The Sheikh Zayed Festival, Abu Dhabi’s crown jewel of cultural and entertainment extravaganzas, is set to commence this Friday, November 17, in Al Wathba, under the patronage of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This 114-day event, renowned for its breathtaking fireworks, impressive drone shows, and diverse activities, celebrates UAE’s rich heritage and cultural vibrancy.
As the festival begins, visitors will be captivated by the Flora and Fauna Reserve, showcasing rare animals and birds, and the spine-chilling revamped ‘House of Horror’. The Heritage Village, a testament to the richness of Emirati heritage, will display arts, crafts, and products representing the marine, land, mountain, and agricultural environments of ancient Emirati society. The ‘Union Parade’, the ‘Emirates Fountain’, and the ‘Glow Flower Garden’ are other attractions, along with a plethora of live performances and shows.
For families and thrill-seekers, ‘Fun City’ offers exhilarating rides and activities. The festival will also host the largest custom car show challenge and feature a ‘Flying Restaurant’, a children’s village, an art district, and various competitions.
Special festivities for National Day will include folk art shows, military musical performances, and fireworks and drone displays. Additionally, the festival will offer a range of dining options with restaurants and food trucks, alongside activities like karting and paintball, brought by Al Forsan International Sports Resort.
This year’s festival also marks a strong international participation with popular folk artists from various countries.
The festival timings are from 4 pm to midnight, extending till 1 am on weekends and public holidays. Over 2.5 million visitors and 7 million followers have previously enjoyed the festival, which has played a significant role in boosting Abu Dhabi’s status as a key tourism and cultural destination.
