UAE National Day is celebrated with vigor and jubilance, by both the citizens and the expats. The UAE hosts a series of different activities and festivals to capsulate the special day. However, this festive occasion and mark of pride for who helped shaped this nation, it leaves a trace of undesirability. Pollution, in all its forms, affects not only humans but also native animals, causing irreversible damage.

The United Arab Emirates was founded on 2^nd December 1971 under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who united six emirates, with Ras Al Khaimah joining the following year. From the outset, the UAE embraced a clear vision: to uplift its people and establish itself as a dynamic force in global affairs. Today, the nation boasts a GDP exceeding 500^[1] billion dollars. Having transitioned from its early reliance on fishing and pearl diving to the discovery of oil, the UAE revolutionized its economy and rose to new heights. Oil, however, is no longer its sole source of income. Leveraging its strategic location, the country has positioned itself as a global trading hub, developed one of the world’s busiest airports, and invested heavily in tourism, making it a leading destination for international visitors.

To celebrate the UAE national day without any hazard to the public and as a reminder, the Ministry of Interior provided certain guidelines.

Prohibits the following: ^[2]

1. Participating in parades or forming random gatherings
2. Obstructing traffic or blocking public roads
3. Stunt driving
4. Leaning or hanging out of windows or sunroofs
5. Overloading vehicles
6. Covering windows or concealing license plates
7. Making unauthorised modifications or creating excessive noise
8. Wearing scarves not related to Eid Al Etihad
9. Raising any flag other than the UAE flag
10. Using spray paint on vehicles
11. Playing loud music (except Eid Al Etihad-related music)

These guidelines make sure that everyone involved in the celebrations can have safe and fun experience.

Yet something very important is overlooked by the general public- making sure the streets, parks mountains, beaches remain unaffected by the celebrations. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Streets are visibly littered with confetti, spray bottles, tire marks, even the serene mountains are not spared. What defines UAE, a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern architectural phenomena, is grievously injured by something that can be effortlessly prevented- requires only mindfulness. The UAE has strict regulations for littering at any given time, and imposes hefty fines. 500 AED for not properly disposing trash, and 1000 AED for throwing trash out of moving vehicles^[3]. The fines being an immediate deterrent for such activities, yet it remains a persistent problem.

Land pollution is not the only problem during the national day celebrations. Fireworks, which are spectacle and amusement to many, is not a harmless show that disappears after a while. It has lasting and devastating consequences.

A GPS-tracking study in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands found that New Year’s Eve fireworks drove Arctic migratory geese from their roosts, and they did not return^[4]. Some birds even die due to the unexpected loud noises and lights, this may even affect their breeding patterns. Animals are not the only ones dangerously affected. Fireworks contain a series of dangerous chemicals that gravely affect human lives, causing asthma and other related terminal illnesses.

Perchlorate is a chemical used in the firework manufacturing, that propels the firework upward, and when it explodes that same obnoxious along with other chemicals, debris is scattered across the ground. This material then gets absorbed in the soil and water bodies, affecting fish development and soil fertility. Perchlorate hinders the absorption of iodine by thyroid glands, leading to development and learning disabilities in children. ^[5]

The air quality is significantly affected in the aftermath of the celebrations as noticed by the AQI reader^[6]. It was reported by the citizens that AQI had reached 300, which is a 50% increase from normal Dubai air quality during this time of the year.

The government should not be the only entity bearing the brunt of the sword. Protecting the environment is the responsibility of every resident; indeed, it is an indisputable duty with no waiver whatsoever. Where does it start? At home. It is as simple as that, and it does not have to be any more complicated. Safeguarding one’s surroundings begins with small, mindful actions. The belief that even a single plastic wrapper can have a drastic impact must be instilled in children. All one has to do is be conscious of their own choices—because individual responsibility creates a powerful, lasting chain reaction. If a bin is not nearby, put the waste in your pocket or your car and dispose of it properly later.

When it comes to fireworks, they are undeniably a source of real entertainment. Yet everything should be enjoyed in moderation, because a few moments of excitement can cause significant environmental harm. Considering our deteriorating environment, we should be the torchbearers of change, beginning from our own homes. It is said, “Be the change you want to see in this world,” so let us celebrate without harming our environment, ensuring better living conditions for ourselves and for future generations. True national pride lies not only in commemorating the UAE’s remarkable journey but also in preserving the nation’s natural and urban beauty for years to come. When every resident commits to responsible celebration and mindful environmental stewardship, National Day becomes not just a tribute to the country’s past, but a promise to protect its future.

[1] data.worldbank.org, ‘GDP (current US$) – United Arab Emirates’ (2024) https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD?locations=AE  accessed 03 December 2025

[2] Sian Traynor, ‘National Day 2025: 11 activities banned during Eid al Etihad’ (2025) https://www.timeoutdubai.com/news/eid-al-etihad-rules-dubai-2025 accessed 03 December 2025

[3]Executive Council Resolution No. (58) of 2017 Approving the Fees and Fines for Waste Disposal in the Emirate of Dubai

[4]  Jessica Han, ‘Crowd-Pleasing Fireworks Are Not So Pleasing to the Planet’ (2024) https://earth.org/environmental-impact-of-fireworks accessed on 03 December 2025

[5] WAQ. “Perchlorate Fact Sheet” (2013) https://wqa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2015_Taste-1.pdf accessed on 03 December 2025

[6] www.iqair.com, “Air Quality in Dubai” (2025) https://www.iqair.com/ae/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai accessed on 03 December 2025