Sheikh Zayed Festival opens in Al Wathba on 1 November, featuring 4,000 cultural events, 22 country pavilions, and grand celebrations.
ABU DHABI: One of the UAE’s most anticipated cultural celebrations, the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026, officially opens in Al Wathba on 1 November, running until 22 March 2026 under the theme “Hayyakum” (Welcome). Held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the supervision of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the festival returns with a renewed identity and expanded programme that positions it as a global hub of heritage and creativity.
Now in its latest edition, the Sheikh Zayed Festival will host more than 4,000 cultural events, 750 large-scale shows, and over 20,000 performers from the UAE and abroad. The participation of 22 international pavilions will showcase cultural exhibitions, folklore, cuisine, and crafts from around the world—promoting intercultural dialogue and community engagement.
Among the main attractions is the Heritage Village, where visitors can experience traditional Emirati life through live folk performances, crafts, markets, and authentic hospitality. The festival will also feature sporting and heritage competitions including Dhow Sailing, Falconry, the Zayed Grand Camel Race, and the Emirati Traditional Cuisine Contest.
The 54th UAE Union Day will be celebrated with national parades, musical performances, fireworks, laser shows, and drone displays. New features include the Rare Animals Reserve, Family Entertainment City, and the return of the Al Wathba Custom Show for classic and modified car enthusiasts.
The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award Pavilion will honour the best in farming innovation and sustainability, while promoting food security and agricultural education.
The festival’s entertainment and dining zones will see major expansion this year with Al Wathba Boulevard, home to global restaurants and cafés, plus a dedicated Emirati Traditional Food Corner with live cooking shows.
The New Year’s Eve celebrations will include fireworks, drone shows with over 6,000 drones, and live performances. The Emirates Fountain will offer synchronised light and music shows nightly, and the Liwa Nights concert series will feature top Arab and international artists every weekend.
Aimed at reinforcing the UAE’s values of tolerance, sustainability, and innovation, the festival will run daily from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight, and until 1:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
