Get ready to witness 141 days of culture and heritage.
The highly anticipated Sheikh Zayed Festival is coming back this winter. Taking place from 1 November 2025 to 22 March 2026, the festival will have many events and performances, promising an extravaganza of entertainment and cultural experiences. That means 141 days of pure fun in the heart of Al Wathba.
This edition carries the theme Hayyakum (meaning “Welcome” in Arabic), connecting generations and celebrating the region’s rich history and hospitality. The program has been developed to ensure distinctive and diverse activities and adventures that celebrate the UAE’s values of tolerance and coexistence.
With more than 4,000 cultural events and 750 large-scale public shows delivered by over 20,000 participants from the UAE and abroad, twenty-two countries will join through national pavilions that present heritage exhibitions, living traditions and opportunities for intercultural dialogue. The Union Parade will celebrate the unity and solidarity of the Emirati people and the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The festival will also host the 54th UAE Union Day celebrations, featuring national, artistic and traditional performances, roaming shows, raffles and prizes, plus fireworks, laser and drone displays, and musical concerts.
The Heritage Village invites guests to explore traditional Emirati life through craft pavilions, souk-style markets and live folk performances. Sporting and cultural competitions return, including Dhow Sailing Races, Falconry Competitions, the Zayed Grand Camel Race and the Emirati Traditional Cuisine Contest. A Ramadan Sports Tournament, organised with Abu Dhabi Sports Council, further underscores the festival’s role as a community hub.
New and expanded entertainment areas enhance this edition. Al Wathba Boulevard offers a collection of local and international restaurants and cafés, featuring global cuisines spanning Middle Eastern, Asian, European, and Indian dishes, alongside healthy and plant-based options. The Emirati Traditional Food Corner remains a favourite with authentic recipes and live cooking. Families can look forward to the Rare Animals Reserve, which highlights wildlife and environmental awareness, and the Family Entertainment City with activities for all ages. The Al Wathba Custom Show returns for enthusiasts of modified and classic cars.
Seasonal highlights include a New Year’s Eve spectacular with fireworks, lasers and a drone show of more than 6,000 drones, plus children’s activities and musical performances. The Emirates Fountain continues to enchant with synchronised water, light and laser shows set to international music. Al Wathba Nights will showcase leading Arab and international artists in weekly evening concerts, with fireworks every Saturday at 10pm.
The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026 is open daily from 4pm to 12am, and from 4pm to 1am on weekends and public holidays.
GO: Visit https://zayedfestival.ae for more information.