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5 National Day weekend destinations

Celebrate the heritage of the UAE at these cultural sites and institutions.

joanne molina29 | 11 | 2018

Fun for the whole family, The Founder’s Memorial is a permanent national tribute designed by dpa lighting dedicated to commemorating the life, legacy and values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. Using art, nature and multimedia experiences, it offers visitors a range of personal encounters with the late Sheikh Zayed as a man and as a leader, enabling people to gain a deeper understanding of his vast influence on the UAE and the wider world. And, of course, The Constellation is the perfect place to start your Instagram story about your visit. www.thefoundersmemorial.ae Photo: Alex Jeffries Photography Group

Having opened at the start of this year, The Dubai Frame or ‘Berwaz Dubai’, is one of the latest architectural landmarks in the city. Designed by Fernando Donis with a layer of golden cladding metal, Dubai Frame consists of two 150-metre transparent glass towers that are connected by a 93-metre bridge at the top, with the space between the two towers offering a spectacular view of the city from a high altitude. On one side, the structure frames the images and iconic buildings of Sheikh Zayed Road to symbolize the modern transformation of Dubai, while the other side narrates the story of the city’s origins through the districts of Deira, Umm Hurair and Karama, which represent Old Dubai.
www.dubaiframe.ae

The Etihad Museum, designed by Moriyama & Teshima, is a contemporary institution designed to focus on inspiring its visitors with the story of the founding of the UAE. The 25,000 m2 landmark is befittingly located at the very place where the UAE was founded in 1971. Through a unique visitor journey, the various pavilions house experience-driven exhibitions, interactive programmes and education initiatives that explore the chronology of events that culminated in the unification of the Emirates in 1971. https://etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.gov.ae

Head to the Meliha Archeological Centre, designed by Dabbagh architects, for an exciting adventure. Delve deep into the deserts of Sharjah and uncover the secrets of the region’s ancient Bedouin culture through exhilarating educational and recreational activities, as well as breath-taking natural landscapes. www.discovermleiha.ae/

Built on the shores of Dubai's historic creek, Al Seef is a family-friendly hot-spot where you can explore, shop, dine, relax, and stay. From exploring an authentic Emirati souk to regionally-inspired fare, its easy to linger. For a nautical journey, try Bateaux Dubai. It offers plush food-and-drink packages that allow you and your favourite people to sample gourmet fare while sailing along Dubai Creek taking in stunning views of the city. For an inspired stay try the Al Seef Jumeriah hotel.
www.alseef.ae

With life’s fast pace it’s easy to take the beauty around you for granted. So to celebrate National Day, why not explore the region’s history with a trip or two to local cultural institutions and monuments. Designed to embrace the past, present and future, they each have a special way of saluting the people and projects that have made the UAE a top global destination. Head to their sites to explore special weekend events.

National Day UAE