Eid Al Etihad · 55th UAE National Day
UAE National Day Boat & Yacht Packages in Abu Dhabi 2026
Yachts, speed boats and houseboats for Eid Al Etihad. On 1, 2 and 3 December 2026 each boat with a captain runs one 4-hour evening package, 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM – the whole boat is yours.
- 1, 2 & 3 December 2026
- 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- 4-hour private package
Eid Al Etihad – the day the Emirates became one
UAE National Day, known as Eid Al Etihad, is celebrated on 2 December. On that day in 1971 the Emirates came together as one federation, the United Arab Emirates. 2 December 2026 marks the 55th National Day.
Across Abu Dhabi the celebrations bring flags in green, white, black and red, lit-up buildings along the waterfront and fireworks in the evening. Watching the illuminated skyline from a private boat, away from the traffic on land, is a relaxed way to spend the night with family and friends.
- Date
- 2 December – a Wednesday in 2026
- Since
- 2 December 1971, the union of the Emirates
- 2026
- The 55th National Day
- Colours
- Green, white, black and red
The National Day package
On 1, 2 and 3 December 2026 regular hourly bookings are closed. Each boat runs one fixed package per evening, and the price is simply 8 times its regular hourly rate (the double rate for 4 hours) for the whole boat, not per person.
- Dates1, 2 or 3 December 2026
- Time6:30 PM to 10:30 PM, a fixed 4 hours
- Price8 × the regular hourly price, for the whole boat
- One groupOne booking per boat per evening
- IncludedCaptain & crew, soft drinks, water and speakers
Self-drive boats are not offered on the evenings of 1–3 December: every National Day package comes with a captain.
Packages and prices
Each price is worked out from the boat’s regular hourly rate. Fully booked boats stay fully booked.
Wave Rider
Reef Runner 34
Sand Dollar
Floating Villa
Mirage Houseboat
Dune Houseboat
Tide Cruiser
Saffron Houseboat
Gulf Star 55
How to book
- ChoosePick your boat and your evening: 1, 2 or 3 December.
- Message usSend the WhatsApp message and we confirm availability for that evening.
- ConfirmPay by card through a secure link, or split it into 4 payments with Tabby or Tamara.
About the fireworks
Fireworks times and locations are announced each year in late November. In recent years Abu Dhabi held shows at around 9 PM at the Corniche, around 9:15 PM near Emirates Palace and around 9 PM at Yas Bay on 2 and 3 December. Your 6:30–10:30 PM cruise covers that part of the evening, but we cannot promise a show, a time or a viewing spot – the captain follows the routes that are open and safe on the night.
National Day questions
When is UAE National Day 2026?
Eid Al Etihad falls on Wednesday 2 December 2026, the 55th National Day. Our National Day packages run on the evenings of 1, 2 and 3 December 2026, from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
How much does the National Day package cost?
The package price is 8 times the boat’s regular hourly price – the double rate for 4 hours – for the whole boat, not per person. Packages start from AED 3,200 on the Wave Rider.
Can we book a regular hourly trip on 1–3 December?
No. On 1, 2 and 3 December regular bookings are closed and each boat takes one group per evening for the 4-hour package. Regular hourly bookings return from 4 December 2026.
How many guests can join?
Depending on the boat, from 8 up to 20 guests. Each package card shows the limit for that boat.
Will we see the fireworks from the boat?
Fireworks times and spots are announced in late November each year, so we cannot promise a show, a time or a viewing point. The 6:30–10:30 PM window covers the evening hours when shows took place in recent years, and the captain plans the route on the night.
What is included?
A private boat for your group, captain and crew, soft drinks and water, and speakers for your music. Drinks on board are soft drinks and water. Ask us on WhatsApp about extras.
How do we book and pay?
Send us a WhatsApp message with the boat and the evening you want. We confirm availability, then send a secure payment link – pay by card or in 4 payments with Tabby or Tamara. Every guest needs an original passport or Emirates ID.
Can we take a self-drive boat on National Day?
No. Self-drive boats are not offered on 1, 2 and 3 December. Choose a yacht, speed boat or houseboat with a captain instead.
Celebrate Eid Al Etihad on the water
Each boat takes one group per evening, so send us your date early.
