So, we’ve all heard by now — there’s a long weekend right around the corner. All the planets have aligned (actually) for this year’s Eid Al Etihad, or National Day, to arrive right next to a weekend. So if you’re looking for things to do, you’ve come to the right place, whether it’s culture-maxxing through food tours or history walks, booking a staycation to break from the routine, or finally having the time to catch up with friends, we’ve got something for everyone.
Eat your way through Dubai with Rove
Start off your National Day weekend with a traditional food tour through Dubai. Rove Hotel, in partnership with Frying Pan Adventures, is taking guests on a four-hour cultural-meets-cuisine tour through the coasts of Dubai. Start at Rove City Walk and weave through the old neighbourhoods of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah as you pour over an authentic Emirati breakfast, Gahwa and karak breaks, more food stops and a seafood meal inspired by the coast to wrap it all up. Vegetarian options are available.
When: December 1st, 2025
Where: Starting at Rove City Walk
Price: Dhs472.50 (non-refundable) and Dhs519.75 (flex ticket)
To book click here.
Book an escape with JA Palm Tree Court
Picture this: it’s the long weekend and you wake up to a stunning 800-metre private beach right at your doorstep, framed by palm trees and warm rays of winter sun taking over. At JA Palm Tree Court, you can get exactly that and more. For UAE National Day, book a retreat for yourself or with a loved one — and if you book before December 6th, you unlock savings on suite bookings including complimentary spa treatments and even more dining offers.
For bookings and more information, call 04 814 5500, email [email protected]
Rejuvenate at the Red Sea Resort
If just a staycation doesn’t cut it, then this mini vacation at Saudi Arabia’s InterContinental The Red Sea Resort has got your name written all over it. Opening its doors for the first time on December 1st, the luxury meets wellness resort on the coast of Shura Island is launching its “Doorway to Discovery” offer. Choose from 210 rooms and suites, King, twin rooms, and even three-room suites, perfect for larger families or friend groups
Whether your perfect vacation involves long hours at the spa then ordering in room service or you’d rather be up with the sun and sail across the turquoise waters around Shura, you best believe InterContinental has you covered.
Where: InterContinental The Red Sea Resort, Shura Island, Saudi Arabia
Price: Rates start at Dhs2,936 onwards (The Doorway to Discovery offer is valid until 15 March 2026)
For bookings and details, visit intercontinental.com/redsearesort or email: [email protected]
Double the fun at DoubleTree by Hilton
Want the same vibes closer home? DoubleTree by Hilton should be top of your list. At Hilton, you will be spoilt for choice between 13 restaurants, seven pools, padel courts, spas, and more, all in front of a 650-meter stretch of white sand and the bluest waters on Marjan Island. If you’re a parent or travelling with kids, the resort comes with multiple play zones, both indoors and outdoors.
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, Marjan Island Blvd, Ras Al Khaimah.
Get booking details here at hilton.com
Experience infinity (pool) and beyond at Emaar
Try driving 200m in Dubai without spotting an Emaar building, you probably can’t, and for good reason. This National Day weekend, you get an Emaar experience for the books at Address Creek Harbour, where Levantine hospitality meets Dubai. With open-air lounges and an infinity pool overlooking the city, it’s the place to lose track of time as you sink into the afternoon light. Follow that with a curated culinary experience: a refined set menu with Mediterranean flavours, a mobile pasta station, and a sizzling live BBQ station.
When: Every Saturday, 2 PM – 5 PM
Where: Luma Pool Lounge, Address Creek Harbour
For details, you can call + 971 4 275 8833 or email [email protected]
From the farm to your table with Emirates Bio Farm
Skip the supermarket this time around — we’re going back to our roots (literally). Wear comfortable shoes as you stroll around the UAE’s largest organic farm in Al Ain and learn about traditional sustainable agriculture. Join workshops, then wind down at their greenhouse restaurant with true farm-to-table dishes and fresh-pressed juices. If you want to take it a step further, keep an eye out for their sound-healing sessions, a real break from the city’s bustle.
Where: Emirates Bio Farm, Al Ain
For details, visit emiratesbiofarm.com or call+971 56 9980334
Girl & Goose and a great deal
The UAE thrives off its diverse communities, even signature Latin churros find themselves with an Emirati twist at Girl and Goose. The perfectly crispy and fluffy dessert arrives dusted in cardamom sugar and paired with sauces with a Khaleeji twist: silky date dulce de leche and a saffron Arabic coffee ganache.
And for the all of the first week of December, the restaurant will be serving complimentary churros to all dine-in guests and Deliveroo orders. A win-win situation.
When: 1 December to 7 December
Where: All Girl & the Goose locations, dine- in and on Deliveroo
Price: Dhs41, but complimentary during offer period
Since your making plans, might as well have the whole month sorted, check out our December playbook for must-do things this month.