The UAE’s National Day celebrations will officially be called 'Eid Al Etihad', as announced by the organising committee.

The name emphasizes the theme of 'Etihad' (meaning union) and commemorates the unification of the Emirates on December 2, 1971. This theme reflects the UAE's heritage, unity, strength, and national pride.

Each year, on December 2, a grand celebration is held, typically attended by the Rulers of the Emirates. While the location for this year’s main event has not yet been disclosed, the committee shared that there will be various 'Eid Al Etihad' zones across all seven Emirates with events and activities on National Day.

This year, National Day brings the last long weekend of 2024, as December 2 and 3 fall on Monday and Tuesday, allowing residents a four-day break when combined with the Saturday-Sunday weekend.

Eisa Alsubousi, Director of Strategic and Creative Affairs for the Organising Committee of the 53rd 'Eid Al Etihad' celebrations, expressed excitement over the festivities. "We are delighted to invite everyone to share in the joy of this historic moment, as we celebrate the unification of the seven emirates. To support these festivities, we have created comprehensive guides to inspire and assist in preparations to celebrate sustainably. We encourage government entities, private companies, schools, and families to download these resources and join in marking this significant celebration."

The 53rd 'Eid Al Etihad' will focus on sustainability and collaboration, urging residents to celebrate consciously by reducing waste, recycling, and reusing decorations. "For example, we can repurpose existing decorations to celebrate Eid Al Etihad. The 53rd Eid Al Etihad activities are accompanied by guides on how to participate sustainably, whether you're at home, school, or work. There's always a way to contribute consciously and make a positive impact,” the organisers said.