Where to watch UAE National Day fireworks in Abu Dhabi

The lavish pyrotechnic shows are a big draw for the public holiday

Fireworks will light up the sky on National Day at Bawabat Al Sharq Mall. Photo: Bawabat Al Sharq Mall

As the UAE gears up to celebrate its 51st National Day on December 2, venues across the capital are putting together meal deals, discounts, concerts, family-friendly activities and, of course, lavish fireworks displays.

Here are four spots to catch them in Abu Dhabi:

Emirates Palace

The storied hotel has a full programme of festivities planned for the National Day holiday, starting on November 28. The fireworks display is set to take place on the hotel's beachfront on the evening of December 2 and expected to start between 9pm and 9.30pm.

The Grand Dome will double as a family-friendly cultural village with themed activities, a falconer and a dates exhibition. It will also host traditional Al Ayala dance performances from 3pm to 6pm.

Elsewhere, those who sign up for the picnic in the Palace Gardens can catch the National Day air show, while the Palace terrace will put on a live Khaleeji concert at 7.30pm on December 1 and 3.

Al Maryah Island

Head to the promenade on Al Maryah Island at 9pm on December 2 and 3 to catch an awe-inspiring fireworks display dominated by the four colours of the UAE flag.

The show is open to the public, although the 5.4km waterfront stretch of the mall's promenade is also home to a number of cafes and restaurants — from Bentley Kitchen and Loca to Nusr-et to the Michelin Guide-lauded 99 Sushi and Almayass — so you can watch the spectacle while enjoying a meal.

Yas Island

Yas Island is hosting a bunch of celebrations across its theme parks and hotels from December 1 to 3, including a fireworks display, which can be viewed from Yas Bay at 9pm on December 2.

Elsewhere, visitors can catch an Al Ayala dance performance at Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, Clymb and Yas Waterworld, which will also put on other live entertainment, including oud players and rababh performers, plus falcon handlers, henna artists and face painting.

Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Abu Dhabi

The shopping centre in southern Abu Dhabi's Baniyas area promises to hold the "biggest fireworks show yet in the history of the mall". In keeping with the National Day theme, the colours of the UAE flag will dominate the fire and light show, which can be enjoyed on December 2 at 9pm. More details are available at bawabatalsharqmall.ae.

Scroll through the gallery below to see photos of major firework displays across the UAE over the years