Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026 Opens in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026 opened in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors from diverse age groups and nationalities in a grand celebration of culture, heritage, and innovation.
According to the festival organizers, the opening day saw an exceptional turnout of over 30,000 visitors, who enjoyed a lively atmosphere blending entertainment, education, and Emirati cultural identity. The festival grounds were transformed into a visual spectacle with interactive exhibits and stunning artistic lighting installations, providing guests with an immersive experience that fused Emirati authenticity with global creativity.
The main plazas were energized by live performances from local and international folklore troupes, reflecting the festival’s spirit of cultural diversity. Across multiple stages, a wide array of artistic and cultural performances captivated audiences of all ages, marking a vibrant start to the new festival season.
This year’s edition introduces several new attractions designed to enhance the visitor experience. Chief among them is “Al Wathba Winterland”, a major new feature offering a comprehensive entertainment environment for families and individuals alike. The park includes family rides, adventure attractions, a roller coaster, haunted house, bowling alleys for both adults and children, an ice-skating rink, a dinosaur park, and a state-of-the-art cinema integrating virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Visitors can also explore Al Wathba Boulevard, a modern destination featuring international restaurants, cafés, and Emirati entrepreneurial ventures, while the Nawader Sanctuary offers an educational and recreational experience showcasing rare animal species from around the world. The International Pavilions have expanded participation this year, with new countries joining to display their cultural heritage, arts, and traditional handicrafts, contributing to a truly global celebration of diversity and creativity.
The festival’s grand opening concluded with spectacular fireworks and synchronized drone shows, illuminating the skies of Al Wathba with breathtaking colors and patterns. The displays set a festive tone for one of the UAE’s most prominent cultural and tourism events.
In a statement, the Supreme Organising Committee emphasized that the new edition of the Sheikh Zayed Festival continues to embody the values of renewal, innovation, and inclusivity, offering enriching cultural, educational, and entertainment experiences for all segments of society. The Committee further affirmed that the festival reflects the vision of the UAE’s leadership to strengthen the nation’s position as a global cultural hub, uniting heritage with modernity and celebrating national identity in a contemporary context.
