Ahead of the UAE’s 55th National Day on December 2, organisers are turning to the country’s residents to help design this year’s Eid Al Etihad celebrations. A touring series of community workshops will roll out across all seven emirates, inviting people to share the stories, memories and experiences that reflect what it means to call the UAE home.
UAE Invites Communities To Help Shape This Year’s Eid Al Etihad Celebrations
The initiative centres on storytelling and creative exploration, giving participants a chance to contribute ideas that will directly inform this year’s festivities. Rather than simply attending a celebration designed for them, residents are being asked to help build it, ensuring the final programme reflects the diversity of people and perspectives that make up the nation.
Workshop Schedule Across The Emirates
Eight workshops will be held over 15 days, starting in Fujairah, including Qidfa, on September 10 and 11. From there, the tour moves to Ras Al Khaimah on September 12, Sharjah on September 13, Ajman on September 14, and Umm Al Quwain on September 15. It then heads to Dubai for two days on September 18 and 19, Al Ain on September 20 and 21, before wrapping up in Abu Dhabi on September 23 and 24.
A Shared Celebration
Eisa Alsubousi, Director of Strategic and Creative Affairs of the Eid Al Etihad Team, said the celebration belongs to everyone and that communities should have a role in shaping how it’s marked. He described the workshops as a way of bringing people together to share ideas, get creative and contribute in their own way, adding that it’s ultimately about coming together, listening to one another, and seeing what can be created when the country celebrates as one. He also noted that the team is looking forward to seeing what ideas and creations emerge from the sessions, with plans to fold them into this year’s celebration.
How To Take Part
Those interested in taking part can register through the official Eid Al Etihad website, and organisers are encouraging people to pass the sign-up link along to friends, neighbours and community groups so as many voices as possible are included.
Also Read: Emirates Celebrates 54th Eid Al Etihad With Traditional Treats And More!
Building On Past Years
The workshops build on previous years’ efforts to widen public participation in National Day festivities, following initiatives such as open calls for community-designed merchandise and neighbourhood-based Celebration Guides. This year’s push, however, goes a step further by placing residents’ personal stories at the very heart of the programme itself, ahead of celebrations that will once again unite all seven emirates under a shared sense of belonging and pride.
Cover Image Courtesy: Eid Al Etihad/Website
FAQs
Who can participate in the workshops?
Communities and people who call the UAE home are encouraged to participate.
When will the workshops take place?
The workshops will run from September 10 to 24, 2026, across the seven emirates.
What are the Eid Al Etihad Workshops?
They are community gatherings where residents can share stories, ideas and creative contributions.
