Planning an Eid Al Etihad Celebration on a Yacht

Eid Al Etihad, the UAE National Day on 2 December, is a time when families, friends and colleagues come together to celebrate the union of the Emirates, formed on 2 December 1971. In 2026 the country marks its 55th National Day. If you want your celebration to feel special this year, an Eid Al Etihad yacht evening in Abu Dhabi gives your group a private space on the water, city lights all around and four relaxed hours together.

This step-by-step guide helps you plan the evening, from choosing a boat to setting the mood on board. When you are ready, you can book on our UAE National Day yacht page.

Step 1: Count Your Guests and Pick a Yacht

Start with a realistic guest list, including children. Every package is a private yacht with a fixed price per boat, so the number of guests decides the size you need. Here are the 2026 National Day packages, each for 4 hours from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM (on 2 December, fireworks night: board from 6 PM, sail from 8 PM to 10 PM):

Small gatherings

For up to 8 guests, the Panda 1 Luxury Yacht is a simple, cosy option. For around a dozen guests, look at the House Boat Luxury SNR or the Mangosta Yacht Luxury; please note the Mangosta has no alcohol on board.

Family and friends groups

Groups of 14 to 20 often choose between the 55 Ft Luxury Yacht, the Azimut Luxury Yacht, the Tecno Luxury Yacht and the Saadiyat House Boat 90 FT, depending on style and budget.

Big celebrations

For 25 guests or more, the Princess Yacht, the Lavy Luxury Yacht and the House Boat Luxury M1 and M2 (up to 35 guests each) give room for everyone. Because the price is per boat, a large group shares one fixed amount.

Step 2: Choose Your Date

Packages run on 1, 2 and 3 December 2026, and regular hourly bookings are closed on these dates. 2 December is the official National Day and is usually in high demand. 1 December works well for an early start to the long weekend, and 3 December suits groups who want a calmer evening. On 2 December the National Day fireworks in Abu Dhabi are fired from the sea at around 9 PM, so that night the plan is different: be at the marina by 6 PM, the yacht sails at 8 PM, you watch the fireworks from the water and are back at 10 PM, for the same package price. Sailing from 6 PM is possible at an extra cost – ask us on WhatsApp.

Step 3: Set the National Day Theme

A few simple touches turn a cruise into a real Eid Al Etihad celebration:

• Colours: ask guests to wear red, green, white or black, the colours of the UAE flag.
• Flags and scarves: small flags and themed scarves look great in group photos.
• Music: prepare a playlist of national songs and family favourites for the sound system.
• A moment together: plan a short toast with soft drinks, a few words about the union, or a group photo with the skyline behind you.

Celebrating with children

Children love being on the water. Plan a few simple games, bring face-paint stickers in the flag colours, and let them help choose songs. The crew will explain safety rules at boarding, and parents should keep younger children close on deck.

Celebrating with your team

For companies, a National Day yacht evening is a relaxed way to thank colleagues. Keep speeches short, share a few highlights of the year, and leave time to enjoy the view together.

Step 4: Plan Drinks and Extras

Every package includes soft drinks and water. If you would like anything extra for your group, such as a celebration cake, ask our team on WhatsApp before the day so we can tell you what is possible for your chosen yacht.

Step 5: Book and Pay

Choose your yacht and date on the National Day booking page. You can pay by card online, split the amount into 4 payments with Tabby, or pay with Tamara at online checkout.

On the Day

• On 1 and 3 December, arrive at the marina a little before 6:30 PM so you can board on time and enjoy the full 4 hours. On 2 December, be at the marina by 6 PM: the Corniche roads are packed that evening and the yacht sails at 8 PM.
• Bring a light jacket for the evening breeze.
• Your route is planned with the captain, who follows sea conditions and marine rules. On 2 December the fireworks are fired from the sea at around 9 PM and you watch them from the water.

If your guests are staying in Abu Dhabi for the Grand Prix weekend on 4 to 6 December, plan the National Day evening early so the whole week runs smoothly.

Start Planning Today

Send your guest count and preferred date to our team on WhatsApp from the National Day yacht page, and we will help you choose a boat. You can also explore the wider fleet on the Rent Yachts Abu Dhabi home page.

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