When is UAE National Day 2026?
UAE National Day, also called Eid Al Etihad, is on Wednesday 2 December 2026. It marks the union of the Emirates on 2 December 1971, so 2026 is the 55th National Day. Most schools and nurseries in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah hold their celebrations in the last week of November or on the last school day before the holiday, which is why parents start shopping in early November.
National Day outfit ideas by age
| Age | What works best | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 years | Flag-colour tutu dress or a soft sequin skirt with a ribbon clip | Light, easy to move in, photographs beautifully |
| 4–8 years | Tulle or satin flag dress, tricolour sequin dress | Holds up through a school march, songs and games |
| 9–14 years | Longer pleated satin dress or a flag gown | Older girls prefer longer, more grown-up styles |
| Boys, all ages | Flag T-shirt, or a kandura with ghutra | Easy for sports-day style celebrations; kandura for traditional events |
Popular National Day dresses this year
UAE National Dress Aya Collection – ShortAges 11-12 Years – 9-10 Years
UAE National Day Celebration Flutter-Sleeve Tutu DressAges 2-3 Years – 9-10 Years
National Day Flag Ribbon Waist Pleated Satin Party DressAges 11-12 Years – 9-10 Years
National Day Shimmer Bodice Tricolor Satin Party DressAges 1-2 Years – 9-10 Years
Sparkling UAE Flag-Inspired SkirtAges 1 Year – 8 Years
UAE Flag Tulle GownAges 1 Year – 8 Year
UAE National Colors Sequin DressAges 1 Year – 8 YearsUAE National Day Celebration Flutter-Sleeve Tutu DressAges 2-3 Years – 9-10 YearsSee all UAE National Day dresses →
Traditional or modern? The UAE national attire for kids
The UAE national attire for boys is the kandura, a long white robe, often worn with a ghutra headscarf. For girls, traditional outfits are a jalabiya, kaftan or long embroidered dress, sometimes with a light shayla. Many families now mix both: a jalabiya with a flag-colour sash, or a modern flag dress for the class party and a traditional outfit for family visits. If your child’s school celebrates Heritage Day, a girls’ jalabiya covers that event, and a flag bow or clip turns it into a National Day look.
Finishing touches
- Hair accessories: a flag ribbon bow or hair clip in red, green, white and black completes the look — see National Day accessories.
- Shoes: closed, comfortable shoes in white, black or metallic; most events involve walking or dancing. Browse girls’ party shoes.
- Boys: a UAE flag T-shirt with white or khaki trousers is simple and school-friendly.
Sizing, delivery and exchanges
Choose by age; if your child is between sizes, take the larger one — every product page shows a size chart as the last photo. We deliver across the UAE in 1–3 days, free on orders over AED 250, or you can choose free pickup from our Al Quoz, Dubai warehouse at checkout. Sizes can be exchanged within 7 days. To be safe for school events, order by 28 November.
Questions parents ask
How should my child dress for UAE National Day?
Choose the flag colours — red, green, white and black. For girls, a flag-colour party dress, tutu or satin dress with a matching hair bow is the most popular choice at school celebrations; boys usually wear a flag T-shirt or a kandura. Comfortable shoes matter because most events include a march, dancing or games.
What is the national attire of the UAE for kids?
For boys it is the kandura (a long white robe), often with a ghutra headscarf. For girls it is a traditional jalabiya, kaftan or long embroidered dress, sometimes with a light shayla scarf. Many families mix tradition with the flag colours, for example a jalabiya with a flag sash or ribbon.
What can a child wear for Heritage Day at school?
Heritage Day outfits lean traditional: a kandura for boys and a jalabiya, kaftan or long embroidered dress for girls. If the school also celebrates National Day the same week, a flag-colour accessory (bow, clip or sash) lets the same outfit work for both.
When should I order a National Day dress in Dubai?
School celebrations usually happen in the last week of November or just before 2 December, so order by 28 November to have the dress in time. D'Daniela delivers across the UAE in 1–3 days, or you can collect from our Al Quoz warehouse.
Which size should I choose?
Follow your child's age, for example 5–6 years. If your child is between two sizes, choose the larger one; every product page has a size chart as the last photo, and you can exchange the size within 7 days.
