It usually arrives on a Sunday evening. A message from school: the National Day celebration is on Thursday, and children may come dressed in the national colours.
You read it twice. Then you look across the room at your daughter, and something in your chest goes warm. Because you remember being that child. The flag in your small hand, the anthem sung slightly too loudly, the feeling that you belonged to something much bigger than your classroom.
Now it is her turn. And this year, you get to stand beside her.
We designed one look for exactly that moment: a UAE National Day abaya for you, and a matching one for her. See the UAE National Day Abaya →
Why the flag colours still give us goosebumps
On 2 December 1971, seven emirates became one nation. The flag that rose that day was designed by a young Emirati, Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, who was only nineteen. Fifty-five years later, it still flies from every school gate, every car window and every balcony in the first week of December.
Ask an Emirati grandmother what the colours mean and she will tell you the way she was told: green for the land and its growth, white for peace and good deeds, black for strength, and red for the courage and sacrifice that built the Union. Four colours, one story.
That is why we did not want to make a costume. We wanted to make an abaya that carries that story quietly, the way pride usually does.
Four colours, one clean line
The most elegant way to wear the UAE flag is not all at once. It is a calm black base with the other three placed with care.
Our women's National Day abaya is cut from soft black Nida. A red band runs down one front edge, a green band down the other, and the cuffs are finished in crisp white. Underneath sits a white inner dress, so when the abaya falls open, all four colours of the flag meet in a single, graceful line.
It looks considered at a morning school assembly and just as right at an evening majlis. The white inner dress is included, and every piece is made to order in the UAE.
The moment she sees you match
Ask any mother what she remembers from National Day, and it is rarely the fireworks or the air show. It is her daughter's face when they walk out of the door dressed alike. The little gasp. The way she keeps looking up to check you are really wearing the same thing.
The Girls' UAE National Day Abaya is the same design in a smaller size, from 3–4 years to 11–12 years, with its own white inner dress.
Want both? The Mommy & Me National Day Abaya Set brings them together for less than buying the two separately, and you choose each size on its own.
Three small moments this abaya was made for
- The school morning. The gate is a sea of red, green, white and black. Her teacher says, "Look at you two!" and she squeezes your hand a little tighter. Keep it simple: flat shoes, hair tied back for her, a small flag pin for you. Nida is soft and light, and an open front is easy for little hands.
- The office celebration. Someone has brought luqaimat, someone else is playing the anthem from a phone, and for ten minutes the whole floor is standing. Add a slim gold bracelet or watch. The red and green bands do the talking, so keep everything else quiet.
- The family gathering. Grandparents, cousins, too much food, and the story of 1971 told one more time by the person who was there. Pair the abaya with a black sheila and gold or pearl earrings. The white cuffs catch the light beautifully indoors.
Before you take the photo
You will want this picture for years. One day she will show it to her own daughter. A few small things help:
- Find soft light. Late afternoon, or beside a large window, flatters black fabric far more than harsh midday sun.
- Stand side by side, holding hands. The red and green bands line up and the matching look reads instantly.
- Hold a flag between you. One small flag, both hands on it. It is the simplest and most moving National Day photo there is.
- Let her choose one pose. The photo where she leads is usually the one you keep.
Prefer a single flag colour?
If you would rather wear one colour and accessorise the rest, these work beautifully for Eid Al Etihad:
- Elegant Green Pleated Abaya, rich green with soft pleats; add a white sheila or a red accent.
- White Abaya with Threadwork Embroidery, fresh for daytime; pair it with a green or red sheila.
- Signature Maroon Open Abaya, deep and warm for the evening.
Or see the whole UAE National Day abaya collection in one place, and our kids abayas for little ones.
Made in the UAE, for the UAE
Every MSquare abaya is cut and stitched here in the Emirates, by people who will be standing at the same school gates and the same family tables on 2 December. When you wear one of our National Day abayas, you are wearing something made by your neighbours, for a day that belongs to all of us.
Get the size right first time
- Women's sizes are lengths: XS is 52 inches, XXL is 62 inches. Measure from the top of your shoulder to your ankle and choose the closest. Add 1–2 inches if you will wear heels.
- Girls' sizes go by age: 3–4 years (34 inches) up to 11–12 years (50 inches). Between sizes? Go one up, and it will still fit next year.
Don't leave it to the last week
School celebrations often happen a few days before 2 December, and every abaya is made to order. Delivery takes 3 to 5 days across the Emirates, so please order by 29 November. Delivery is free across the UAE, with cash on delivery, Tabby or Apple Pay.
Shop the UAE National Day collection →
Quick answers about UAE National Day abayas
When is UAE National Day 2026? Wednesday 2 December 2026. This year marks the 55th National Day, known officially as Eid Al Etihad (عيد الاتحاد). The official public holiday dates are usually announced by the government closer to the day.
What should a woman wear for UAE National Day? Anything in the four flag colours works, but a black abaya with red, green and white details is the most elegant and the most wearable afterwards.
Is the inner dress included? Yes. Each abaya comes with a white inner dress, and the Mommy & Me set includes two.
Can mother and daughter be different sizes in the set? Yes, you choose each size separately.
Can I order for a whole class or school group? Yes. Message us on WhatsApp and we will help with sizes and timing.
Can I customise the colours or add a name? Yes, through our custom abaya service. Please allow extra time before 2 December.
Fifty-five years ago, seven became one. This December, two of you will walk out of the door as one as well.
كل عام والإمارات بخير. Happy Eid Al Etihad from all of us at MSquare Fashion.