Eid Al Etihad: Celebrating UAE National Day with Food, Family & Flavours.

Every year, on December 2, the United Arab Emirates lights up in the colours of the flag – red, green, white, and black – to celebrate Eid Al Etihad, also known as UAE National Day. It’s more than just a public holiday; it’s a beautiful blend of patriotism, culture, heritage, and of course, delicious food.

For us at Pungus Kitchen, Eid Al Etihad is the perfect time to honour the country we call home, celebrate its rich traditions, and bring people together around the dining table.

What is Eid Al Etihad?

“Eid Al Etihad” translates to “Festival of the Union.”
It marks the historic unification of the seven Emirates in 1971, forming the UAE as we know it today. It’s a day to celebrate:

• The unity of the Emirates

• The visionary leadership of the nation

• The cultural diversity that makes UAE unique

• The spirit of togetherness shared by Emiratis and expatriates

From flag-raising ceremonies and fireworks to cultural shows and traditional performances, the entire country transforms into a festive celebration of pride and gratitude.

The Heart of Any Celebration: Food

No celebration in the UAE is complete without good food. Eid Al Etihad brings families, friends, and neighbours together to share meals that reflect both Emirati heritage and the multicultural flavours of the country.

Some dishes you’ll often find on tables during this time include:

At Pungus Kitchen, we love to add our own twist to celebrations with recipes inspired by both Middle Eastern flavours and Indian home-style cooking, creating menus that feel festive, familiar, and full of comfort.

Celebrating Eid Al Etihad at Home

Whether you’re an Emirati, an expat who has made UAE your home, or a guest visiting during this special time, you can make Eid Al Etihad extra special with a thoughtful home celebration.

Here are a few simple ideas for celebrating at home. You can cook a UAE-inspired feast by planning a menu that includes at least one traditional Emirati dish along with your family favourites. Think of a rich rice dish as the centrepiece, paired with a comforting curry or stew, a grilled starter or appetizer, and a sweet dessert flavoured with dates, saffron, or cardamom. You can explore our recipes on punguskitchen.com to mix and match dishes that suit your taste and time.

You can also have some fun by using the colours of the UAE flag in your food. Add green through herbs, pistachios, green chutney, or fresh salads; bring in white with fluffy rice, yogurt-based dips, or coconut desserts; use red ingredients like tomatoes, pomegranate, and red chutneys or sauces; and introduce a touch of black with black sesame, black olives, or glossy dates on the table. Even a simple rice dish, salad, or dessert platter can feel festive when styled in the colours of the flag.

Finally, set a cosy, patriotic table to complete the celebration. Use small UAE flags, candles, or fairy lights to create a warm glow, and serve your food in shared platters to encourage family-style eating. Add a few traditional touches such as Arabic coffee cups or a tray of dates to honour local customs. The setup doesn’t have to be fancy or perfect – the real spirit of Eid Al Etihad is in the warmth, togetherness, and gratitude you share with the people around you.

A Day to Appreciate the UAE

Eid Al Etihad is a beautiful reminder to pause and appreciate all that the UAE offers. It is a place of safety and stability, providing opportunities for people from all over the world to live, work, and thrive. The country beautifully blends tradition with modern life, and its culinary diversity allows you to enjoy flavours from almost every corner of the globe. For many of us who live here, the UAE is not just a place to work – it is truly home. And home is where we cook, share, and eat together with the people we love.

How Pungus Kitchen Celebrates

At Pungus Kitchen, every festival is an opportunity to share easy, practical recipes that fit into real life, inspire home cooks to try something new, and celebrate cultures through flavours. This Eid Al Etihad, we encourage you to cook at least one special dish for your loved ones, invite a friend, neighbour, or colleague to share your meal, and use food as a way to express gratitude to this beautiful country.

Wishing You a Joyful Eid Al Etihad

As the UAE sky lights up with fireworks and the streets glow with flags and colours, may your home be filled with the aromas of good food, the laughter of loved ones, and the warmth, peace, and gratitude that make celebrations so memorable. From all of us at Pungus Kitchen – Happy Eid Al Etihad! May this day bring unity to your home, happiness to your heart, and delicious food to your table.

On this joyous occasion of Eid Al Etihad, we extend our heartfelt wishes to the United Arab Emirates, its leaders, and its people. May the nation continue to prosper, and may unity, peace, and happiness fill every home. 🇦🇪