Eid Al Etihad National Day, what does it mean?

What’s Eid Al Etihad? (Are schools and business closed for Eid-al-etihad?)
With UAE National Day just around the corner, you’ve probably heard the holiday called “Eid Al Etihad.” Confused? Don’t worry—it’s not an extra day off (we wish!). Instead, it’s the new official name for the UAE’s National Day celebrations.

Here’s the good news: this year, we’re in for a four-day weekend! From Saturday, November 30, to Tuesday, December 3, we’ll celebrate everything that makes the UAE amazing—including its formation in 1971. Let’s break down why this long weekend has a few different names and what they mean.

What Does Eid Al Etihad Mean?

Simply put, Eid Al Etihad means “Union Day” in Arabic. It’s the UAE’s official name for National Day, which is celebrated annually on December 2. This year, the name has been updated from “Union Day” to “Eid Al Etihad” to better reflect the UAE’s heritage, unity, and pride.

National Day marks the unification of the seven emirates into one nation in 1971. Each year, rulers of all seven emirates gather for a massive celebration that showcases the country’s progress and unity. So, when you hear “Eid Al Etihad,” just think of it as National Day, but with a name that’s rooted in the Arabic language.

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What About Union Day?

If you’ve heard of Union Day, don’t worry—it’s not a different event. Union Day was simply the English name for what is now called Eid Al Etihad. The celebrations remain the same; it’s just been rebranded with a name that ties more closely to the UAE’s Arabic roots.

In fact, the official government website recently switched from unionday.ae to eidaletihad.ae. Same event, fresh name.

What’s UAE National Day?

UAE National Day, celebrated on December 2, marks the official founding of the UAE in 1971. It’s the anniversary of the moment six emirates united to form the country, with Ras Al Khaimah joining a few months later. This year, National Day falls on a Monday, giving us a two-day public holiday on December 2 and 3.

Expect parades, fireworks, and cultural events across the country—from Global Village to local parks—making this one of the most festive weekends of the year.

What’s UAE Commemoration Day?

Often referred to as Martyrs’ Day, UAE Commemoration Day is observed on November 30 to honor those who gave their lives in service to the nation. Although it’s not a public holiday, it’s an important occasion marked by a minute of silence at 11 a.m. and ceremonies at flagpoles across the country.

The date holds historical significance, commemorating the passing of Salim Suhail bin Khamis Al Dahmani just days before the UAE was officially formed in 1971.

What This Long Weekend Means

In short, whether you call it Eid Al Etihad, National Day, or Union Day, this weekend is all about celebrating the UAE’s unity, history, and culture. With public holidays on December 2 and 3 and festivities kicking off as early as November 30, it’s time to gear up for a weekend packed with fireworks, parades, and national pride.

Eid Al Etihad School Holidays: View Updated information from the UAE Govenment and look up your individual schools for the holiday programme UAE Eid Al Etihad School Holidays.
Eid Al Etihad Holidays for Dubai Public sector
Eid Al Etihad Holidays for dubai private sector business can be found at United Arab Emirates Ministry Of Human Resources and Emritisation.https://www.mohre.gov.ae/en/home.aspx

Happy Eid Al Etihad! Enjoy the long weekend! 🎉