Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026 will be held in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, from November 1, 2025, to March 22, 2026. This year’s edition, themed “Hayyakum” (Welcome), will feature a renewed identity and vision that reinforce its status as a world-class cultural and heritage celebration.
The Sheikh Zayed Festival stands among the UAE’s foremost cultural and heritage events. It embodies the Emirati community’s social and humanitarian values, promoting the nation’s principles of tolerance and coexistence, while reflecting the rich cultural diversity of a society that brings together more than 200 nationalities from across the globe.
The Higher Organising Committee announced that the upcoming edition will include over 4,000 cultural events and 750 large-scale public performances, with the participation of more than 20,000 contributors from within the UAE and abroad.
A total of 22 countries will take part through national pavilions that will showcase cultural and heritage exhibitions highlighting their civilisations and fostering intercultural dialogue.
National and Heritage Activities Reflecting the Spirit of the Union
This year’s festival will feature national and heritage events, including the Union Parade, which celebrates the unity and solidarity of the Emirati people and the enduring values established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The festival will also mark the 54th UAE Union Day, featuring a wide array of national, artistic, and traditional performances, alongside roaming shows, raffles, and prizes. Spectacular fireworks, laser, and drone displays, as well as musical concerts, will further enrich the celebrations.
The Heritage Village continues to be one of the festival’s main attractions, offering visitors the opportunity to explore traditional Emirati life through heritage pavilions, markets, and live folk performances that embody the nation’s values and authentic culture.
The festival will also host various traditional and sporting competitions, including Dhow Sailing Races, Falconry Competitions, the Zayed Grand Camel Race, and the Emirati Traditional Cuisine Contest, in addition to the Ramadan Sports Tournament, organised in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. These events further strengthen the festival’s role as a leading cultural, social, and sporting platform.
The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award will participate with a dedicated pavilion that highlights its efforts in advancing the agricultural sector, supporting sustainability, and encouraging innovation in both agriculture and livestock production.
The pavilion will feature award-winning projects from different categories, as well as exhibits showcasing innovative farming techniques and community-driven food security initiatives. Winners from the latest award cycle will also be honoured during the festival in recognition of their contributions to enhancing the UAE’s agricultural development and promoting sustainable practices.
This edition will introduce several new and expanded entertainment zones, including Al Wathba Boulevard, which will feature a diverse selection of local and international restaurants and cafés designed to create a welcoming environment for families and individuals alike.
Dining areas will offer a wide variety of cuisines — from Middle Eastern, Asian, European, and Indian dishes to healthy and plant-based options — catering to all tastes and preferences.
A visitor favourite, the Emirati Traditional Food Corner, will once again serve authentic Emirati dishes that showcase the UAE’s culinary heritage, complemented by live cooking demonstrations that highlight traditional recipes.
New attractions this year include the Rare Animals Reserve, featuring rare wildlife species and promoting environmental awareness, and the Family Entertainment City, which offers a variety of activities suitable for all ages. The popular Al Wathba Custom Show will also return, appealing to fans of modified and classic cars, adding another unique dimension to the festival’s offerings.
A number of national and community organisations will take part through dedicated pavilions, including Memory of the Nation, Abu Dhabi Majalis, the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Works, the Agricultural Oasis, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award Pavilion. Their participation underscores the festival’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and community engagement.
The festival will provide visitors with a rich experience through its international pavilions and global markets, which showcase diverse cultures, traditional crafts, and products that reflect the UAE’s openness and its role as a centre for global cultural exchange.
Additionally, the “Skills” Programme, organised in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET) and the Abu Dhabi Media Network, will support Emirati talent in technical and vocational disciplines.
The festival will celebrate New Year’s Eve with an exceptional programme featuring fireworks, laser, and drone shows involving more than 6,000 drones, as well as children’s activities and musical performances.
The iconic Emirates Fountain will continue to mesmerise audiences with its synchronised water, light, and laser shows set to international music, enhanced by an expanded design and capacity.
The Liwa Nights concert series will feature renowned Arab and international artists performing in weekly evening concerts, accompanied by fireworks displays every Saturday at 10:00 p.m.
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.
(Inputs from WAM)
