Saudi citizens around the world will celebrate Saudi National Day on 23 September, honouring the 89th anniversary of the country’s establishment. You can bet Dubai will join in these celebrations with a citywide affair of spectacles and festivities to welcome Saudis across the city. Want to join in with your family? Here are all the things planned to mark this grand occasion.
Fireworks by the sea
The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah and The Beach at JBR are hosting eye-catching firework displays to ring in Saudi National Day. Both are home to a wide selection of delicious waterfront restaurants with amazing views, so bring the whole family along to celebrate with dinner and a show.
When: 23 September
An unbelievable showcase
Dubai Festival City Mall’s Imagine, a record-breaking production of fire, lights and lasers, is gearing up for a bespoke display for national day. Grab a table at one of the mall’s waterfront restaurants or arrive early to Festival Bay to enjoy this jaw-dropping spectacle set to traditional Saudi music and colours.
When: 19-23 September
Celebrate with Balqees
Get excited – songstress Balqees Fathi is hosting a concert on 19 September at City Walk. The young ‘Ha Hai’ and ‘Mabrouk’ singer is a homegrown icon who began playing instruments at a young age. Arrive early to enjoy a delicious meal at one of the buzzing lifestyle destination’s many eateries before her concert at 9pm.
When: 19 September
See Shamma Hamdan live
Khaleeji singer Shamma Hamdan is taking over La Mer on 20 September. She was the first Emirati woman to reach the final rounds of Arabs Got Talent in 2012, and has since been a force of nature in the region's music industry. She’s a multi-instrumentalist who can play the guitar, piano and drums – see her strut her stuff at La Mer from 9pm onwards.
When: 20 September
Enjoy a traditional live band performance
Head over to The Dubai Mall or City Walk for a treat on 19 and 20 September. Both destinations will have authentic Saudi bands play traditional music for visitors to mark the occasion. Dance to the upbeat tunes between shopping sprees, which the whole family is bound to love.
When: 19 & 20 September
Get a luxury hotel stay for less
All over Dubai, the fanciest hotels are offering special deals to make your national day celebration one to remember. Book in advance and you could save up to 20% at Address Hotels and Resorts across Dubai, or get close to The Palm’s firework action with up to 30% off over-water villas at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort.
When: Book in advance to redeem offers
Greetings from Burj Khalifa
Prepare for a memorable and picture-perfect occasion as Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Foundation honour Saudi National Day with a grand gesture. Not only will the tallest skyscraper in the world deck out in the colours of the Saudi flag, but The Dubai Fountain will also dance a special choreography to Saudi Arabia’s national anthem.
When: 23 September
Family fun at IMG Worlds of Adventure
Shake up your celebrations with a trip to IMG Worlds of Adventures, Dubai’s largest indoor theme park. Here, you can spend the holiday with your favourite Marvel superheroes and Cartoon Network characters while chasing fast thrills on rides and running away from life-like dinosaurs. Wrap up your day with a delicious meal at the park, which you can enjoy with AED50 off thanks to the free food voucher you will receive with your park admission.
When: 19 - 28 September
Take a fantasy flight at La Perle
For a truly unique experience, book tickets to La Perle by Franco Dragone. This jaw-dropping spectacle has taken Dubai and the world by storm with gravity-defying acrobatics and contortion, motorcycle stunts and 25-meter dives set in a breathtaking aqua theatre. Use special dinner packages to dial up the evening with a meal at one of three leading restaurants at Al Habtoor City. Check out the amazing discounts available including a Family Premium Offer with gold tickets for AED299 per person.
When: Until 31 December 2020
Live it up with discounts at The Dubai Mall
From teen to toddler, children of all ages will love to spend Saudi National Day exploring The Dubai Mall’s world-renowned attractions. Edutainment centre KidZania offers children ages four to 16 a chance to experience 40 role-playing activities inspired by the real world, from fire fighting to radio broadcast. Dominate the ice at Dubai Ice Skating Rink, where kids can sign up for special public skating lessons with trained experts. Get a special behind-the-scenes tour of Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo with Aqua Nursery admissions, which includes a stroll through the aquarium tunnel, underwater observatory and underwater zoo. Older kids will love the Virtual Reality Park’s incredible selection of life-like games and experiences with the Super 7 pass. Parents are in for a treat too – all this is on offer for 20% off the original price. Wind up this exciting day with the latest flick at Reel Cinemas where you can also enjoy 20% off standard tickets.
When: 19-23 September
Celebrate with Meraas
Meraas destinations across town are gearing up for Saudi National Day with special celebrations. Along with traditional performances at City Walk and The Dubai Mall, check out Bluewaters Island (19-20 September), Al Seef, Boxpark and Last Exit (20 September) for local bands and dancers. Get stunning henna artwork by a talented artist, enjoy a live art activation or see a human statue in motion at Al Seef. The Outlet Village is offering face painting and workshops for little ones, along with Kandura stilt walkers. Bluewaters Island is also the place to be for a captivating art activation on 21 and 22 September and flag dancers from 19-23 September.
When: Various dates from 19-23 September
Stay tuned for more information on Saudi National Day celebrations with Visit Dubai, or download the Dubai Calendar app.
