Every year it’s the same story. Around the third week of November, offices across Dubai realise National Day is close, and everyone starts ordering flags, backdrops and giveaways in the same week. The printers who can still take new work fill up fast, and the things people wanted most end up being the hardest to get in time.
Eid Al Etihad on 2 December 2026 is the UAE’s 55th National Day. If your company is marking it with a lobby display, an office event or a gift for staff and clients, here’s what to print and when to sort it out.
Start with the dates, not the designs
There are two dates to plan around, not one. Flag Day falls in early November, when offices raise the flag on their buildings. Then comes 2 December itself, and most companies hold their celebrations in the days just before it.
Work backwards from those dates:
- Mid-October to early November: decide what you need, and get the flags you want up for Flag Day.
- First half of November: final artwork and quantities for giveaways, backdrops and decor. Approve proofs quickly, because changes made later cost you days.
- Last two weeks of November: delivery and installation. Don’t leave anything new to order here if you can help it.
Turnaround depends on the product and the quantity. When you ask for a quote, also ask for a confirmed delivery date, and plan around that rather than a guess.
1. Flags
Flags are the first thing people think of and usually the first to sell out. Decide where they’ll go before you order.
- Hoisting flags or pole flags for the building or the entrance.
- Table flags for reception desks and meeting rooms. A premium table flag set with the UAE flag next to your company flag looks smart on a director’s desk.
- Hand flags for staff photos, school events and parades.
- Car window flags for company vehicles.
Treat the national flag with respect. Keep its colours and proportions correct, and don’t put your logo or any text on the flag itself. If you want branding, put it on something else next to it. See all our national flags.
2. Office decor
You don’t need much to make an office feel festive. A few well-placed pieces work better than covering every wall.
- Window graphics in red, green, white and black on the entrance glass. Ask for removable vinyl so it comes off cleanly in December.
- Posters for the lobby, pantry and lift lobby, with a short message from the company.
- Table covers and table tent cards if you’re hosting breakfast or lunch.
Check with building management before anything goes on shared areas or exterior glass. Some towers have rules about what tenants can put up.
3. Event backdrops
If you’re holding a celebration, the backdrop is where every photo gets taken. Those photos end up on LinkedIn and Instagram, so it’s worth getting right.
- A National Day backdrop or a photo booth backdrop with the date and a simple greeting.
- A step-and-repeat backdrop if you want your logo in every shot.
- A pop-up backdrop if you’ll use it again for other events in the year.
Keep the design simple. Big text, the flag colours and plenty of empty space photograph better than a busy layout. Measure the wall or space first, and leave room for people to stand in front of it.
4. Branded giveaways
Staff and clients appreciate a small gift, but only if it’s something they’ll actually use. These are popular choices:
- Scarves and caps in the flag colours, worn on the day.
- Event T-shirts for team photos.
- Badges, lapel pins and wristbands if you’re giving something to a large group.
- Mugs, pens and tote bags that stay useful long after the day.
For clients or senior staff, a National Day gift set in a branded box with a greeting card goes a long way. Clothing comes in sizes, so collect sizes from your team before you order.
Before you send the order
Have these ready and the whole thing moves much faster:
- Your logo as a vector file (AI, PDF or SVG).
- Quantities for each item, plus sizes for T-shirts and caps.
- The wall or window measurements for backdrops and graphics.
- The date you need it by, and the address.
Delivery is free anywhere in Dubai. Send us your list on WhatsApp or through the quote form, and we’ll quote it all together and confirm delivery dates before you commit. If you’re also planning New Year gifts or calendars, ask about those at the same time.
