[gallery size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Emiratis, expats and visitors celebrate UAE's 45th National Day" ids="103057,103058,103059"] DUBAI — As the United Arab Emirates is celebrating its 45th National Day this weekend starting on Thursday (Dec. 1), Dubai is hosting visitors from across the region to experience the "Spirit of the Union" that brings people of varied nationalities and cultures under an umbrella of world-class entertainment, themed activities and exceptional shopping experiences. The citywide celebrations on this joyous occasion are underway in collaboration with the partners of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) and includes shopping malls and retailers, featuring family-centric social, cultural and entertainment activities, as well as events aimed at showcasing Emirati culture and customs. Malls, in particular, have been transformed into entertainment centers with free-to-attend concerts featuring Arab music icons. Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), said: "National Day celebrations are a reflection of the UAE's national pride and enhance the spirit of patriotism and loyalty to the leadership and homeland. In Dubai, the world-class events, activities and retail promotions would help create a festive environment that will focus on UAE's rich heritage and help bring together people of different nationalities in a celebration of the country's cultural diversity." One of the key highlights of this year's celebrations is the inaugural National Day Super Sale offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy superb discounts ranging from 30 to 90 percent on a variety of home-grown and international brands, featuring a diverse range of merchandise, including electronic, apparel, fashion, home décor and much more. Reinforcing Dubai's position as a year-round destination for shopping experiences, the three-day sale is offering locals, residents and visitors the perfect opportunity to stock up their wardrobes ahead of the cooler season. For more information, visit www.nationaldaysale.com Local and regional music icons are performing live at various free-to-attend concerts to celebrate National Day. Top Arab music superstar Hussain Al Jasmi, Balqees and other artists were in action at Burj Park on Friday (Dec. 2) at concerts sponsored by Emaar Properties. Meanwhile, renowned singers Abdulla Bel Khair and Aryam performed at Dragon Mart 2 while highly popular regional singers Mohammed Menhali and Walid Ibrahim performed at Global Village on Friday. In a separate series of Emirati Young Artists Concerts on Thursday (Dec. 1), families visiting malls enjoyed melodious hits from UAE stars including: Mohamed Al Shehhi at City Centre Mirdif; Shamma Hamdan at Dubai Festival City Mall; Mohamed Al Menhali at Mall of the Emirates, Faisal Al Jasem at the Beach and Hamad Al Amri at Ibn Battuta Mall. As the entire country is into celebration mode, visitors are also looking forward to creating memories of a lifetime with near and dear ones at a number of new and existing family entertainment destinations across the emirate. From the newly opened Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Middle East's largest multi-themed leisure and entertainment destination, to IMG Worlds of Adventure — the world's largest indoor theme park and Global Village, the leading seasonal cultural extravaganza in the region — families can choose from a wide array of experiences that cater to all ages. In addition, visitors heading to Global Village will discover more about the UAE's rich historical past at the "Emirate: Land of Peace" operetta from Dec. 1 to Dec. 6, while shoppers to Dubai Festival City Mall are gearing up for the UAE 45th National Day Special Projection Show. A diverse collection of cultural activities are making the UAE National Day celebrations even more special across the city as shopping malls and outdoor venues and prominent promenades light up in colors of the UAE national flag. From spectacular National Day Fireworks at the Beach opposite JBR on Friday to the lively National Day Carnival at City Walk on multiple days and UAE and GCC traditional bandsserenading mall-goers and their families with cultural tunes and live performances — visitors are having a wonderful treat that promises a great time for the entire family.
