UAE National Day preparations are well underway in the city as more and more skyscrapers shine red, white, green and black in preparation for the festivities on Dec. 2. At night, lights glow along the corniche and the city shines brightly with pride. For weeks now, cars have become increasingly more patriotic and the Sheikhs’ faces adorn trunks of cars and posters alike.

Although National Day can be an exhilarating mix of horns blaring, with people dressed up and cars flooding the streets, it is also a day to be cautious.

“National Day is a wonderful chance to celebrate the birth of the nation that NYUAD calls home,” said Martin Barnett, director of NYU Abu Dhabi Public Safety, via email. “But it is also an opportunity to think about how to stay safe once you leave the university's walls."

Past experiences of the student body on the streets have been mixed, with some students having great experiences on National Day and others left feeling harmed and violated. On the corniche, large masses of people can be a dangerous zone for theft and harassment, albeit the festive spirit of the Emirates.

Precautions for National Day mirror precautions when attending any event with crowds — including concerts, parades and festivals.

“I’m already used to going out in big crowds in Brazil for Carnival,” said senior Florencia Schlamp. “So I dress comfortable and I don’t take anything with me that is valuable … not even a purse. [I take] one ID and ten to 20 dirhams if I want to take a taxi back and that’s it … maybe a phone.”

In the Emirates, cars crowd the streets so students should not expect to find taxis or be able to move around the city easily if not walking. Although many upperclass students recommended staying indoors on National Day, for those who want to celebrate on the streets of Abu Dhabi it is important to keep in mind some tips from students as well as the general NYUAD Public Safety tips found on the Student Portal.

1. Avoid crowded areas.

Crowded areas are less likely to have law enforcement policing and keeping individuals safe. Stay away from large crowds and find areas that are sparser to enjoy the celebration and the fireworks.

2. Wear comfortable clothes that can be ruined.

A common National Day activity is spraying silly string and fake snow, often in people’s faces and on their clothing. Do not wear items that can’t be tossed.

3. Go in large groups and always have a designated buddy.

“If it’s a bigger group, make sure you have a buddy system like in scuba diving, so you always know where the other person is,” Schlamp said.

4. Always have cash, an ID and a charged phone.

Keep cash hidden in many pockets and ensure cell phones have plenty of battery. If going with a group of friends, exchange numbers beforehand.

5. In an emergency call 999 or NYUAD Public Safety at 02 628 7777.

“In an emergency, you call 999,” explained Dean of Students David Tinagero. “[If] you call [NYUAD] Public Safety … it will automatically go to the dean on call, and if it’s a serious event it will go to the dean in charge, so you will have a full university response incredibly fast.”

Stay safe and have fun on National Day, but make sure to have these numbers readily available in case of an emergency.

Emergency Services: 999

NYUAD Public Safety: 02 628 7777

On-call nurse: 056 685 8111