UAE National Day holiday announced

Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid made the announcement via Twitter about the UAE's 42nd National Day holidays after chairing the a meeting of the Federal Cabinet.

The dates for the 42nd National Day holidays have been announced. Silvia Razgova/The National
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The National Day holiday for public entities and ministries will be Sunday and Monday, December 1 and 2, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid announced via Twitter today. The Vice President made the announcement after chairing the Federal Cabinet. Work will resume on December 3.

"We congratulate the UAE for its holiday, its union, and its best days," he tweeted.

In the private sector for those who only have Friday's off, they will have Saturday November 30 off as well, said the Ministry of Labour. For those who usually have Friday and Saturday off, they will have Sunday, December 1 off as well.

Two massive firework displays, an aerobatics show, a car parade and a women-only beach celebration are among the events planned to mark the 42nd National Day.

From November 28 until December 2, Abu Dhabi will host a range of festive activities spanning the emirate from the capital to Al Gharbia.

The pyrotechnic highlight of the celebrations, which retain the "Spirit of the Union" theme for a third year, will be two 10-minute firework displays along Abu Dhabi Corniche at 8pm on December 1 and 2.

Al Ain will have its own fireworks display, and will be resuming its annual air show after the event was postponed last year. The

will run from November 30 to December 2.

on National Day, and drivers will be able to display their decorated vehicles round the island's leisure drive.

Last year's Union Car Parade gave out Dh100,000 in prize money to the 10 most flamboyant and creatively designed cars, with the overall winner receiving Dh25,000.

This year's National Day parade will begin at 5pm but the carnival atmosphere will be well under way by then, with thousands of vehicles expected to roll into the du Forum car park from 2pm.

There will also be a first for Abu Dhabi with a public ladies-only event on Al Bateen Beach, with a range of activities along the 700-metre waterfront.

Concerts and fireworks are also planned for the western region's Madinat Zayed and Delma Island.

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