Sharjah Celebrates the 54th Eid Al Etihad (Union Day) with Family-Friendly Festivities

Sharjah is preparing to mark the 54th Eid Al Etihad with a line-up that feels less like a programme and more like a city-wide embrace. From 19 November to 2 December 2025, parks and gardens across the emirate will become open-air stages for heritage, community, and collective pride—an approach that captures Sharjah’s steady commitment to nurturing social connection alongside cultural identity.

The festivities begin at Al Suyouh Families Park, setting the tone for what is essentially a month-long symphony of neighbourhood life. The atmosphere is designed to feel grounded and familiar: families gathering under shaded pathways, children racing between activities, elders sharing stories, and the subtle hum of national spirit running through it all.

Sharjah National Park takes on the role of daily host, welcoming visitors each afternoon with Emirati flags, folk performances, and interactive competitions that draw both young and old into the celebration. The park’s integration of the “Year of Community” initiative adds depth to the schedule, with daily discussion sessions led by notable community voices. These conversations are meant to strengthen family ties, encourage cooperation, and offer meaningful reflections on belonging—an element that gives the celebrations a thoughtful layer beyond entertainment.

Children get their own world of creativity, from drawing and colouring tables to educational experiences and cultural performances. In a nod to the present day, the park also introduces AI drawing stations, weaving modern technology into traditional festivities in a way that sparks curiosity without overshadowing heritage.

Al Suyouh Family Park, known for its community-centred approach, will host one of the most diverse programmes. The celebrations here unfold across interactive workshops, folk shows, theatrical and visual performances, and evening laser displays. What stands out is the variety of hands-on sessions: artisans crafting, falconers demonstrating centuries-old traditions, and traditional coffee makers offering live presentations.

The workshops widen into themes of sustainability, engineering, and public health.

Children can try agricultural activities, explore the “Little Engineer” programme, learn about food safety, or take part in heritage-inspired crafts—pottery, doll making, glass painting, stone art, national attire workshops, and more. By blending knowledge and culture, Al Suyouh becomes an educational hub wrapped in a festive setting.

Kshisha Park joins the roster as an additional space to welcome the growing number of families who look forward to these celebrations each year. From traditional performances to community discussions, children’s activities, and laser shows, the park offers a vibrant yet relaxed setting for neighbourhood gatherings.

Al Rifa’a Park in Mughaider Suburb takes on a more intimate, two-day celebration on 21 and 22 November. The schedule opens with a bicycle parade and a neighbourhood walk, both highlighting the suburb’s connection to its landscape and community. A guided tour, local vendors, folk shows, and family competitions anchor the first day, while the second day introduces the K9 unit from Sharjah Police—always a highlight for children—along with a “Best Costume” showcase and creative entertainment. The spirit here is unmistakably local, shaped by residents who take pride in celebrating together.

Across all parks, the celebrations share a common thread: reaffirming the meaning of Union Day by bringing people into shared spaces where heritage, learning, and joy coexist. These gatherings become more than seasonal events—they act as markers of unity, carrying forward stories of the nation’s past while nurturing a sense of belonging in the present.