks, which will unveil a fine-jewellery necklace created exclusively for Natuonal Day by regional brand Glow Diamonds. The Dh6,255 piece features an 18K golf heart pendant with coloured stones.

ACTIVITIES

Ferrari World, which will be decked out with flags, banners and themed lanterns, will host traditional ayala and khaleeji dancers to celebrate National Day. The park is also running its buy one, get one free offer for UAE residents (just carry your Emirates ID along) on bronze admission tickets, until December 3.

Nation Galleria in Abu Dhabi will begin the first weekend in December with Stomp, an energetic theatrical performance that "will use ordinary objects to create an electrifying show". The show will be held at 6.30pm, 8.30pm and 10.30pm on December 1 and 2. This will be followed by an aerial act and dance performances at the same times as above, on Sunday, December 3.

Yas Waterworld is gearing up to host "Abu Dhabi's biggest water battle", where guests – young and old – will be offered coloured water pistols. The battle will start at 11.46am at the Amwaj Wave Pool and last for 15 minutes, on December 2. The park will also host themed celebrations for the rest of the day.

FOOD AND TRAVEL

Rove Hotels will get into spirit of things with a flash sale between November 29 and December 2, and will offer 20 per cent off the best available room tariff at its Rove Downtown, Rove City Centre, Rove Healthcare City and Rove Trade Centre properties, for stay dates between December 3 and March 31, 2018. On (our 46th) National Day itself, The Bench brunch in Rove hotels will be priced at Dh46 per person.

Thanani in Ajman will together a themed menu for National Day, which includes a tri-colour pumpkin and beef salami ravioli, and chocolate mousse layered in the colours of the flag. The picturesque terrace restaurant overlooks the emirate's mangrove forests and Al Zorah golf course.

Happy National Day, UAE!

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