Sheikh Zayed Festival opens in Abu Dhabi with over 4,000 events
New zones, entertainment, and food experiences unveiled at Al Wathba
ABU DHABI – The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025-2026 has officially opened its doors in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, inviting visitors to experience one of the UAE’s most anticipated cultural celebrations.
Taking place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the supervision of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court, the festival will run until 22 March 2026.
This year’s edition, held under the theme Hayyakum (“Welcome”), celebrates the UAE’s spirit of hospitality, unity, and cultural pride.
The festival brings together people from across the Emirates and around the world to explore traditions, innovation, and entertainment in a setting that reflects the nation’s values of coexistence and openness.
Sheikh Zayed Festival
The 2025-2026 edition presents an extensive lineup of more than 4,000 cultural events and 750 public shows, featuring over 20,000 participants from within and outside the UAE. National and international pavilions represent 22 countries, each offering a glimpse into their heritage and artistic expression through interactive exhibitions, performances, and traditional crafts.
A central highlight is the Heritage Village, which immerses visitors in authentic Emirati life through traditional homes, souks, and live folk performances. The Union Parade returns to celebrate the nation’s unity, alongside the 54th UAE Union Day celebrations, which include artistic shows, fireworks, and musical performances.
Cultural and sports events
This year’s festival features an impressive mix of heritage and sports competitions, blending tradition with community spirit. Visitors can witness Dhow Sailing Races, Falconry Competitions, and the Zayed Grand Camel Race, as well as participate in the Emirati Traditional Cuisine Contest.
The Ramadan Sports Tournament, organised with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, will offer a vibrant schedule of activities that bring athletes and families together in the spirit of healthy competition.
The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award Pavilion also takes centre stage this year, featuring innovative farming projects and sustainability initiatives. The pavilion will honour award winners whose contributions promote food security, agricultural innovation, and environmental stewardship across the UAE.
New attractions and experiences
Several new areas have been introduced to enhance the visitor experience. Al Wathba Boulevard offers a lively dining destination featuring local and international restaurants serving Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian, and European cuisines. Healthy and plant-based options are also available, ensuring a diverse culinary journey for all tastes.
For those seeking authentic Emirati flavours, the Emirati Traditional Food Corner remains a crowd favourite with its live cooking demonstrations and dishes that celebrate local culinary heritage.
Among the new highlights are the Rare Animals Reserve, designed to promote wildlife conservation and environmental awareness, and the Family Entertainment City, which provides a range of interactive activities for visitors of all ages. The Al Wathba Custom Show also returns, featuring an impressive lineup of modified and classic cars that attract automotive enthusiasts.
National and community participation
Reflecting its strong community foundation, the Sheikh Zayed Festival includes pavilions by major national organisations such as Memory of the Nation, Abu Dhabi Majalis, the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Works, and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Each contributes to the festival’s focus on sustainability, heritage, and social responsibility.
International markets add to the multicultural atmosphere, offering visitors a chance to explore crafts, products, and art from around the world. The Skills Programme, organised in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET) and Abu Dhabi Media Network, highlights the creativity and technical talents of young Emiratis.
Celebrations and entertainment
The festival’s entertainment schedule promises something for everyone. The New Year’s Eve celebration will be one of the biggest spectacles in the region, featuring fireworks, laser, and drone shows involving over 6,000 drones, along with musical performances and family activities to welcome 2026.
Visitors can also enjoy daily Emirates Fountain performances, where water, light, and lasers are synchronised to international music in a dazzling display that has been expanded for the new season.
The Al Wathba Nights concert series will bring popular Arab and international artists to the stage every week, with fireworks lighting up the skies each Saturday at 10pm.
Visitor information
The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026 is open daily from 4pm to 12am on weekdays and from 4pm to 1am on weekends and public holidays.