Abu dhabi: 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, the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025-2026 is set to take place in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, from November 1, 2025, to March 22, 2026. The festival will operate under the theme 'Hayyakum' (Welcome), with a renewed vision and identity, affirming its position as a global cultural and heritage festival.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Sheikh Zayed Festival is one of the UAE's premier cultural and heritage events. It showcases the Emirati community's social and human values, reflecting the nation's message of tolerance and coexistence. This festival embodies the cultural diversity of a society that unites more than 200 nationalities from across the globe.
The Higher Organising Committee has announced that this edition of the festival will feature over 4,000 cultural events and 750 large-scale public shows, with participation from more than 20,000 individuals both from within the UAE and internationally. A total of 22 countries will participate through national pavilions, showcasing cultural and heritage exhibitions that highlight their civilisations and promote intercultural dialogue.
This year's festival will include national and heritage activities such as the Union Parade, celebrating the unity and solidarity of the Emirati people, and the values established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The 54th UAE Union Day celebrations will also be a highlight, featuring national, artistic, and traditional performances, roaming shows, raffles, prizes, and displays involving fireworks, lasers, drones, and musical concerts.
The Heritage Village remains a key attraction, offering visitors an opportunity to explore traditional Emirati life through heritage pavilions, markets, and live folk performances that express the nation's values and authentic culture. Traditional and sporting competitions, such as Dhow Sailing Races, Falconry Competitions, the Zayed Grand Camel Race, and the Emirati Traditional Cuisine Contest, will be featured, along with the Ramadan Sports Tournament, held in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award will participate with a dedicated pavilion, highlighting its efforts in supporting the agricultural sector, promoting sustainability, and encouraging innovation in agricultural and livestock production. The pavilion will showcase winning projects from different award categories, along with exhibits of innovative farming practices and community-based food security initiatives. Winners of the new award cycle will be honored during the festival for their contributions to advancing the UAE's agricultural sector and promoting sustainable practices.
The festival introduces new and expanded entertainment areas, including Al Wathba Boulevard, home to a variety of local and international restaurants and caf©s. The dining zones offer a wide range of global cuisines, including Middle Eastern, Asian, European, and Indian dishes, as well as healthy and plant-based options.
New highlights this year include the Rare Animals Reserve, which showcases rare wildlife species and promotes environmental awareness, and the Family Entertainment City, offering activities for all ages. The Al Wathba Custom Show returns, catering to fans of modified and classic cars, adding a new dimension to the festival.
Several national and community organisations are participating through dedicated pavilions, including Memory of the Nation, Abu Dhabi Majalis, 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, reaffirming the festival's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
The festival provides a rich experience through its international pavilions and global markets, representing various cultures and showcasing products and traditional crafts that highlight the UAE's openness and role as a hub for cultural exchange.
The 'Skills' Programme, organised in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET) and the Abu Dhabi Media Network, aims to support Emirati talent in technical and vocational fields. New Year's Eve will be celebrated with a special program including fireworks, lasers, and drone shows involving over 6,000 drones, alongside children's activities and musical performances.
The Emirates Fountain will continue to captivate audiences with synchronized water, light, and laser shows set to international music, following its expanded design and capacity. The Liwa Nights concert series will feature leading Arab and international artists in weekly evening performances, complemented by fireworks every Saturday at 10 p.m.
The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025-2026 welcomes 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.