Al Wathba transforms into a cultural crossroads as Sheikh Zayed Festival opens its 135-day season

Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the festival opens on 30 October with a comprehensive programme of cultural, artistic, sporting and community events drawing participants from across the globe.

Tomorrow, 30 October, marks the opening of one of the UAE’s most anticipated cultural occasions. Al Wathba will become a destination of convergence, where Emirati heritage meets international artistry, where families gather, and where the values of cultural exchange take tangible form across 135 days of programming.

Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the oversight of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the Sheikh Zayed Festival opens its 2026/2027 season with an opening night of ceremonial grandeur. Giant installations, artistic performances from global participants, shows at the Fountain Theatre, traditional and military music, folkloric heritage competitions and fireworks will welcome visitors into a festival that has established itself as a defining cultural event for the region.

The festival’s vision reflects a particular philosophy: a celebration of Emirati national identity held in genuine dialogue with world cultures. This 135-day programme weaves together cultural, artistic, entertainment, sporting and community dimensions with the participation of dozens of countries and a roster of leading Arab and Emirati artists. The breadth is deliberate, designed to create something that moves beyond entertainment into a richer space where art meets culture, where sport meets community engagement, and where local creativity encounters international participation.

Throughout the grounds, Emirati heritage maintains a strong presence. The UAE Civilisation pavilions, the Heritage Village and the Popular Souq offer visitors connection to the nation’s authentic traditions, whilst handicrafts and live performances evoke the textures of Emirati life. These spaces allow new generations to deepen their bond with their national identity, whilst offering visitors from elsewhere the opportunity to understand the historical and cultural foundations that have shaped the Emirates. As we reported in our earlier coverage, Zayed the Founder Day remains central to Abu Dhabi’s annual observance, and the festival carries forward that spirit of honouring the vision of unity and people-centred development that continues to guide the nation.

Alongside these Emirati spaces, the pavilions of participating countries present their own diverse programmes and activities, reflecting their distinct cultures, customs and arts. This creates an environment of genuine cultural exchange, where the public can discover traditional cuisines, products and experiences from different peoples, and where the values of communication, mutual understanding and cultural openness find active expression.

The festival’s entertainment offerings have expanded this season. The amusement park welcomes new rides and experiences enhanced by virtual reality technology, designed to engage children, young people and families across a spectrum of ages and interests. A food court brings together traditional Emirati and Gulf cuisine alongside international restaurants and food trucks, creating a culinary journey that mirrors the festival’s broader commitment to cultural diversity within a family atmosphere.

The artistic programme spans music performances, specialised festivals, national celebrations and sports and entertainment activities that will enrich the events calendar throughout the season. Laser shows, the Al Wathba Floating Market, the Rare Species Reserve and numerous other destinations and activities offer varied experiences combining entertainment, exploration and interaction. The Presidential Camels, falconry exhibitions, and contributions from government entities including the National Library and Archives, the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority add layers of discovery for visitors.

The festival remains open daily from 4 pm until midnight on weekdays, and until 1 am on weekends and public holidays, continuing until 13 March 2027. This extended season allows the various dimensions of the festival to unfold organically, giving visitors multiple opportunities to experience its breadth.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The Sheikh Zayed Festival has become integral to Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a destination for family and cultural entertainment. The festival’s comprehensive programming and international participation reflect Abu Dhabi’s broader commitment to being a hub where cultures meet and knowledge is shared. The presence of government entities and cultural institutions throughout the festival grounds also ensures that the event serves as a platform for showcasing the services, initiatives and vision that characterise Abu Dhabi’s approach to governance and community engagement.

For residents and visitors alike, the festival represents an annual moment of gathering and celebration that strengthens community bonds whilst celebrating the values of openness and mutual understanding that define Emirati culture. As we explored in our coverage of the custom car culture and craftsmanship celebrated at the festival, and the preservation of falconry traditions and principles, the festival becomes a space where specific passions and heritage traditions find celebration alongside broader cultural dialogue.

Source: WAM