Abu Dhabi: The Sheikh Zayed Festival begins its 2024-2025 season tomorrow in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. Running until 28th February, the festival’s theme, “Hayakum,” welcomes global visitors to a grand celebration of culture and heritage.
The festival is held under the esteemed patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with guidance from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and organized by Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President.
Preparations are complete to host guests from around the world, offering a rich mix of fireworks, drone displays, and a variety of surprises that set the stage for a festive opening. Known as one of the UAE’s premier cultural events, the Sheikh Zayed Festival offers 120 days filled with events and activities that celebrate the nation’s heritage and promote cultural exchange.
ترقبوا افتتاح مهرجان الشيخ زايد يوم الجمعة 1 نوفمبر 2024! تجربة ثقافية فريدة تجمع بين عبق التراث وروعة الحاضر. لا تفوتوا هذا الاحتفال بموروثنا العريق وتنوع الثقافات!
Join us for the grand opening of the Sheikh
Zayed Festival 2024 on Friday, November 1st! An extraordinary… pic.twitter.com/WTTwCNZKzS— Sheikh Zayed Festival مهرجان الشيخ زايد (@ZayedFestival) October 29, 2024
Opening Day Highlights
Visitors will be treated to an interactive parade, large-scale performances, and a global showcase featuring:
- Open-Air Circus Shows at the Fountain Stage
- Traditional Military Band Performances
- Heritage Competitions and Sports Entertainment
- Gift Distributions and other engaging activities
- Unique Daily Experiences Await
Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy daily fireworks and drone shows that illuminate the skies, performances at the Emirates Fountain, and experiences like the:
- Al Wathba Floating Market
- Flying Restaurant offering an elevated dining experience
- Rare Breed Sanctuary showcasing unique animals
- Embracing UAE Heritage
The UAE Heritage Pavilions invite visitors to explore the nation’s cultural traditions, offering a glimpse into the UAE’s rich heritage and the vision of the country’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Highlights include:
- The Heritage Village with traditional markets and handicrafts
- Live Heritage Performances that provide a hands-on cultural experience
- Global pavilions will showcase international customs, offering festival-goers an immersive journey through diverse cultural displays and unique heritage performances.
Government Entities
In recognition of the festival’s national importance, several government organizations are participating, including the National Archives and Library, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority and Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination.
For thrill-seekers, the ‘Amusement City’ section offers new virtual reality games, haunted house adventure and other exciting competitions with valuable prizes
A series of themed festivals will bring vibrant energy to the event, including:
- Union Day Celebrations
- New Year’s Festival
- Light and Laser Festival
- Food and Sweets Festival
With popular international restaurants and mobile food trucks serving an array of dishes daily, the festival ensures that visitors can enjoy a world-class culinary experience alongside the cultural festivities.
The Sheikh Zayed Festival opens daily from 16:00 to midnight on weekdays and extends until 01:00 on weekends and public holidays.