Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025: Unity and Celebration

Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026: Celebrating Heritage, Entertainment and Unity in Abu Dhabi

The Sheikh Zayed Festival is a unique meeting point of cultural diversity, national pride, and family entertainment, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year to the Al Wathba district in Abu Dhabi. The 2025–2026 edition kicks off on November 1st and welcomes visitors until March 22nd, 2026. This year's motto – Hayyakum – means more than just a simple "welcome," it's an invitation for every visitor to feel at home in the heart of the United Arab Emirates.

The Purpose and Significance of the Festival

The event pays homage to the nation's founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, while showcasing the Emirates' heritage, development, and future-oriented thinking. Over 4,000 cultural events, 750 large-scale shows, and 20,000 performers enrich the program series, with participants not only from the UAE but from many countries around the world.

The festival is open daily from 4:00 PM to midnight, with program activities extended until 1:00 AM during weekends and holidays, providing opportunities for evening experiences, family walks, and mesmerizing light displays.

International Participation and Cultural Exchange

This year, 22 countries are presenting in their national pavilions, contributing to intercultural dialogue through cultural and heritage exhibitions. This international presence also reflects the UAE's openness, global role, and commitment to cultural diversity.

Union Day and Traditional Events

One of the festival's highlights will be the celebration of the 54th UAE Union Day, featuring traditional performances, raffles, fireworks, laser and drone shows, as well as musical concerts. The Union Parade symbolically reaffirms the unity of the Emirates and shared national values.

Heritage Village – The Heritage Experience

The Heritage Village is one of the festival's most popular attractions, where visitors can get a hands-on view of the traditional lifestyle of the Emirates. With craft markets, live folk music performances, traditional tents, and interactive demonstrations, it provides an authentic experience. The traditional food corner offers freshly made authentic dishes, with chefs preparing classic Emirati meals live.

Traditional Competitions and Sporting Events

The festival's program includes the Zayed Grand Camel Race, sailing dhow races, falconry displays, and traditional cooking competitions. These events not only showcase the richness of local culture but serve as community platforms to introduce traditional sports to a new generation.

The sports programs are complemented by tournaments during Ramadan, realized in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

Sustainability and Agricultural Innovation

The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award will have a special pavilion showcasing innovative projects that support sustainability. The award winners set examples in food security, livestock farming, and crop cultivation, inspiring future farmers and researchers.

New Experience Zones and Culinary Delights

One of this year's innovations is Al Wathba Boulevard, where local and international restaurants and cafes offer pleasant relaxation amidst the festival hustle. The culinary offerings blend flavors from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and India, and also provide vegetarian and healthy alternatives. The traditional food stalls remain popular, where visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic local flavors.

New Attractions and Returning Favorites

The Rare Animals Reserve is a new attraction, showcasing species that are important from a conservation standpoint. The Family Entertainment City offers games, interactive adventures, and recreational opportunities for all ages.

The Al Wathba Custom Show returns, where car and motorcycle enthusiasts can admire unique, modified vehicles. This segment further enhances the festival's colorful and multifaceted character.

Community Presence and Social Responsibility

Numerous public institutions and organizations are represented, including the National Memory Pavilion, the Abu Dhabi Majalis, the Ministry of Justice, and various humanitarian foundations. Their presence aims not only to convey information but also to strengthen social dialogue.

Technological and Creative Talent Development

In collaboration with ACTVET and the Abu Dhabi Media Network, the Skills program supports Emirati youth talented in technical and professional fields, offering them development opportunities in practice.

New Year Celebration and Closing Events

The festival welcomes the New Year with a spectacular series of events. A drone show with over 6,000 drones, laser light displays, fireworks, and children's programs and concerts await visitors on December 31st.

The Emirates Fountain, in its expanded form, offers daily water, light, and laser shows accompanied by international music, providing unforgettable experiences for all ages.

Music Programs: Liwa Nights

The Liwa Nights concert series dazzles audiences every week with world-class Arab and international performers, and Saturday evenings are completed with regular fireworks.

Final Thoughts

The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026 is not just a series of events but an emotional, communal, and cultural journey. A place where the values of the past meet the hopes of the future, where every age group finds a home, and where visitors become part of the proud story of the United Arab Emirates.

(The article is sourced from a statement by the organizers of the Sheikh Zayed Festival.)