National Days in The Gulf

Winter is the Season of the National Days. December is the month with most National Days from the Gulf region.

 

The Importance of National Days

So why are National Days so important? Well, they celebrate something important in the Middle East – usually when their state was established or when they gained Independence from Europe. National Days have many beautiful traditions especially if you happen to be in one of the countries during their celebration. It starts a few days before the actual day: You will see decorations and flags go up.

You will be able to experience how the country is celebrating – this year in Saudi many buildings were lit up in green and pins were given out. They even created a special illustration that celebrated their National Day. The National days are also celebrated by giving citizens and workers extra holidays – usually between 1-2 days. On the day itself, there is pure joy in the air, and you will find many festivities such as music concerts, special food to celebrate and the evening’s fireworks and drone shows.

 

Oman

So, what is coming up? In November we will see Oman celebrating on 18th November. This date celebrates independence from Portugal’s control in 1650. This holiday is the start of a two-day break, as November 19th is also a public holiday to mark the birthday of the previous Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said al Said. He ruled for 50 years until 2020. So, if you have any customers or clients from Oman this is a great opportunity to reconnect with them by congratulating them. This can be done in form of a message, video or card digitally – this doesn’t have to be complicated and can be a picture or video on social media honouring their special day.

Your clients will appreciate this, and you have another reason to reach out – we have created some beautiful cards as part of the 2025 Planner. 

 

United Arab Emirates

Next up is the UAE. The UAE National Day is celebrated on 2nd December every year. This day marks the day when the Emirates united together at Union House to form the United Arab Emirates in 1971 – it is also known as Union Day. The idea of a united settlement in the UAE began after the British expressed their intention to withdraw from colonies of the eastern Mediterranean. A meeting was held between Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum from Dubai and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan from Abu Dhabi, who decided to unite and invited the other Gulf Emirates to come together for the union. Once the British left in 1968, the National Day celebrations began three years later in 1971

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan subsequently was the first president of the UAE until his death in 2004. 2018 was declared of the “Year of Zayed” as it marked 100 years since the birth of Sheikh Zayed. It highlighted the role of the late leader in establishing the UAE Federation and his local, regional and international achievements. Emirates are hugely proud of their country and National Day, so a greeting is a great way to stay in touch. You can find a selection of greeting cards HERE.

 

Bahrain

Also celebrating their National Day in December is Bahrain. Bahrain, also known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, celebrates its National Day on the 16th and 17th of December each year. It actually marks 2 important events in the country’s history. Bahrain gained Independence from the British on 15th August 1971. However, this is not the day the Bahrainis celebrate – they observe the National Day in December because this is the day that Sheikh Isa bin Salman Alkhalifa ascended to the throne. The natives have a deep affection for Sheikh Isa as a leader as he brought in the reforms to bring stability to Bahrain. Instead of just celebrating 1 day Bahrain actually celebrates 2 days.

So join this joyous occasion by sending your friends and client a note. We make it easy for you with cards to download HERE.

 

Qatar

The last country celebrating a National Day in December is Qatar. The celebrate on 18th December. This day is also known as Founders Day to commemorate the country’s unification in 1878 and Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani succeeded his father as the leader of the tribes of Qatar. Prior to 2007, Qatar National Day was actually celebrated on 3rd September marking the day of Qatar’s independence in 1971. This year the National Day will also coincide with the end of the World Cup, the highly anticipated event taking place from 20th November. The National Day this year again will be celebrated with fireworks, airshows and so much more.

So join in the celebrations by sending your clients a greeting – these days so many of us do this via whats app – you can download HERE.

 

Kuwait

Then we have a little bit of a break until February when Kuwait celebrates their National Day on 25th February. This holiday marks the day when Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah ascended to the throne in 1950. Normally most countries celebrate their national day on the same date they gained independence. In Kuwait, this would have meant National Day would be on June 19th, marking the date of independence in 1961. In fact, the first National Day holiday actually took place on this date in 1962. However, it was felt that the holiday should be moved due to the extreme heat in June, and so from 1963, the National Day was moved to February 25th.

There will be many celebrations again with entertainment, lots of great food and fire work displays. It will be a good idea to acknowledge these celebrations by sending a greeting. You can find cards HERE.

 

Saudi Arabia

And finally Saudi Arabia marks its National Day in September, on 23rd to be precise. It marks the day when King Abdulaziz announced the unification of the country as a kingdom. If the National Day falls on Saturday, Sunday will be a public holiday as compensation. Saudi flags will be flying high over roadways, on public and private buildings, and on automobiles, and buildings will be lit up in green across the country. Saudis are hugely proud of their Kingdom so will appreciate anyone acknowledging their special day. We make it easy for you to do this HERE.