Dubai Airports Celebrates UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad with Freej Experience at DXB

Published on December 2, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Dubai Airports brought the traditional Emirati Freej to life at Dubai International (DXB) to celebrate the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad. The immersive event took place at Terminal 3, honouring the values of unity and community that define the UAE’s cultural heritage. Inspired by the Freej, the heart of early Emirati communities, the celebration transported visitors back in time to experience the warmth, hospitality, and togetherness that have shaped Emirati life for generations. This vibrant showcase of tradition highlighted the UAE’s “Year of Community” and captured the essence of the nation’s past.

Celebrating UAE’s Heritage at Dubai Airports

Dubai Airports celebrated the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad in an exceptional way. The event at Dubai International (DXB) embraced the country’s rich history and culture, presenting an experience centred on the traditional Emirati Freej. A Freej, or neighbourhood, was once the heart of community life in the UAE, where families and neighbours gathered to socialise and celebrate. This vibrant celebration, held in Terminal 3, invited Dubai Airports employees, visitors, and the oneDXB community to experience how Emirati families once lived, worked, and connected with each other in their daily lives.

The event was held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who is the President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Emirates Airline Group, and Chairman of Dubai Airports. It also highlighted the legacy of the UAE’s founding fathers, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, whose vision of unity, compassion, and progress continues to inspire the spirit of the nation and its people. This powerful event brought together the past and present, connecting Dubai’s modern-day airport with its deep-rooted cultural traditions.

Reviving the Freej Experience at DXB

The event’s standout feature was the recreation of the Emirati Freej, an authentic representation of traditional neighbourhood life. Dubai Airports aimed to give visitors a taste of history by bringing the sights, sounds, and experiences of the Freej to the terminal. Attendees could explore winding sikkas (narrow alleyways) and vibrant corners that embodied the communal lifestyle of early Emirati families. This immersive journey into the past included live performances of Al-Ayala, Al-Liwa, and Al-Habban, popular Emirati dances that evoke feelings of unity and celebration.

The Freej experience was not just a celebration of tradition, but a reflection of the UAE’s community values. The event reminded visitors of the importance of togetherness, kindness, and generosity, values that have long been central to Emirati culture. By engaging employees, visitors, and guests in this cultural experience, Dubai Airports helped them connect with the nation’s heritage and understand the deeper meaning behind the Eid Al Etihad celebrations.

Traditional Performances and Interactive Cultural Zones

Throughout the celebration, Dubai Airports showcased a wide range of traditional Emirati performances, adding to the immersive experience. These performances included the energetic Al-Ayala dance, the rhythmic Al-Liwa, and the soulful Al-Habban. Each dance told a unique story of the UAE’s past, reflecting the country’s vibrant culture and the unity of its people. These performances offered both an entertaining and educational experience for those unfamiliar with Emirati traditions, helping them to better understand the country’s history and values.

In addition to the stage performances, attendees could visit various cultural zones, each representing a different aspect of traditional Emirati life. A traditional market offered visitors the chance to browse handmade crafts and local products, while Dubai Duty Free recreated a nostalgic display of vintage merchandise, offering a glimpse into the airport’s early days. Another cultural zone showcased the role of national service entities in safeguarding the community, highlighting the importance of police forces and customs officers in the UAE’s history.

A Tribute to the Founding Fathers and Their Vision

The event paid homage to the UAE’s founding fathers, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, whose vision of unity, compassion, and progress continues to shape the country’s development. The Freej experience, with its emphasis on community and togetherness, honoured their enduring legacy and reflected their belief in the power of unity. In a time when the UAE is known for its modernity and progress, events like this serve as an important reminder of the deep cultural roots that continue to influence the nation’s identity.

His Excellency Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO of Dubai Airports, underscored the significance of the event. He explained that Eid Al Etihad is a celebration of the values of unity, pride, and community, which are at the heart of the Emirati way of life. Through this event, Dubai Airports not only celebrated the UAE’s history but also reinforced the spirit of togetherness that continues to define the nation today.

Exploring the Heritage of Emirati Life

One of the highlights of the event was the series of interactive cultural zones designed to give attendees an authentic taste of Emirati life. These zones brought to life different aspects of traditional community life, such as the historic role of customs officers and the police in ensuring safety and security. A special bridal room featured a traditional Emirati bridal experience, giving visitors the chance to see a performance that highlighted the beauty and significance of Emirati wedding customs.

The event also featured a heritage-inspired hospital zone, which illustrated early healthcare practices in the UAE. Visitors could learn about the evolution of healthcare in the country, gaining a deeper understanding of how far the UAE has come in terms of medical care and infrastructure. These zones were carefully curated to offer attendees a multi-sensory experience that helped them engage with Emirati culture on a deeper level.

Dubai Airports’ celebration of the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad was a powerful tribute to the nation’s rich cultural heritage and the values of unity, belonging, and togetherness that define Emirati life. The Freej experience at DXB provided a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with the past and understand the importance of community in the UAE’s development. Through traditional performances, interactive cultural zones, and displays of Emirati craftsmanship, the event brought to life the spirit of the UAE’s founding fathers, making it an unforgettable experience for all who attended.