Dubai: The Sheikh Zayed Festival is back for a new season, with the popular family destination opening its doors from October 31, 2026.
With a focus on celebrating Emirati heritage as well as the diversity of global cultures, the festival offers families with the chance to enjoy cultural performances, heritage competitions, a floating market and live entertainment like laser shows and fireworks.
Here is all you need to know about what to expect.
Heritage Village
Celebrating Emirati heritage and giving visitors a chance to get a glimpse of traditional crafts, clothing, arts and folk songs, the Heritage Village at the festival is where the story of the UAE comes to life. Aimed at visitors of all ages, the Heritage Village honours the UAE’s historic legacy through an immersive experience.
Cultural performances
One of the biggest draws of the festival is the various cultural performances and stage shows that add to the fun-filled atmosphere at the festival. All through the week, you can enjoy popular children’s characters and ethnic dance groups entertaining visitors across the venue.
Al Wathba Custom Show
The Custom Show is a special offer for car enthusiasts, with classic and custom cars on display, along with unique activities like car rebuilding workshops and games.
Al Wathba Wonderland
Here, family members of all ages can enjoy Virtual Reality experiences, ice skating, arcade games and rides.
International pavilions
The festival also offers visitors a chance to explore cultures from across the world, with dozens of country pavilions selling artefacts and traditional goods from countries like Chia, Thailand, India, Turkey, Morocco and Malaysia.
Food stalls
The dining options at the festival are also seemingly endless, with food stalls offering delicacies and street food from across the world, from steak and fries to kunafa, twister potatoes, shawarmas and pides.
Sheikh Zayed Festival timings
The festival is open from October 30, 2026 till March 13, 2027. Festival timings are:
- Weekdays – 4pm to 12am
- Weekends – 4pm to 1am
Ticket prices
- AED 10 per person
Free entry for:
- People of Determination
- Children under three years old
- Senior citizens
How to get there
The festival is held in the Al Wathba region of Abu Dhabi. The easiest way to reach the festival is to take Sheikh Zayed Road E11 and then take the exit for Al Ain Road/E22. Merge on to the Al Wathba Road and then on to Lane 2121. At the roundabout, take a left towards Lane 2124, which will lead you to the festival entrance.
Source: Emirates 24|7