Abu Dhabi: The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026 will be held in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, from November 1, 2025, to March 22, 2026, under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
Organized under the theme ‘Hayyakum’ (Welcome), this year’s edition embraces a refreshed vision and identity that reaffirm its status as a global cultural and heritage festival celebrating the legacy and values of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
باقي يوم واحد فقط… ويبدأ موسم جديد من الفرح والتراث ✨
مهرجان الشيخ زايد يعود بحُلّته الجديدة ليجمع العالم في قلب الإمارات 🇦🇪
فعاليات، عروض، أجنحة دولية، وتجارب مميزة بانتظاركم في منطقة الوثبة – أبوظبي.
استعدوا لانطلاقة مليئة بالتنوّع والثقافة.حياكم #مهرجان_الشيخ_زايد… pic.twitter.com/d8PR6uTnhM
— Sheikh Zayed Festival مهرجان الشيخ زايد (@ZayedFestival) October 30, 2025
A global platform for culture and heritage
Recognized as one of the UAE’s most prominent cultural events, the Sheikh Zayed Festival showcases the Emirati community’s social and humanitarian values while promoting tolerance, coexistence, and cultural diversity.
According to the Higher Organizing Committee, the upcoming edition will feature over 4,000 cultural events, 750 major public shows, and participation from more than 20,000 performers from within the UAE and around the world. In addition, 22 countries will take part through dedicated national pavilions highlighting their heritage, traditions, and cultural innovations.
National spirit and traditional celebrations
This year’s festival will spotlight national and heritage events such as the Union Parade, celebrating the UAE’s unity and the legacy of Sheikh Zayed. Visitors will also enjoy the 54th UAE Union Day celebrations, featuring traditional performances, roaming shows, fireworks, laser and drone displays, and live concerts.
The Heritage Village continues to be a central attraction, immersing visitors in traditional Emirati life with markets, heritage pavilions, and live folk performances that highlight the nation’s cultural roots.
Sports, traditions, and sustainability
The festival will host a variety of traditional sports and competitions, including Dhow Sailing Races, Falconry Contests, the Zayed Grand Camel Race, and the Emirati Traditional Cuisine Contest, alongside the Ramadan Sports Tournament, held in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award will have a dedicated pavilion showcasing innovative agricultural practices and sustainability initiatives. Award winners will be honored during the festival for their contributions to advancing the UAE’s agricultural sector.
New attractions and family experiences
Among the festival’s new highlights are the Rare Animals Reserve, promoting wildlife conservation, and the Family Entertainment City, offering a range of activities for all ages. The popular Al Wathba Custom Show will return with a display of modified and classic cars.
The expanded Al Wathba Boulevard will feature a diverse selection of restaurants and cafés serving cuisines from around the world, alongside the Emirati Traditional Food Corner, where live cooking demonstrations bring local flavors to life.
Special events and global showcases
The festival’s international pavilions and global markets will present cultural exhibitions, traditional crafts, and products from various countries, reflecting the UAE’s role as a hub for global cultural exchange.
The ‘Skills’ Program, held in collaboration with ACTVET and the Abu Dhabi Media Network, will spotlight Emirati talent in technical and vocational fields. A grand New Year’s Eve celebration will feature spectacular fireworks, laser and drone shows involving more than 6,000 drones, as well as musical performances and family-friendly entertainment.
The Emirates Fountain will once again enchant visitors with synchronized water, light, and laser performances, while the Liwa Nights concert series will host renowned Arab and international artists every week, accompanied by Saturday night fireworks.
Visiting hours
The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026 will welcome visitors daily from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight, and from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and public holidays, offering an immersive cultural journey that celebrates the UAE’s heritage, innovation, and unity.
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