All the best events to explore at this year’s cultural spectacle
The Sheikh Zayed Festival has kicked off this week and is Abu Dhabi’s ultimate celebration of culture, heritage, and entertainment, offering a diverse lineup of experiences for all ages.
Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or visiting with family, there’s something to delight everyone from now until March 2026.
So, what’s in store for you this year? Let’s dive in!
Sheikh Zayed Festival: everything you need to know
Family events and entertainment
The festival is a playground of fun, thrills, and exciting experiences. Families can explore the Kids Area and Stage Activities, featuring artistic, musical, and interactive workshops that combine education and entertainment.
Young adventurers can also enjoy Al Wathba Winterland, packed with games and activities for all ages, or cool off at the Play Fountain, an interactive space designed for family fun.
New additions include the Rare Animals Reserve, where children and adults can meet exotic wildlife up close, and the Family Entertainment City, offering rides, attractions, and immersive zones perfect for an entire day of adventure.
Thrill-seekers can soar above the festival on the Flying Cup, enjoying panoramic views while dining, or experience the high-octane excitement of the Custom Show, featuring modified cars, classic restorations, engine battles, and some of the country’s most valuable prizes.
Music lovers can enjoy the Al Wathba Nights Concert Series, which brings Arab and international artists to weekly evening performances, wrapping up with spectacular fireworks every Saturday at 10pm.
And of course, the festival’s New Year’s Eve celebration is a highlight not to be missed, lighting up the Al Wathba sky with drones, record-breaking fireworks, and family-friendly entertainment as we countdown to 2026.
Food and culinary experiences
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For culinary explorers, the festival offers a world of culinary gems. The Al Wathba Floating Market, the first of its kind outside Thailand, allows visitors to sample dishes served from boats while enjoying stunning water views.
For more variety, Egrab presents an extraordinary selection of cuisines, from Emirati classics and street food to gourmet international dishes, ensuring every visitor embarks on a unique culinary adventure.
The festival also features an expanded lineup of themed food trucks at Obaid’s Food Corner, making it as much a treat for the taste buds as for the imagination.
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Agriculture and skills
Agriculture enthusiasts will enjoy the Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, which celebrates innovation in farming and encourages the advancement of UAE agriculture
Competitions span livestock, crop cultivation, and food production, highlighting sustainability and expertise in the sector.
The Al Wathba Date Festival is another must-see, showcasing date packaging competitions, a vibrant traditional market, and palm seedling displays with prizes exceeding AED 2 million.
The festival also features the Skills Program, organised by the Abu Dhabi Center for Technical and Vocational Education, which highlights national talent in engineering and technical fields through competitions, hands-on activities, and interactive demonstrations.
Heritage and culture
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The Heritage Village immerses visitors in traditional Emirati crafts, storytelling, and demonstrations, offering a glimpse into he UAE’s rich history and values.
Similarly, Majalis Abu Dhabi engages visitors with cultural programmes that highlight Emirati traditions and social heritage.
Key highlights:
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Sheikh Zayed Falconry Championship – daily competitions showcasing various falcon breeds and training techniques.
Sheikh Zayed Traditional Dhow Sailing Race – participants compete in authentic dhows, celebrating maritime heritage.
Sheikh Zayed Camel Race Grand Prize – high-speed camel races with both Emirati and Arab participants.
Camel Exhibition – featuring champion camels from the Presidential Camel initiative.
The festival also hosts the Eid Al Etihad Festival, marking the UAE National Day with folk performances, dances, heritage games, and fireworks, creating a vibrant celebration of culture for all ages.
Visitors can also explore cultural pavilions, offering products, crafts, and insights into traditions from across the UAE and beyond.
Signature experiences and spectacles
No visit is complete without experiencing the Emirates Fountain, where laser shows, 3D screens, lights, and music create mesmerising evenings.
And for an unforgettable highlight, the New Year’s Eve celebrations light up the sky with fireworks, drones, and live performances, offering a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.
From immersive parades and interactive wildlife exhibits to record-breaking fireworks, musical performances, culinary adventures, and heritage experiences, the Sheikh Zayed Festival offers something for everyone, blending tradition, innovation, and fun into one unmissable celebration.
1 November 2025 – 22 March 2026. For more information, visit Sheikh Zayed Festival
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