UAE releases rules for Eid al-Etihad celebrations

The Ministry of Interior has detailed certain rules for celebrants of the 53rd Eid al-Etihad, which is set to be marked on December 2. 

Those marking the occasion should avoid participating in marches, ensure your vehicle’s front and rear license plates remain visible, and ensure roads are not blocked for emergency vehicles, according to the authority. 

The Ministry added several other directives must be followed:

- Unauthorised modifications to the vehicles or adding unlicensed features that cause noise or obstruct vision should be avoided. 

- Drivers should not obstruct traffic or block roads for emergency vehicles (ambulance, civil defense, police patrols).

- Participants should only wear scarves specifically designed for Eid al-Etihad celebrations.

- Only the UAE should be raised; flags of other countries are not permitted. 

- Songs and chants should only be related to Eid al-Etihad celebrations. 

- Decoration shops and drivers are prohibited from displaying stickers or flags other than the UAE flag or related stickers. 

The official holiday for this year's National Day, recently renamed Eid al-Etihad, will be on December 2 and 3, making it a four-day weekend. 

Eid al-Etihad is celebrated annually on December 2 to commemorate the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. 

The country observes nationwide celebrations to mark the occasion with fireworks, car rallies, air shows, and the UAE flag displayed in most places.