This year’s UAE National Day celebrations will be like no other, as the country gears up to celebrate its Golden Jubilee.  Coinciding with a public holiday across the country, it is the perfect time to indulge in culinary delights.

The UAE celebrates The Year of the 50^th on 2 December, and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), has created a mega calendar of events with activations, promotions and world class entertainment for residents and visitors to explore across the city of Dubai.

Here, DFRE highlights some of the most sought after F&B activations for foodies to enjoy during the UAE National Day celebrations, along with a hotel stay guaranteed to ensure ultimate rejuvenation.

F&B

• The Golden Jubilee at EXPO2020 Dubai, the greatest show on Earth, will mark the UAE’s 50th year with an array of offerings for residents and visitors. There will be a number of culinary experiences available at various restaurants for just AED50 to celebrate the occasion, such as VEG’D, Cafe Milano, Alicafe by Farm2Table, Canvas by Coffee + Culture, The Irish Village, Rx Coffee Apothecary, Long Chim, Rising Flavours and the ever popular Alkebulan African Dining hall. A favourite of the UAE Royal Family, Adrift Burger Bar will commemorate the country’s 50th National Day in decadent fashion with the launch of a new exclusive burger. Aptly named the ‘24K Burger’, the burger is served on a brioche bun wrapped in gold leaf, how Dubai! Jubilee Gastronomy invites residents and visitors for a one-day only culinary adventure on 2 December at EXPO 2020. Michelin-accredited chefs will partner with local talent to present their 9-course gold-inspired menu. Aptly named the 50 Hands Dining Experience, 25 chefs are set to delight as they present an unmatched culinary vision. With only 50 seats available to experience this exceptional meal, advanced booking is essential.
• Residents and visitors looking for a sweet treat unlike any other can make their way to LDC Kitchen + Coffee to try their limited edition Rose Olive Oil cake, which will be available only from November 25 until December 16. This decadent, powdered sugar dusted cake incorporates the floral notes of rose with olive oil to bring dessert lovers a perfectly moist, melt in your mouth dessert. Perfect for the holiday season, the cake is priced at AED140.
• The Big UAE Birthday Beach BBQ at DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai will take place on 2 December at Jumeirah Beach, overlooking Ain Dubai and the much-anticipated celebratory fireworks. Residents and visitors can enjoy homegrown dishes accompanied by a special ’Golden Globe of the UAE’ drink list, which is dedicated to the achievements of the UAE over the past 50 years. The hotel has also partnered with Fresh on Table, an agritech platform, to bring guests its Growth of UAE menu, which uses locally produced ingredients to create deliciously wholesome cuisine. The menu is available at 17 hotels from Hilton’s portfolio across the country.
• Those nursing a sweet tooth can make their way to Cassette Dubai, who have created a signature dessert especially for National Day. Available for one day only on 2 December, the special dish is the Cassette Pistachio & Cardamom Tres Leches, a delicate and soft dessert with flavours of cardamom, pistachio, and raspberry.
• Local burger staple Pickl is offering all diners a free National Day themed ice cream sando with every dine-in order on 2 December at all their branches.
• RAW Coffee Company, a proud Dubai startup, is the first specialty coffee roastery in the Middle East, best known for its Arabica coffee. To celebrate the UAE’s 50th National Day, residents and visitors are invited to indulge in RAW’s traditional Middle Eastern Mandi, featuring slow cooked New Zealand lamb infused with fresh spices on a bed of white rice. Diners will need to leave some room for dessert, as the homegrown coffee house has also created a fusion dessert to accompany this lavish main course. A fresh, homemade cardamon and saffron ice cream, topped off with a mouth watering double espresso, affogato.
• Those looking for a hands-on cooking experience this National Day should definitely register for the Golden Jubilee Dessert Masterclass by Chef Harshada at Waldorf Astoria DIFC. Taking place on 28 November from 4 until 7pm, Chef Harshada will be teaching dessert enthusiasts how to make a traditionally inspired sundae in honour of the UAE’s 50th year. The dessert will be presented on an Arab Dallah made of Valrhona chocolate, followed by churros, cardamom infused cotton candy, saffron baklava kulfi and finally, a pistachio pastry cream.
• Mirzam Chocolates, another well-loved local brand, has developed seven unique chocolate truffle recipes to celebrate the UAE’s 50^th Inspired by treasured Emirati recipes, the chocolate truffles include flavours such as Halwa, Gahwa, Ragag & Aseeda. To truly pay heritage to the UAE, the truffles are wrapped in boxes featuring the work of Emirati artist Maryam Al Shami, who has created a special illustration showcasing her vision for the UAE in 2071, a true embodiment of the phrase Towards the Next 50.
