Free entry to Expo 2020 Dubai for everyone on UAE National Day

Expo has announced an action-packed schedule of events for December 2

Visitors queue outside the Singapore pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

The marching band from Tulane University, US, performs New Orleans music at Al Forsan Park. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Visitors walk through the Spain pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Riverdance bring their final performance at Expo 2020 to a close on the Jubilee Stage. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

White umbrellas turn into projection screens at the Netherlands pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Visitors walk through the Singapore Pavilion, whose theme is "nature, nurture, future". Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

People take photographs of exhibits in the Singapore pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

A young visitor stands in front of 'Fluidum', a kinetic statue made up of 85 robotically-controlled mirrors, which can transform the reflection of the spectator, at the Czech Pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Visitors stroll through the Greece pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Members of the UAE's Al Noban Troupe and Morocco's Hassada Troupe in action. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Visitors inside the Netherlands Pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

An exhibition called 'Plastic Oceans - Beauty Destroyed', at the Czech Republic pavilion. 'Water and its conservation is the main focus of the pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Norwegian chessmaster Magnus Carlsen competes against Russia's chessmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi (unseen) during Game 2 of the FIDE World Chess Championship Dubai 2021. AFP

Members of the Tulane University marching band perform. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

An exhibit in the Czech Republic pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

White umbrellas turn into projection screens at the Netherlands pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

People wait to enter the UAE pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Canadian singer Shawnee Kish on stage in the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

The UAE's Al Noban Troupe and Morocco's Hassada Troupe perform on the Earth Stage. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

The Moroccan Troupe's rhythmic dance is inspired by the harvesting traditions of Had Gharbia. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Russian chessmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi competes against Norwegian chessmaster Magnus Carlsen (unseen) during Game 2 of the FIDE World Chess Championship at Expo 2020 Dubai. AFP

Live updates: follow the latest news on UAE National Day 2021

Expo 2020 Dubai has said that entry to the world's fair will be free for everyone on UAE National Day.

Entry next Thursday would normally cost Dh95, but everyone will now be admitted for free.

“We can confirm there will be free entry for all on December 2,” an Expo representative told The National.

While the main celebrations will be taking place at Hatta, the world's fair has announced an action-packed schedule of events for National Day, complete with fireworks, special performances and parades.

Visitors will be welcomed by traditional Emirati performers from 10am until 1pm.

UAE National Day events at Expo

10.15am — As well as a flag-raising ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza, there will be high-level speeches, the National Anthem performed by a children’s choir, Al Azi poetry recitals and a traditional performance involving 60 Emirati men from all seven emirates.

12.45pm — Colours of the World Parade, featuring Dubai Police horses and the UAE Ministry of Interior Marching Band.

1pm — Another performance of Al Azi will take place at Al Wasl Plaza. The show involves an Arabic poet leading a chorus that “answers” his call.

Shortly afterwards, Dubai Police will perform a gravity-defying aerial show. This will be followed by a flyover display by the UAE Air Force aerobatics team Al Fursan.

3.15pm — Emirati singer Fatima Zahrat Alain will perform Music in the Garden in Al Wasl Plaza.

4pm, 5pm and 6pm — Journey of a Thread live stage show at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre in the Al Forsan Zone. This takes place every day during the National Day weekend.

5.30pm — The UAE's official 50th National Day celebrations from Hatta broadcast live at the Jubilee Stage and the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre.

7.30pm and 10.15pm (Thursday to Saturday) — The Journey of the 50 stage show, involving more than 200 people in Al Wasl Plaza. This will also take place at 7pm on Wednesday.

8pm — Fireworks over Al Wasl Avenue on all four days of the National Day weekend.

8.30pm — Emirati singer Eida Al Menhali will get the festivities under way with a rousing performance which includes Al Shallat — poetry without musical instruments, on the Jubilee Stage.

Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai are required to have had at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, or a negative result from a test taken within 72 hours. PCR tests are free if you present your ticket at the DHA Expo 2020 Testing Facility