Seven days to go: Mansour Festival 2025 returns to Abu Dhabi with bigger family fun and fireworks
Experience workshops, performances, rides and immersive Emirati-inspired activities
ABU DHABI – With just a week remaining until the return of the Mansour Festival, excitement is mounting across the UAE.
Families are eagerly counting down to four days of culture, creativity, and community spirit at Yas Gateway Park North, Yas Island. The festival, running from 20 to 23 November 2025, returns for its second edition, promising a bigger, brighter, and more imaginative experience. Tickets are available at Platinumlist.com.
Created by Bidaya, the studio behind the beloved Mansour animated series, the festival celebrates Emirati identity, storytelling, and family connections. Last year’s debut drew large crowds, with families from across the Emirates engaging with the festival’s immersive offerings.
Imane Alsalem Tlamid, CEO of Bidaya, highlighted the festival’s purpose: “At its heart, Mansour Festival is about bringing families together to celebrate creativity, culture, and the spirit of discovery. The inaugural festival exceeded expectations in both attendance and engagement. This year, we are building on that success with even more diverse and immersive experiences that reflect the UAE’s heritage and values.”
The festival is expected to welcome around 12,000 visitors per day, confirming its status as one of Abu Dhabi’s landmark family events. Tickets are available via Platinumlist, with early booking advised.
What awaits at Mansour Festival?
Visitors entering Yas Gateway Park North will step directly into Mansour’s universe, where imagination, culture, science, and play come together. Highlights include:
- Mansour & Sara: World of Discovery – a hands-on adventure for young explorers
- Dhabia’s World – celebrating Emirati warmth and heritage
- Age of AI Inflatable Park – 12 custom inflatables filled with challenges and surprises
Interactive workshops offer children opportunities to learn, create, and take home their own artworks:
- Bear Pouring in Mansour’s House – children pour paint over bear sculptures
- Tote Bag Painting in the Space Station – customise Mansour-themed bags
- String Art in the School – create patterns using string and pins
- Popcorn Making in South Field – available three times daily
- Slime Art in the Research Lab – mix, colour, and personalise slime creations
Alongside these workshops, the festival will feature live performances, parade moments, roaming characters, and interactive meet-and-greets. The Science Stage returns with educational shows, while the Main Stage hosts live entertainment throughout the evening. Other attractions include camel and horse riding at Desert Riders, Obaid’s Food Corner, shaded rest areas, and a new Kids Spa.
Who will appear at the Festival?
Adding to the excitement, astronaut Hazza Al Mansoori from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre will attend, offering children a chance to hear about his historic space journey.
Families can also meet the Abu Dhabi Police K9 unit and mounted horse patrol, while a falconry showcase celebrates Emirati heritage. These appearances combine entertainment with learning and interaction, highlighting the festival’s community spirit.
How will evenings unfold?
Every night, the festival will conclude with a spectacular drone show followed by a dazzling fireworks display over Yas Island.
These nightly finales promise to be some of the most memorable moments of the festival, capturing the imagination of children and adults alike.
Where to experience family fun?
Mansour Festival is more than a series of attractions; it reflects UAE values including tolerance, creativity, curiosity, and heritage. Through interactive experiences, children can feel inspired, confident, and connected to their culture.
“Mansour is more than a character. He is a symbol of identity and imagination,” said Alsalem Tlamid. “By creating spaces where children can learn, discover, and express themselves freely, we aim to inspire a generation proud of its culture and excited for the future.”