• Books Café at Movenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai will offer residents and visitors 50 per cent off on their a la carte menu from 30 November till 3 December. For those looking to spend their day by the water, the Oasis Pool Lounge will host a dinner buffet boasting both international and traditional Arab cuisines on 3 December from 6 pm until 10:30 pm. Guests will also be granted pool access, along with the chance to win a one night stay for 2, with breakfast included.
• Celebrate National Day with traditional Emirati cuisine at Amaseena, Ritz Carlton JBR. On 2 December from 7 until 11pm, guests will be treated to a lavish buffet, starting with a customary saffron custard drink. Locally inspired dishes such as Lamb Ouzi, Salona and Mashawee will be served, along with Logaimat dumplings and Aseeda Bobar for those nursing a sweet tooth. Residents and visitors will savour their meals to the sounds of live, traditional Emirati entertainment.
• From December 1 until December 4, Bite Me Burger will give residents and visitors the opportunity to try their exclusive, limited edition ‘Ultimate Burger’ produced especially in celebration of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee. It is not for the faint of heart, and features aged wagyu, lobster tail, foie gras and shaved black truffles!
• Luxury Chocolatier Folland & Galland, has released a new collection of chocolate just in time for this year’s National Day Celebrations. Featuring flavours such as pistachio, vanilla, caramel and raspberry, along with a special set of UAE flag chocolates, these are sure to make the perfect gift.
• Fans of culinary mastermind Chef Massimo Bottura, should mark their calendars, as the mastro will be hosting the ultimate culinary experience from 7 until 9 December at his restaurant Torno Sobito at W, The Palm. Titled Una Sera Con Massimo, the eight-course dining experience will feature a selection of Italian dishes, combined with theatrics to commemorate the UAE.
• Movenpik Hotel and Apartments in Bur Dubai invite residents and visitors to experience a number of dining offers. The Fountain Restaurant will offer an international buffet featuring Emirati dishes from December 2 until 11, 12pm until 3pm at AED99 per person. The Fountain will also be running a special Emirati-themed night from December 2 until 9 from 7pm until 11:30pm. Diners can enjoy a luxurious buffet featuring traditional dishes, starting from only AED120 per person. The hotel’s Lobby Cafe will also be offering those with a sweet tooth a special UAE-themed dessert to mark the occasion of the UAE’s 50th from December 2 until 11, for AED50.
• On 2 December, Mondoux at Dubai Creek Harbour, will treat diners to a free dessert to mark the occasion of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee. Restaurant guests are invited to sink their teeth into a slice of Mondoux’s custom crafted cake, crafted in the shape of a giant number 50. Those preferring a smaller treat will be presented with freshly baked macarons in the colours of the UAE flag and available in chocolate, coconut, pistachio and strawberry flavours.
• From December 1 until 3, 6:30 until 10:30pm, LAO at Waldorf Astoria, Palm Jumeirah will celebrate the UAE’s National Day with a special AED50 offer on their signature starters. Diners are invited to dive into a platter of LAO’s best-selling starters such as papaya salad, prawn wontons, shaking beef, Hanoi rolls and Tuna tacos.
• Residents and visitors are invited to travel Around the World with Swissotel Al Ghurair this National Day. From December 1 until 4, 12:30 until 4pm, the hotel will be hosting a family friendly brunch, complete with traditional food and even traditional Emirati games for the little ones! The brunch will also feature a little chefs station, where children will be able to prepare their own arabic bread, yum! Prices are AED175 for adults, AED83 for children age 6 until 12 and free for children under the age of 6.
• Qova Cafe at Grand Mercure Hotel and Residence Dubai Airport will have traditional treats for all this National Day, with locally sourced dates, assorted dried fruits and nuts paired with homemade Arabic coffee and tea, for only AED50 per person.

Hotels

• Residents and visitors are invited to take advantage of the UAE National Day holidays at Park Hyatt Dubai. Those looking for a relaxing break can save up to 25 per cent on suites at the hotel, with breakfast for two adults and two children up to 6 years included.
• The iconic Atlantis, The Palm will be offering all those in search of a staycation to remember up to 35 per cent off both rooms and suites this National Day! The offer is valid only from 2 until 6 December, and is definitely one not to miss.
• Experience all that this National Day celebration has to offer without having to compromise on comfort at JA The Resort, Jebel Ali Beach, Dubai. On 2 December, residents and visitors staying at the resort will experience the best of Emirati cuisine and culture. There will be traditional food prepared by Emirati women, live performances such as belly dancing and an Ayala band. Hennah artists will also be present to adorn the ladies, along with a bouncy castle, flag decorating and face painting for the children! Lastly, the night will end with a phenomenal display of fireworks to mark the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.

For more details about this year’s landmark 50th UAE National Day celebrations, please visit https://www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/uae-national-day