The festive season brings with it a host of events, cultural celebrations, festivals and more. Peruse our top picks of things to do this December.
UAE National Day
🗓 December 2, 2024 📍United Arab Emirates
On December 2, the United Arab Emirates will celebrate its 53rd National Day. This historic date on the country's calendar marks the establishment of the federal unification of the seven emirates in 1971. To mark the occasion, festivities will be held across public spaces, malls and outdoor areas across each of the emirates, with fireworks shows, flag displays, parades and more.
To book your hotel in the UAE, visit rotana.com
Dubai Shopping Festival
🗓 December 6, 2024 - January 12, 2025 📍Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Get ready for unbeatable deals, endless surprises and exciting promotions with Dubai's highly anticipated retail extravaganza. Dubai Shopping Festival returns earlier this year, giving you ample time to shop for gifts this festive season. As the city's malls buzz with activity and incredible discounts, enjoy a vibrant line-up of entertainment, including daily events, fashion shows, pop-up markets, fireworks and concerts.
To book your hotel in Dubai, visit rotana.com
Arabian Days Festival
🗓 December 14 - 18, 2024 📍Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
In 2023, the UAE capital launched the Arabian Days festival at Manarat Al Saadiyat to coincide with World Arabic Language Day. Following the success of its inaugural edition, the festival returns this year for a second instalment. This immersive five-day event is designed for culture enthusiasts, offering a daily programme of concerts, film screenings, art exhibitions, literary discussions, calligraphy workshops, slam poetry and more. The entire line-up is curated to showcase the incredible creative potential and rich culture of the Arabic language.
To book your hotel in Abu Dhabi, visit rotana.com
Bahrain National Day
🗓 December 16, 2024 📍Bahrain
Although Bahrain declared independence from Britain in August 1971, the country officially recognises December 16 as its National Day. This date marks the ascension of the late Emir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa to the throne. The holiday is celebrated with grandeur across the nation, featuring fireworks, parades and grand festivities at the Bahrain International Circuit.
To book your hotel in Bahrain, visit rotana.com
Dongzhi Festival
🗓 December 21, 2024 📍China
The time-honoured tradition of celebrating the Winter Solstice in China is known as the Dongzhi Festival. It marks the shortest day and longest night in the northern hemisphere, with the return of longer daylight hours – a symbol of hope. On this day, a variety of celebrations and activities take place across the country, with locals enjoying delicacies like dumplings, wontons and rice balls. Traditional practices, such as worshipping the heavens and honouring ancestors, are also observed.
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