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Eid Al Etihad · 2 December 2026

UAE National Day 2026 in Ras Al Khaimah

Celebrate 55 years of the Union with national operettas, a performance by the RAK Police Band, folk arts and a month of street food in Ras Al Khaimah.

See the Programme Plan Your Visit
Eid Al Etihad, 2 December: the UAE flag flying over Ras Al Khaimah’s mangroves and city skyline
Wednesday, 2 December

National Day Celebrations Across
Ras Al Khaimah

From 4 p.m., four venues across the emirate come alive with operettas, folk arts, exhibitions and food. Scroll through the evening and choose where to spend it.

Free parking at all event locations

  1. Onwards

    Emirati men performing traditional folk arts in Ras Al Khaimah

    Ras Al Khaimah Cultural Development Centre

    National operettas, heritage exhibitions and folk arts, with the participation of schools as well as government and local departments.

    • National operettas and theatrical performances by school students depicting the journey of the Union and the nation’s achievements
    • Traditional folk arts and chants, including Al Harbiya
    • Heritage-themed artistic performances
    • Exhibitions of photographs and paintings documenting the UAE’s history and stages of development, with participation from government and private entities
    Get Directions › to the Cultural Development Centre (opens in a new tab)

  2. Until 11:00 p.m.

    Ras Al Khaimah Police Band performing in ceremonial uniform Main celebration

    Al Qawasim Corniche

    The emirate’s main waterfront celebration, with performances, competitions and family fun running late into the evening.

    • Ras Al Khaimah Police Band
    • National operettas and theatrical performances by school students embodying the journey of the Union
    • Traditional folk arts
    • Prizes and competitions
    • Photo exhibition
    • Live broadcast of the official ceremony from Abu Dhabi at 6 p.m.
    Get Directions › to Al Qawasim Corniche (opens in a new tab)

  3. Onwards · Al Rams

    Mangroves and mountains at Al Rams, Ras Al Khaimah
    Al Rams

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Village

    Head north to Al Rams for a celebration rooted in the emirate’s sea and mountain heritage.

    • Folk arts inspired by the emirate’s maritime and mountain heritage
    • Traditional Emirati cuisine
    Get Directions › to Al Rams village (opens in a new tab)

  4. Until midnight · 1–31 December

    Aerial view of Manar Mall and its waterfront promenade, Ras Al Khaimah Runs 1–31 December

    RAK EATS Festival at Manar Mall Promenade

    A month-long food festival on the promenade, open every evening throughout December.

    • Food stalls with a variety of international cuisines
    • Live cooking demonstrations
    • Activities and experiences for the whole family
    • Exciting stage entertainment
    More about RAK EATS ›

  5. Live broadcast

All December Long

RAK EATS Festival at Manar Mall Promenade

The celebrations continue all month at Manar Mall. Sample local favourites and international flavours, watch live cooking demonstrations, enjoy food-themed activities, and catch exciting stage entertainment.

1–31 DecEvent dates
4 p.m.–12 a.m.Every evening
FreeParking
The illuminated RAK EATS Festival entrance at Manar Mall Promenade at night
A mother and two daughters strolling through a palm-lined resort garden in Ras Al Khaimah
RAK Moments

Explore Staycation Offers

Turn this Eid Al Etihad into a staycation in Ras Al Khaimah. RAK Moments brings together staycation deals across the emirate, from beachfront resorts to desert retreats.

  • Beach, desert and mountain stays
  • Options for couples, families and friends
  • All staycation deals in one place

Know Before You Go

Everything you need to make the most of National Day in Ras Al Khaimah.

Getting There

  • Free parking is available at all event locations
  • Taxis and ride-hailing are readily available
  • Arrive early for the 6 p.m. live broadcast on the Corniche

Timings at a Glance

  • Cultural Development Centre: from 4 p.m.
  • Al Qawasim Corniche: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
  • Al Rams village: from 4 p.m.
  • RAK EATS: 4 p.m. – 12 a.m., 1–31 December

Food & Dining

  • International street food at RAK EATS
  • Traditional Emirati cuisine at the Al Rams village
  • Reserve hotel dinners in advance for the holiday

Plan Your Visit

Make a long weekend of it and book your National Day stay and experiences directly with our partners.

Hotel Reservations

Book a National Day staycation at leading beach, desert and mountain resorts.

Browse Hotels

Things to Do

Add adventure to the holiday, from Jebel Jais to the mangroves and heritage sites.

Explore Activities

Events Calendar

See every National Day event across Ras Al Khaimah in the events calendar.

Explore Events

Stay Updated

Subscribe for National Day offers, event updates and celebration guides.

UAE National Day in Ras Al Khaimah: FAQs

Quick answers to help you plan your Eid Al Etihad celebrations.

When is UAE National Day 2026?

UAE National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, is celebrated on Wednesday, 2 December 2026. It marks 55 years since the founding of the United Arab Emirates on 2 December 1971.

What is Eid Al Etihad?

Eid Al Etihad, meaning “Union Day”, is the official name for UAE National Day. It celebrates the union of the emirates in 1971. Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation on 10 February 1972.

Where can I celebrate National Day in Ras Al Khaimah?

Celebrations take place at four locations: the Ras Al Khaimah Cultural Development Centre, Al Qawasim Corniche, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Village in Al Rams, and the RAK EATS Festival at Manar Mall Promenade.

What time do the National Day events start in Ras Al Khaimah?

All venues open from 4 p.m. on 2 December. Celebrations on Al Qawasim Corniche run until 11 p.m., and RAK EATS stays open until midnight.

Where can I watch the official National Day ceremony in Ras Al Khaimah?

The official ceremony from Abu Dhabi is broadcast live on Al Qawasim Corniche at 6 p.m. Arrive early to find a good spot.

Is parking available at the event locations?

Yes. Free parking is available at all National Day event locations in Ras Al Khaimah.

What is RAK EATS and when does it take place?

RAK EATS is a food festival at Manar Mall Promenade, running from 1 to 31 December, daily from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. It features international food stalls, live cooking demonstrations, activities for the whole family and stage entertainment.

Where should I stay for National Day in Ras Al Khaimah?

Ras Al Khaimah offers beach resorts on Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra, desert retreats in Al Wadi and mountain stays near Jebel Jais. Browse staycation offers on RAK Moments to plan your National Day weekend.