Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th each year, is a cultural and religious holiday originating from Ireland. It commemorates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.
Over time, it has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture, with festivities involving parades, wearing of green attire, public parties, and the lifting of Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking.
Event and Parade Table
| Event Name | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Dubai Marina | March 17, 2024 | 10:00 AM |
| Irish Dance Performance | Mall of the Emirates, Dubai | March 17, 2024 | 2:00 PM |
| St. Patrick’s Day Gala | Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai | March 17, 2024 | 7:00 PM |
| St. Patrick’s Day Special Menu | McGettigan’s Pub, Abu Dhabi | March 17-20, 2024 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| St. Patrick’s Day Family Fun Day | Irish Village, Dubai | March 18, 2024 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Event Details
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Dubai Marina is a sight to behold. The parade features a procession of floats, marching bands, and performers dressed in green, the color associated with St. Patrick’s Day.
The parade route is lined with spectators, all eager to join in the festive spirit. The parade starts at 10:00 AM, so be sure to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Irish Dance Performance
At the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, an Irish Dance Performance is scheduled at 2:00 PM. This event showcases traditional Irish dance, complete with lively music and intricate footwork. The performance is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Irish culture.
St. Patrick’s Day Gala
The St. Patrick’s Day Gala at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, is an evening event starting at 7:00 PM. The gala features a sit-down dinner, live music, and a dance floor. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style.
St. Patrick’s Day Special Menu
From March 17-20, McGettigan’s Pub in Abu Dhabi is offering a St. Patrick’s Day Special Menu. The menu features traditional Irish dishes, available from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. It’s a perfect chance to savor Irish cuisine.
St. Patrick’s Day Family Fun Day
On March 18, the Irish Village in Dubai is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Family Fun Day from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The event includes games, activities, and entertainment suitable for all ages.
Places to Visit
- Dubai Marina: The location of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Dubai Marina is a must-visit. Its stunning waterfront provides a perfect backdrop for the parade.
- Mall of the Emirates: Apart from the Irish Dance Performance, the Mall of the Emirates offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- Atlantis, The Palm: Known for its luxury, Atlantis, The Palm is worth visiting. The St. Patrick’s Day Gala here is a highlight.
- McGettigan’s Pub, Abu Dhabi: Famous for its Irish ambiance, McGettigan’s Pub is the place to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day Special Menu.
- Irish Village, Dubai: A hub of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Irish Village hosts the Family Fun Day and offers a taste of Ireland in Dubai.
Routes to Take
- To Dubai Marina: The Dubai Metro’s red line has a station at Dubai Marina. It’s a convenient way to reach the parade.
- To Mall of the Emirates: The mall has its own metro station on the red line, making it easily accessible.
- To Atlantis, The Palm: A taxi or the monorail from the Gateway Towers station can take you to Atlantis.
- To McGettigan’s Pub, Abu Dhabi: Located in Al Raha Beach Hotel, the pub is a short taxi ride from downtown Abu Dhabi.
- To Irish Village, Dubai: The Irish Village is close to the GGICO Metro Station on the red line.
Restaurants and Pubs
- McGettigan’s Pub, Abu Dhabi: Known for its Irish food and drinks, it’s a great place to celebrate.
- The Irish Village, Dubai: Offering a variety of Irish dishes and beverages, it’s a perfect spot for St. Patrick’s Day.
- Fibber Magee’s, Dubai: This Irish pub offers a homely atmosphere and traditional Irish food.
- O’Donoghue’s Pub, Abu Dhabi: With its wide selection of beers and hearty food, it’s a good choice for St. Patrick’s Day.
- The Dubliner’s, Dubai: This pub offers a St. Patrick’s Day themed menu and live music.
Entertainment
St. Patrick’s Day in the UAE is filled with entertainment. From the lively parade at Dubai Marina and the traditional Irish Dance Performance at the Mall of the Emirates, to the gala at Atlantis, The Palm, there’s something for everyone.
Pubs like McGettigan’s and the Irish Village host live music, and the Family Fun Day at the Irish Village offers games and activities for kids.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in the UAE
- Plan Ahead: With so many events happening, it’s best to plan your day in advance. Check the timings and locations of the events you’re interested in.
- Dress in Green: Embrace the tradition and dress in green. Many locals and expats wear green clothing and accessories.
- Try Irish Food and Drinks: Don’t miss the opportunity to try traditional Irish dishes and drinks at the local pubs and restaurants.
- Join the Parade: Participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Dubai Marina. It’s a fun way to get into the festive spirit.
- Enjoy the Entertainment: Whether it’s the Irish Dance Performance or the live music at the pubs, make sure to enjoy the entertainment on offer.
Best Things to Do
- Attend the Parade: The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a highlight of the celebration. Don’t miss it!
- Watch the Irish Dance Performance: This is a unique opportunity to experience Irish culture.
- Dine at an Irish Pub: Enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day Special Menu at McGettigan’s Pub or any of the other Irish pubs.
- Visit the Irish Village: Spend time at the Irish Village, especially during the Family Fun Day.
- Attend the Gala: If you’re looking for a sophisticated celebration, the St. Patrick’s Day Gala at Atlantis, The Palm is the place to be.
Food to Eat
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: A traditional Irish dish, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
- Irish Stew: A hearty stew made with meat, potatoes, and carrots.
- Soda Bread: A type of quick bread that uses baking soda as a leavening agent.
- Shepherd’s Pie: A comforting dish made with ground meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
- Irish Breakfast: A filling breakfast that includes sausage, bacon, eggs, and black pudding.
Drinks
- Guinness: A popular Irish dry stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness.
- Irish Coffee: A cocktail consisting of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with cream.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream: An Irish cream liqueur made from cream, cocoa, and Irish whiskey.
- Jameson Irish Whiskey: A blended Irish whiskey produced by the Irish Distillers subsidiary of Pernod Ricard.
- Smithwick’s: An Irish red ale-style beer.
Other Details
Remember to respect local customs and laws while celebrating. Although the UAE is a multicultural country, it’s important to remember that it’s a Muslim country with its own customs and laws. Public drunkenness and disorderly conduct are not tolerated.
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day in the UAE is a grand celebration. Whether you’re participating in the parade, enjoying the Irish Dance Performance, dining at an Irish pub, or attending the gala, there’s something for everyone. So, dress in green and join in the festivities!
FAQs
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th each year.
In the UAE, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated with parades, Irish dance performances, special menus at Irish pubs, and a gala dinner.
It’s traditional to wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day.
Some traditional Irish dishes you can try are Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Stew, Soda Bread, and Shepherd’s Pie.
Some traditional Irish drinks you can try are Guinness, Irish Coffee, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and Smithwick’s.