If you are wondering how to celebrate Eid Al Etihad as a family in Dubai, the good news is that the city makes it easy to build a whole day around the occasion. Eid Al Etihad, the UAE National Day on 2 December, is a time when families dress in red, green, white and black, wave flags and spend time together. This guide walks you through a simple, realistic plan for the day, with ideas for every age and a few tips for keeping little ones happy. If you would like to see what we do at our venue for the occasion, take a look at our UAE National Day play area page.
Planning Your Eid Al Etihad Family Day in Dubai
The best family celebrations are the ones that match your children's energy. A day with toddlers looks very different from one with a seven-year-old, so start by deciding what kind of day you want: one big outing, or a few shorter stops with rest in between.
- Start with something simple at home or nearby: let the children dress in national colours, stick flags on the car and put on UAE songs for the morning.
- Pick one main activity: a show, a walk, or an indoor play session. Trying to fit in everything usually ends in tired, grumpy children.
- Leave a gap in the middle of the day: a long lunch or a quiet hour helps everyone enjoy the evening.
Public holidays are busy, so go early, bring water and agree a meeting point in case anyone gets separated in a crowd.
Eid Al Etihad Activities for Families in Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai is a natural base for the day. Families often like to take a stroll, see the festive atmosphere around the area and let the children soak up the colours. Souk Al Bahar sits right next to Dubai Mall and beside Burj Khalifa, so it is easy to combine a walk with an indoor stop when the children need a break from the crowds or the heat.
Craft and Colour at Home Before You Head Out
Before leaving the house, a short craft session gets everyone in the mood. Paper flags, handprint art in red, green, white and black, and drawing the UAE flag are all easy for small hands. For the youngest children, messy play for toddlers with safe, colourful materials is a lovely way to explore the national colours through touch. Keep it short and relaxed, because the aim is fun, not a perfect result.
An Indoor Play Break: Family Fun at Souk Al Bahar
Whatever you plan, children need to burn off energy, and Dubai weather or holiday crowds do not always cooperate. An indoor play area Dubai families already trust is a practical answer. At Kids Zone, our indoor play area at Souk Al Bahar, Level 2, Downtown Dubai, welcomes children aged 1 to 10, and we are open 365 days a year, so you can plan around us even on a public holiday. We have been looking after Dubai families since 2009, with more than 5,000 events and 300,000 smiling faces welcomed over 17 years.
Because we are next to Dubai Mall rather than inside it, you can step away from the busiest areas, let the children play, and head back out refreshed. Please call us to check opening details for the day before you go.
Making Eid Al Etihad Special for Different Ages
- Babies and toddlers: keep outings short, bring a change of clothes and choose soft, safe play. Sensory activities and flag colours are plenty of excitement at this age.
- Preschoolers: storytelling about the UAE, singing and simple crafts work well. Let them wear their national outfits and take their own small flag.
- School-age children: involve them in the day. Ask them to share what they have learned about the UAE at school, or let them choose one activity for the family.
If you are also thinking about marking a birthday that falls near the holiday, a kids birthday party venue Dubai families recommend can take the planning off your hands, and if you would rather celebrate at home or in a park, an outdoor birthday party Dubai setup can come to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Eid Al Etihad celebrated in the UAE?
Eid Al Etihad, also known as UAE National Day, is celebrated every year on 2 December. It marks the union of the emirates, and families across Dubai mark it with flags, national colours and time together.
What can I do with toddlers on Eid Al Etihad in Dubai?
Keep it short and gentle: a morning craft in national colours, a short walk to see the decorations and an indoor play session so they can rest and move freely. Our play area at Souk Al Bahar welcomes children from 1 year old.
Is Kids Zone open on UAE National Day?
We are open 365 days a year. As timings can vary on public holidays, please call or WhatsApp us on +971 4 429 0973 to confirm before you visit.
Where is Kids Zone Dubai?
We are at Souk Al Bahar, Level 2, Downtown Dubai, next to Dubai Mall (not inside it) and beside Burj Khalifa.
Can I leave my child while I shop or enjoy the festivities?
Yes, our supervised childcare service is designed for exactly this. You can read about babysitting near Dubai Mall and ask our team how it works.
Celebrate With Us at Souk Al Bahar
However you choose to mark the day, we would love to be part of it. Take a look at our UAE National Day play area page to see what is on for families, then Call / WhatsApp +971 4 429 0973 and our team will happily help you plan your visit to Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai.