The UAE National Day holiday, Eid Al Etihad, is listed for Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026, and for many people it becomes a longer break away from the city. Al Qudra is one of the places they head for. This guide covers what to expect, when to arrive, the camping rules we publish, the kits you can pre-order from Zad and a short note on flags and decorations.
Valid for 2026 — updated 1 Nov 2026. Holiday dates are as listed by Gulf News and may be moved by the authorities. Check the official announcement, and follow posted signs on the day.
The one-line answer: arrive early, keep fires on a stand and away from the water, take everything home, and pre-order your kit the day before so it is bagged when you pull in.
1. The dates, and what that means for crowds
Gulf News lists National Day (Eid Al Etihad) on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026 (Gulf News), but says the dates should not be treated as confirmed until the relevant government departments decide, and that the holiday can be moved to the start or end of the week. Many people stretch the break with annual leave. Because the final dates are not confirmed, we do not promise a long weekend.
Our best time to visit guide already notes that public holidays and National Day are typically busier at Al Qudra. Expect more cars on the track, fuller parking, more noise and more people at the water, which is also hard on the birds. December is otherwise a lovely month, with a city average high of about 26°C.
2. Arrive early, and plan the day around the sun
- Arrive early: sunrise on the 15th of December is about 06:56 and sunset about 17:31, from our sunrise and sunset guide. Aim to be parked and set up well before sunset so you are not setting up in the dark.
- Buy at the Last Exit: there are no shops at the lakes or in the dunes, and Zad is open 24/7, even in the early hours.
- Pre-order the day before: on public holidays, message us the day before, as in the outings FAQ. A few hours is usually enough on a normal day.
- Pick your spot with care: read the rules below first. Our day trip itinerary and camping checklist help with the planning.
3. The camping rules, in plain words
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules can change, so follow posted signs and Dubai Municipality guidance, and read our full camping rules and permits guide. Zad is a shop, not a regulator. We cannot give legal advice or confirm a permit for you. For a definite answer, contact Dubai Municipality (nrs@dm.gov.ae, info@dm.gov.ae or 800 900) before you go.
- BBQ on a stand or in a fire pit, never straight on the sand.
- Camping and fires at the lake edge are restricted. Follow the municipality signs and set up away from the water. The safest reading is: do not camp overnight at the lake edge, and do not light anything on the sand.
- Bag every bit of rubbish and take it home. Littering fines in Dubai start at AED 500.
- Leave the ghaf trees alone. Cutting or burning them carries heavy fines. Bring firewood instead (we have plenty).
- Keep fires small, watched and well away from tents. Soak the embers and stir until cold.
- Drones: Drone rules in Dubai are strict and have changed over time, so check current official guidance first. If in doubt, leave the drone at home.
- Noise: keep music low. Sound carries over water and across open desert.
4. Kits to pre-order from Zad
These are the ready-to-go kits listed on our outings page. Prices are indicative and may vary, and every item is also sold separately.
| Kit | What is in it | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Campfire Night Kit (up to 6) | Large bundle of firewood, fire-starter cubes, a bag of ice, 6 hot karak to go | AED 129 |
| Lake BBQ Box (4 to 6) | Foldable BBQ grill, 3 kg charcoal, fire-starter gel, BBQ tongs, 2 bags of ice | AED 125 |
| BBQ Refill (bring your own grill) | 4 kg charcoal, fire-starter gel, a bag of ice | AED 65 |
| Camp Night for Two | 2-person tent, 2 picnic chairs, LED lantern, medium firewood, fire-starter cubes, a bag of ice. You keep all the gear. | from AED 289 |
| Lake Picnic Box (for 4) | 4 chicken wraps, 2 x 1.5 L water, 4 London Dairy ice creams, a bag of ice, beach mat | AED 199 |
Message the store on WhatsApp +971 50 502 5856 with your date, group size and pickup time. For groups and team outings, use +971 55 566 6037.
5. Flags and decorations: a respectful note
National Day is a time of pride, and many families like to bring flags and a festive touch. We are a shop, not a regulator, and we have not verified any official rules on flags, vehicle decoration or gatherings, so we will not make claims about them. Check the official announcements. As a matter of courtesy, never fix anything to a tree, keep decorations secured against the wind, treat the flag with respect and take every piece home with you.
6. Weather
December is comfortable all day, with a city average high of about 26°C according to our month-by-month table. Mornings and nights are cool, so bring a jumper after sunset. Rain, when it comes, clusters between about December and March as short showers, so keep out of wadis and low ground when rain is forecast. Fog can form overnight and early in the morning, so drive slowly if you arrive before dawn.
Frequently asked questions
When is UAE National Day 2026?
Will Al Qudra be crowded over National Day?
Can we camp overnight at the Al Qudra lakes?
Which kits can I pre-order from Zad?
Can I decorate my campsite with flags?
Is Zad open on the holiday?
Stop at Zad on your way
Over the holiday, make Zad your first stop. We are open 24/7 at the Last Exit on Al Qudra Road, Seih Al Salam, with free parking right outside and coffee, ice, water and firewood ready at any hour.
Zad Food Store is open 24/7 at the Last Exit, Al Qudra Road (Seih Al Salam), Dubai, the last stop before the desert since 2013.