The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026 opened in Abu Dhabi with over 30,000 visitors, celebrating culture, entertainment and heritage.
ABU DHABI: The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026 opened in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, drawing more than 30,000 visitors on its first day. People of all ages and nationalities gathered to enjoy a vibrant blend of entertainment, education, and culture in a setting rich with Emirati tradition and global creativity.
Festival grounds were transformed with artistic lighting, interactive installations, and cultural pavilions that reflected the UAE’s spirit of innovation and heritage. The opening night featured live performances by both Emirati and international folklore groups, showcasing the festival’s cultural diversity and engaging audiences across multiple stages.
A key highlight of this year’s festival is the introduction of Al Wathba Winterland, a new attraction that includes family rides, thrilling adventures, roller coasters, a haunted house, ice rink, and even a modern VR-equipped cinema. The area caters to both adults and children, offering something for every age group.
Visitors can also explore Al Wathba Boulevard, a vibrant strip combining international dining with local entrepreneurship, and Nawader Sanctuary, an exhibit showcasing rare animal species. This year also sees an expanded International Pavilions section, featuring new countries presenting their heritage through crafts, cuisine, and culture.
The skies lit up over Al Wathba with impressive drone and fireworks shows, setting a magical tone for the festival’s new season. Organisers emphasised that this edition aims to reflect the UAE leadership’s vision of celebrating national identity while embracing global culture, positioning the UAE as a hub for heritage, innovation, and tourism.
