National Day (Arabic: اليوم الوطني; Yawm al watani) is celebrated on 1, 2 December each year in the United Arab Emirates.
It marks the UAE's Union Day between the six emirates which was followed by the joining of the seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, in 1972.
The National day of UAE does not stand for the nationalisation from the British Protectorate Treaties which declared in 1968, it is the anniversary of the federal unification of the seven emirates in 1971 which combined to form the modern-day country, headed by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the federation's first president. Grand celebrations are held across the country to mark the event.
Fireworks, car rallies and dance shows are the most common activities. People will usually dress up in UAE national flag colours, decorate their homes, workplaces, cars and streets to celebrate the day with joy and happiness. Heritage Villages are set all over the emirates in order to celebrate this event traditionally. Holidays are given from the National Day until two days later. Airshows are conducted while military processions are held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition for the Rulers of the Emirates, members of the Federal National Council, and the Emirati citizens.
