We’re commemorating the melting pot of culture and cuisines that is the United Arab Emirates this UAE National Day
The Emirates will come alive with pride and prestige on December 2nd to mark 52 years of the UAE. And with a public holiday giving the private sector a three-day weekend, residents and visitors alike won’t be stuck for things to do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this National Day weekend.
Now in our third year of life in the Emirates, team Hunter & Barrel invites you to gather at our table to pay homage to historical roots and raise a glass to endless opportunity.
What is UAE National Day?
A country where you could see a camel walk the same route as a Lamborghini, the UAE has never done things by halves. Each year, UAE National Day is celebrated in a style as grand as the Emirates’ sense of ambition, and as the UAE turns 52, you’ll see a dazzling tapestry of culture and unabashed luxury at every turn across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Every December 2nd, a shimmering kaleidoscope of red, green, white, and black – the colours of the UAE flag – takes over buildings, cars, beaches, parades, and everywhere in between, marking the historic union of the seven emirates. On this landmark day in 1971, the leaders of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Al-Ain, Sharjah, Fujairah and Umm al-Quwain came together, forging a pact to unite as a single nation, which was later joined by Ras Al Khaimah.
The union was guided by the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which is why his image is intrinsic to UAE National Day festivities.
Commemoration Day is observed on Thursday November 30th, National Day itself will fall on Saturday December 2nd, which will be followed by two days of celebration on Sunday December 3rd and Monday December 4th. This is when you’ll find revelry in every Emirate, as crowds spill on to streets, floats, people, and processions adorn the waterfront, and elaborate pyrotechnic and fireworks displays illuminate the skies across the Emirates.
Gather your tribe at Hunter & barrel
National Day is an annual reminder of what happens when communities come together. And with the UAE being a melting pot of as many cuisines as cultures, it’s no wonder Hunter & Barrel feels so at home in the thriving cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
There’s nothing that warms our hearts more at Hunter & Barrel than the sound of exceptional food shared among friends. And 2023 has proven this more than ever, with the introduction of our expanded menus.
“Our new menu retains the Hunter & Barrel ethos of classic, yet contemporary dining,” explains Chef Kamil. “Our loyal fans can still find the dishes they know and love, all centred around sharing great food with family and friends, but with some exciting new creations based on customer demand. Because we wouldn’t be Hunter & Barrel UAE without reinvention and innovation!”
