Workshops, sports and family attractions running throughout the summer
If you’re searching for ways to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays, a huge summer event has just arrived in Abu Dhabi.
The Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival 2026 has officially opened in Al Wathba, bringing together thousands of educational, sporting and cultural activities for children and teenagers throughout the summer.
Running until 23 August, the festival features more than 3,000 programmes and activities designed for youngsters aged six to 18, making it one of the biggest indoor summer events in the UAE.
With temperatures soaring outside, everything takes place in fully air-conditioned venues, giving families the perfect excuse to escape the heat while children learn new skills, make friends and try something different.
One of the biggest highlights this year is the festival’s focus on artificial intelligence and technology.
Young visitors can get hands-on with interactive AI experiences, robotics, coding, cybersecurity and website design workshops, while also discovering more about engineering, drones and digital innovation.
For children who love getting creative, there are media production experiences where aspiring filmmakers, photographers and content creators can learn new techniques and explore different areas of the creative industries.
Sport also plays a major role throughout the festival. Whether your child enjoys football, basketball, judo, table tennis, chess or archery, there are plenty of opportunities to get active, while an indoor ice-skating rink offers the chance to cool off in more ways than one.
The festival also celebrates the UAE’s rich culture and traditions. Families can explore heritage displays, browse traditional handicrafts, sample Emirati cuisine and learn more about local customs through a variety of interactive experiences.
Elsewhere, there are programmes covering everything from healthy living and community awareness to agriculture, environmental education and volunteering, helping children build valuable life skills alongside having fun.It isn’t just about learning either.
Gaming zones, family entertainment, the popular Al Wathba Wonderland, the Al Wathba Date Festival, productive family market and a dedicated Back to School zone ensure there’s something for every age group.
To make getting there even easier, free shuttle buses are operating from various locations across Abu Dhabi, while children who complete programmes during the festival can earn accredited certificates and even win prizes.
If you’re still filling the family calendar this summer, the Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival is shaping up to be one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest and most varied school holiday attractions, combining education, entertainment and plenty of fun under one roof.
Until 23 August. Al Wathba Events Centre in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. For further information, visit @zayedfestival on IG
