Sheikh Zayed Festival is undoubtedly a highlight of the winter season, with 114 days of fun.
Held in honour of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, this year’s festival is once again held in Al Wathba.
First time? Here’s what to expect when you head down between now and March 9, 2024.
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When is the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2023?
Running for 114 days, Sheikh Zayed Festival kicked off on Friday November 17, 2023, and will continue until Saturday March 9, 2024.
Sheikh Zayed Festival opening hours
The festival is open between 4pm and midnight from Monday to Friday, and from 4pm until 1am during weekends and on public holidays.
Sheikh Zayed Festival ticket prices
Tickets are priced at Dhs10 per person. Entry is free for people of determination, kids under the age of three, and seniors aged 60+.
You can buy tickets on the door.
Where is the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2023?
The Sheikh Zayed Festival is held in Al Wathba. You can find the exact location on Google Maps by clicking here.
There are free shuttle buses running to and from the festival during opening hours. Buses run every 30 minutes and stop at Abu Dhabi’s main bus terminal, the cooperative association, and Baniyas Court.
Find the full schedule on the Zayed Festival website here.
Sheikh Zayed Festival 2023 highlights
Created as a way to champion Emirati culture and heritage, you’ll be able to learn more about traditional industries and crafts at the heritage village.
This year will also see a larger participation from other countries, via governmental and non-governmental sectors. At their dedicated pavilions and exhibitions, they will offer a glimpse into their unique culture and heritage.
The festival is consciously designed to be family-friendly, ensuring a warm atmosphere for visitors. In fact, visitors to the festival include not just Abu Dhabi citizens and residents, but tourists from all over the globe.
Exact details around the programmes and activities are expected to be released in the coming days.
Sheikh Zayed Festival 2023 fireworks
One of our favourite parts of visiting the festival are the fireworks shows.
Held every week on Saturdays at 10pm, this is a must-see. Of course, fireworks will also be marking the Sunday evening of the National Day (Sunday December 3) and New Year’s Eve (Sunday December 31).
Al Wathba Concerts
The highly anticipated Al Wathba Concerts will see local and international singers take to the stage. The first performance is taking place on Saturday December 23, marking the gigs’ festival debut. The open-air concerts will showcase the musical part of the Arabic culture and heritage. The concerts are separately ticketed, and not included in entry tickets to the main Sheikh Zayed Festival. Tickets can be booked on Platinumlist.net.
Arabian horse shows
Held in collaboration with the Emirates Arabian Horse Association, visitors will enjoy Arabian horse shows at the festival. Shows will be held daily between 4pm and midnight.
Camping Village
For those who love the outdoors, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the experience of camping, enhanced by special lighting. Bask in sandy landscape, and enjoy sport matches streamed on large screens. The camping village opens on Wednesday December 27th.
Children’s City
This is all that the children could dream of, and more. There are 30 different workshops for children up to the age of 14, and 12 events including competitions, prizes and live performances on stage. They can also participate in theatre and talent competitions, or completely lose themselves in VR games and e-sports, that’s all the rage lately. For the younger ones, there will be many games, face painting and more.
China Town
Without flying to China, this year’s newest attraction at the Sheikh Zayed Festival will offer an authentic experience of the foreign country. Visit China Town to feel like you’re taking a stroll down the Chinese-style street to explore diverse Chinese and Asian products.
Crazy Car
Formula 1 fever has veritably gripped Abu Dhabi, and little kids should not be the ones missing out on the thrill of car racing. You can take the kids to the crazy car arena, and watch as they navigate the safe, small cars in a controlled environment.
Cultural Pavilions
One of the highlights of the festival are the international pavilions, where visitors can understand various cultures from different countries. Familiarise yourself with popular neighbourhoods and cultural practices from across the globe. Each participating country has organised various shows, events and activities for you.
Emirati Productive Families Pavilion
Emirati women used to create traditional handicrafts from their homes in the past, and this practice contributed significantly to the family’s income. At this pavilion, you can acquaint yourself with how Emirati women used to engage in their crafts, and this helps in reviving the Emirati heritage.
Fun Fair City
Inviting all thrill seekers to step inside the House of Horror, inspired by the Hollywood film Haunted Mansion. That aside, this amusement park is for kids of all ages, with many different rides, games and attractions.
Go Karting competitions
Its not just about completing laps anymore, children can participate in a 5-minute competition. To win prize, thy would have to complete the circuit without spills. We like how the stakes are raised!
Haunted Mansion
There are escape rooms, and then there’s the Sheikh Zayed Festival’s escape room. Haunted Mansion challenges visitors to successfully exit Abu Dhabi’s biggest and scariest game.
Military Heritage Music Show
Here’s a rare chance to catch a special performances by the Emirati military band that’s roaming the festival campus. You can also know more about its Emirati military’s history and accomplishments.
Parades and Shows
Weekly parades will include a number of entertainment options. If you happen to miss them, not to worry, as there will be interactive roaming performances daily. Look for for them actively, as they will be at different spots on the festival grounds at different times.
Wildlife Secrets Sanctuary
This one’s a unique experience for the kids. As a rare chance, all visitors will get to see and interact with rare species of animals and birds up-close. They can learn more about the rare and endangered species. And cherry on the cake? You can take pictures of the animals to mark your memories at the sanctuary.
There’s more…
Additionally, the festival is hosting many more entertainment shows, competitions, Raffles draws, fountain and laser shows, and much much more.
Many competitions will be hosted, from camel racing to traditional cooking to dhow sailing.
Every week, Al Wathba Concerts will invite artists to perform on the main stage. Expect traditional, national, folkloric and modern concerts.
Food options
Over 50 restaurants are present at the festival grounds, representing various parts of the world. Fast food, mains, ice creams and refreshing beverages, it’s all there for you to dig into. After all, its hardly any fun to spend the day at the festival on a rumbling tummy.
