The UAE turns 55 on 2 December 2026. This year Eid Al Etihad celebrates the nation as a “family of families”, in line with the UAE Year of Family. The official visual identity, inspired by a family photo album, was unveiled on 8 October and the 55 day countdown is now running. Offices, shops, schools and event organisers across the Emirates are planning their decorations and gifts. This guide gives you the key dates, the flag rules and practical ideas, with links to products you can order from Al Burooj Advertising.

Key dates for UAE National Day 2026

Wednesday 2 December 2026: the 55th Eid Al Etihad.
Expected holiday: Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December. The government has not confirmed it yet, so watch for the official announcement (Khaleej Times).
Busy event season in Dubai: Big 5 Global runs 23 to 26 November, Sign and Graphic Imaging Middle East runs 7 to 9 December at Dubai World Trade Centre, and GITEX Global runs 8 to 11 December at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City (Gulf News).

Most offices and shops put their decorations up in the last week of November. Order in early November so there is time for design proofs and delivery before the rush.

This year’s theme: a family of families

The 55th celebrations focus on the families, generations and communities who built the country. You can follow the same idea at work:

Set up a photo wall at reception with old and new photos of your team, shop or neighbourhood, in the style of a family album.
Hold a staff family day with flags, scarves and a small gift for every child.
Thank the people who shaped your company with long service awards on National Day week.

UAE flag rules every business should know

The UAE flag must always be treated with respect. These points come from the official guidelines reported by Khaleej Times and Gulf News in April 2026:

Do not add a logo, emblem, picture or decorative border to the flag.
Do not use the flag for advertising, as a trademark or for any commercial purpose.
Do not print the flag on disposable items such as napkins, boxes or pillows, or on sweets and cakes.
Do not change its size ratio, shape or colours, and do not use it to cover cars, buildings or furniture.
Keep flags clean and undamaged, away from the ground, and replace any flag that is torn or faded.
When hung vertically, the red band goes at the top and the black band sits on the viewer’s left.

Insulting the flag is a crime under Federal Decree Law No. 13 of 2019, with penalties of up to 25 years in prison and a fine of AED 500,000. The simple rule for businesses: never put your logo on the UAE flag. Keep your branding on separate items, and on packaging use the national colours and a greeting such as “Happy Eid Al Etihad” instead of the flag itself.

Decoration ideas for offices and shops

Entrances and lobbies: a full size UAE flag on a pole and UAE flag bunting along the ceiling or shopfront.
Reception and meeting rooms: UAE desk flags look neat on every desk and conference table.
Photo wall: a printed backdrop or roll up from our banners and displays range for the family album photo wall.
Shopfront: if you are changing the shop sign itself, read our Dubai shop sign rules guide first. We handle the DET permit for you.

Gifts and giveaways for staff, customers and schools

UAE National Day scarves for staff, guests and school parades.
UAE flag pins for uniforms and front desk teams.
UAE hand flags for children, school events and community walks.
UAE shaped medals for National Day races, sports days and competitions.
Crystal trophies and awards for long service and employee of the year.
Custom stickers with your logo and a National Day greeting for bags and gift boxes.

Browse everything in one place in our UAE National Day collection.

Car flags and stickers: stay within the rules

Every year the police publish car decoration rules before 2 December. For the 54th Eid Al Etihad in 2025, the Ministry of Interior allowed only official National Day stickers and the UAE flag on cars. Covering the windscreen or number plates, showing unofficial posters or banners, and raising other countries’ flags were all banned, with fines and impounding for breaking the rules (Gulf News). Expect similar rules for 2026. A UAE car flag on the window is the simplest way to celebrate safely.

Corporate events in the same season

National Day falls in the middle of Dubai’s busiest exhibition months. If your team is planning a National Day majlis, an outdoor family event or a stand at Big 5 or GITEX, you can order everything together:

Event tents for outdoor celebrations and gatherings.
Printed table covers for registration desks and buffets.
Trade show displays for your exhibition stand.

Your National Day planning checklist

Decide your budget and how many staff, guests or students you are buying for.
Choose your decorations: flags, bunting, desk flags and a photo wall.
Choose gifts: scarves, pins, hand flags or medals.
Check every design against the flag rules above.
Send your logo and quantities to us by early November.
Put decorations up in the last week of November and replace any faded flag.

Frequently asked questions

When is UAE National Day 2026?

Wednesday 2 December 2026. It marks 55 years since the UAE was formed in 1971. The public holiday is expected on 2 and 3 December.

Can I print my company logo on the UAE flag?

No. Adding logos to the flag and using it for advertising are not allowed. Put your logo on scarves, stickers, banners or gift items instead.

Do you deliver National Day products outside Dubai?

Yes. Al Burooj Advertising delivers across all seven emirates and ships internationally.

Do your prices include installation?

Prices on our product pages exclude permits, approvals and installation services.

Ready to plan your Eid Al Etihad? Shop the UAE National Day collection or email your quantities and logo to hello@alburoojadvertising.com and our team will send you a quote.