Sheikh Zayed Festival Opens New Season with 30,000 Visitors

The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026 officially opened in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, welcoming thousands of visitors from the UAE and abroad. The festival, one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events, began with great enthusiasm as families, children, and tourists gathered to enjoy a mix of heritage, art, and entertainment. On its first day alone, more than 30,000 visitors attended, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

The opening day of the festival was filled with activities that combined education, fun, and cultural appreciation. The grounds were beautifully decorated with artistic lighting and interactive installations that showcased both Emirati traditions and global creativity. Visitors had the opportunity to explore displays that represented the UAE’s deep cultural roots while engaging in enjoyable and educational experiences suitable for all ages.

The festival’s main plazas came alive with performances by local and international folklore groups, adding a lively cultural flavor to the celebration. Traditional Emirati dances, music, and songs created an atmosphere of unity and joy. The performances highlighted the UAE’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing global cultural exchange. Stages across the venue hosted shows that drew large crowds, ensuring that the festival began its new season on a high note.

This year’s edition introduced several new attractions, with Al Wathba Winterland being one of the main highlights. The new zone offers a complete entertainment experience for families and thrill-seekers. It features exciting rides, a roller coaster, a haunted house, bowling alleys for adults and children, and an ice-skating rink. Visitors can also enjoy a dinosaur park and a modern cinema equipped with VR and AI technologies, blending fun with innovation. These additions ensure that the festival caters to both traditional and modern entertainment tastes.

Al Wathba Boulevard has become another key attraction this year, offering visitors a chance to enjoy international restaurants and cafés, along with Emirati-owned food stalls and boutiques. The area supports local entrepreneurs while giving guests a taste of global cuisines in a comfortable and family-friendly environment. The Nawader Sanctuary adds an educational touch, allowing children and adults to learn about rare animal species from different environments, combining leisure with learning.

The International Pavilions have also expanded this year, welcoming several new countries to showcase their cultural heritage, traditional arts, and craftsmanship. Visitors can explore handmade items, national dishes, and performances that represent cultures from around the world. This global participation turns the festival into a platform for cross-cultural understanding and friendship, promoting unity through diversity.

As night fell over Al Wathba, the sky lit up with spectacular fireworks and drone displays, delighting the audience with colorful patterns and breathtaking visuals. These nightly shows have become one of the festival’s most popular attractions, symbolizing the spirit of celebration and creativity. The opening fireworks marked the beginning of what promises to be another memorable season of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, a highlight on the UAE’s tourism and cultural calendar.

The Supreme Organising Committee emphasized that the 2025–2026 edition continues the festival’s mission of combining heritage, innovation, and education. It aims to offer experiences that appeal to all segments of society, from children to adults, locals to international visitors. The committee stated that the Sheikh Zayed Festival reflects the UAE leadership’s vision to promote the country as a global cultural hub that celebrates national identity while embracing progress and creativity.

Through its wide range of events and attractions, the Sheikh Zayed Festival reinforces the UAE’s role as a leading cultural and tourism destination. It not only showcases Emirati traditions but also provides a platform for innovation, sustainability, and international cooperation. Each year, the festival serves as a reminder of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision of unity, development, and cultural pride.

The festival continues to attract people from all walks of life — families, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts — making it a symbol of national pride and global friendship. Its combination of entertainment, learning, and tradition ensures that the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026 will remain one of the UAE’s most cherished and celebrated events throughout the season.