When does Sheikh Zayed Festival start 2025?

The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025-2026 runs from November 1, 2025 to March 22, 2026.

The festival is open daily at Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi from 4 PM to midnight on weekdays (Monday-Friday), and extended until 1 AM on weekends and holidays.

How much are Sheikh Zayed Festival tickets?

General admission: AED 10 per person

Free entry is available for children under 3 years old, senior citizens (60+ years), and People of Determination with one companion. You can buy tickets at the gate or book online at zayedfestival.ae.

What is Sheikh Zayed Festival?

Sheikh Zayed Festival is Abu Dhabi's biggest cultural event celebrating Emirati heritage and international cultures. The 2025-2026 edition features more than 4,000 events and 750 shows over 143 days, with 27+ countries participating through international pavilions.

Festival highlights:

  • Theme: "Hayyakum" (Welcome)
  • 3 million+ visitors each season
  • Honors the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Where is Sheikh Zayed Festival located?

Location: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi (30-40 minutes from city center)

Getting there:

  • By car: GPS to "Sheikh Zayed Festival, Al Wathba" with 25,000+ free parking spaces
  • By taxi: Abu Dhabi Taxi app or call 600 535353
  • By bus: Free shuttles from main bus terminal every 30 minutes

Is Sheikh Zayed Festival worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you want to:

  • Experience authentic Emirati culture and traditions
  • See spectacular fireworks and drone shows
  • Try food from 27+ countries in one place
  • Enjoy affordable family entertainment at AED 10
  • Watch traditional competitions like camel racing and falconry

What to see at Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025-2026

Heritage Village

The Heritage Village offers an immersive experience into traditional Emirati life. You'll find authentic pavilions showcasing UAE heritage, live artisans practicing centuries-old crafts, folk performances, and traditional markets with handmade goods. This is where you experience real Emirati culture directly from locals who demonstrate traditional skills and share Bedouin customs, with free traditional clothing photo opportunities.

International Pavilions

More than 27 countries present their unique cultures through dedicated pavilions, including Middle Eastern nations (Jordan, Egypt, Morocco), Asian countries (India, Japan, China), European pavilions (Italy, France), and African nations with traditional crafts.

Each pavilion offers:

  • Authentic cuisine and cultural performances
  • Traditional crafts for sale
  • Interactive workshops

Al Wathba Date Festival (January 10 - February 28, 2026)

This specialized festival celebrates UAE's agricultural heritage with date packaging competitions, traditional date market, agricultural tool displays, and knowledge exchange between producers. The event reflects Sheikh Zayed's famous quote: "Give me agriculture, I guarantee you a civilization."

Fireworks and Drone Shows

Throughout the season, spectacular displays feature thousands of drones creating 3D light formations in synchronized aerial choreography. Special performances occur during Eid Al-Fitr, with shows lasting 15-20 minutes. Arrive 30 minutes early for the best viewing positions.

Traditional Competitions

Ongoing events include:

  • Camel Racing: Sheikh Zayed Grand Prize with champion exhibitions
  • Dhow Sailing Race: Traditional boats competing (January 2026)
  • Falconry: Expert demonstrations of ancient hunting techniques
  • Cuisine Contest: Local chefs with live cooking and authentic dishes

Al Wathba Boulevard (Food Area)

The expanded dining zone features over 300 food stalls representing five continents. Find Emirati traditional food with live cooking, Middle Eastern, Asian, European, African, and American cuisines. Prices start from AED 10 with fully halal options, making this one of the best food experiences in Abu Dhabi.

Emirates Fountain and Light Shows

Daily evening performances combine 50-meter water jets, LED screens, laser effects, and holographic displays. Shows feature historical images of Sheikh Zayed and Emirati heritage, creating immersive visual experiences unlike traditional fountain shows.

Family Entertainment City

Perfect for families with children ages 4-14, featuring educational entertainment zones, interactive cultural activities, musical performances, and skills development workshops organized by the Abu Dhabi Center for Technical and Vocational Education.

Al Wathba Nights Concert Series

Throughout the festival season, the main stage hosts rotating performances featuring Arab and international artists. These outdoor concerts take place under the stars, with some requiring separate tickets. Check zayedfestival.ae for schedules and pricing.

How long should I spend at Sheikh Zayed Festival?

For a quick visit covering Heritage Village, one international pavilion, and the food area, plan for 2-3 hours. A full experience exploring multiple pavilions, watching performances, and seeing special shows typically requires 4-5 hours. Check the daily schedule at zayedfestival.ae before your visit to plan around special events.

Best time to visit

For smaller crowds: Visit Monday to Thursday evenings and arrive at 4 PM opening time.

For maximum experience: Plan your visit during the Al Wathba Date Festival (January 10 - February 28), Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, or weekends when the festival stays open until 1 AM. The weather from November through March offers perfect outdoor conditions with temperatures ranging from 15-28°C (59-82°F).

Practical tips

What to bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light jacket for evenings
  • Cash and cards
  • Portable phone charger

Available facilities: 24-hour security, first aid stations, prayer rooms, wheelchair and stroller rental, ATM machines, multilingual staff (Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi), and free WiFi. At just AED 10 entry with many shows included, free shuttle buses, and free parking, the festival offers exceptional value.

Extend your Abu Dhabi experience

After exploring Sheikh Zayed Festival, deepen your cultural connection with our guided tours that showcase the landscape and heritage that shaped Emirati traditions.

Desert Safari Tours

Experience the authentic desert landscape that influenced Bedouin culture and UAE identity.

Safari options:

Abu Dhabi City Tours

Discover how modern UAE was built on traditional values through our comprehensive city tours.

Tour options:

Why book with us: Convenient hotel pickup, expert local guides, competitive pricing, and flexible scheduling to coordinate with your festival visit.

Plan your visit

Essential information:

  • Dates: November 1, 2025 to March 22, 2026
  • Location: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi
  • Hours: 4 PM to midnight (weekdays), 4 PM to 1 AM (weekends)
  • Tickets: AED 10 per person
  • Website: zayedfestival.ae

Don't miss: Al Wathba Date Festival (January 10 - February 28), Heritage Village, international pavilions, traditional cooking demonstrations, and drone shows.