The only problem with the UAE's National Day is that it does not contain enough hours for anyone to take advantage of all the special events and entertainment possibilities that crowd the calendar. At least the holiday today means that most of us can take care of our errands and clear the schedule for Friday.
As always on holidays, it's worth taking a moment to consider what we owe to police, firefighters, and others who will be working to keep the rest of us safe. For those not working, however, there's too much choice. The headline event is the big official celebration at Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi, concluding with a fireworks show, but the best-attended will likely be to watch the sea of cars clog the Corniche on Friday, a parade on four wheels. The three-day UAE ballooning championships concludes on Friday. Gulf music will be heard in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Gharbia, and Dalma Island. There's a Classic Car festival in Dubai, Rugby Sevens in Dubai, and fireworks too.
Or you might just choose to spend the holiday at home. But no matter how you ring in 40 years, there's a good chance you'll be caught up in the buzz of a nation's birthday. Enjoy.