My Experience at the Sheikh Zayed Festival: Abu Dhabi's Most Enchanting Winter Celebration

There's something magical about arriving at Al Wathba in November when the desert finally cools down and the sky transforms into a canvas for celebration. I decided to spend an evening at the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025, and what unfolded was so much more than just another winter event—it was like stepping into the soul of the UAE itself.

The Welcome That Defines Everything

Walking through the gates under the theme "Hayyakum" (Welcome), I immediately understood why this festival is so special. The organizers weren't just throwing together attractions; they were genuinely inviting everyone—locals, expats, visitors from across the globe—into a space that celebrates everything Emirati culture has built over decades. There's a warmth here that goes beyond typical festival atmosphere, and it's palpable from the moment you enter.​

The grounds stretched endlessly across the desert landscape, and I'll admit I was slightly overwhelmed at first. Over 4,000 cultural events and 750 large-scale shows are scheduled across the 23-week run through March 22, 2026. But that's also the beauty of it—there's genuinely something for everyone, and multiple visits still won't cover everything.​

The Heritage Village Pulled at My Heart

What really got me was the Heritage Village. I expected it to be a polished, staged recreation of old Emirati life, but instead, I found myself watching real craftspeople demonstrate Al Sadu weaving, traditional metalwork, and pottery. An older Emirati woman showed me the intricate patterns her grandmother had taught her, explaining how each design tells a family story.​

The village recreates four distinct zones—mountain, agricultural, marine, and desert—each reflecting how Emiratis lived across different landscapes. Watching a falconry demonstration where handlers showed centuries-old hunting techniques connected to stories of desert survival. There was a reverence in how these traditions were being preserved, not buried.​

I grabbed fresh qahwa (Arabic coffee) and dates from a family-run stall in the Emirati Traditional Food Corner, and the simple hospitality gesture transported me. The vendor, an older gentleman, refused my first offer of payment, insisting it was part of the festival spirit. That's the kind of moment that reminds you why these cultural spaces matter.​

International Pavilions: The World Comes Together

After indulging in heritage experiences, I wandered through the international pavilions representing 22 nations. The India Pavilion absolutely captivated me with Kathak dancers performing traditional moves while the scent of spices and incense filled the air. I picked up some saffron and had henna artistry done by a performer who told me stories about her grandmother's village.​

But then I turned a corner and found myself on what felt like a Chinese street complete with lantern-lit architecture and authentic regional dishes. It's this multicultural tapestry that made me appreciate how the UAE genuinely lives up to its tolerance and coexistence values. More than 200 nationalities call the Emirates home, and this festival doesn't just acknowledge that—it celebrates it.​

When Night Falls: The Shows Everyone Comes For

As the sun began setting, I positioned myself for the evening performances. The UAE Fountain kicked off with synchronised water, light, and laser shows choreographed to global music. It's hypnotic—the way water dances to beats, the laser formations creating impossible geometry against the darkening sky.​

But I was really there for the fireworks and drone display. On Saturdays and special nights, the festival launches over 6,000 drones into the sky, forming national symbols and heritage motifs. I watched them create the shape of the UAE map, then shift into geometric patterns that seemed to defy physics. The New Year's Eve celebration will apparently attempt multiple Guinness World Records with a 50-minute show.​

There's something profound about watching thousands of drones move in perfect unison overhead. It's technology meeting tradition, innovation honoring heritage—exactly what the festival is about.​

Food That Tells Stories

Beyond the traditional food corner, I explored Al Wathba Boulevard, a newer addition featuring contemporary cafés and restaurants alongside Emirati youth entrepreneurial ventures in perfume-making and other small businesses. The festival genuinely supports local creators, and you can feel that commitment throughout the grounds.​

I also caught wind of upcoming events like the Zayed Grand Camel Race and Emirati Cuisine Competition—competitions that feel less like entertainment and more like preservation of identity.​

Planning Your Visit (My Honest Tips)

The festival opens daily at 4 PM, extending to midnight (1 AM on weekends and holidays), so timing matters. I'd suggest arriving around 5-6 PM to explore pavilions while there's still natural light, then settling in for the evening shows as darkness falls.​

Weekday visits are significantly less crowded than weekends, so if you can steal an afternoon or evening mid-week, you'll move through experiences more comfortably. Ticket entry is incredibly affordable at AED 10, with free admission for children under 3, seniors, and People of Determination.​

Bring comfortable walking shoes—I seriously underestimated the distances across the grounds. There are shuttle services available, but wandering on foot lets you stumble upon moments like impromptu musical performances or conversations with artisans that you'd otherwise miss.​

Beyond Entertainment

Standing there on my second hour at Al Wathba, surrounded by families—Emirati, Indian, Filipino, Lebanese, Pakistani, and so many others—I realized this festival represents something the UAE has managed to build that many nations struggle with: genuine cultural coexistence without losing authentic identity.

The Sheikh Zayed Festival isn't erasing Emirati culture to make room for globalism. It's confidently celebrating Emirati traditions while opening doors to the world. That's a profound message wrapped in entertainment, drone shows, and camel races.​

Running until March 22, 2026, the festival has months ahead. Whether you're seeking heritage connection, family entertainment, cultural immersion, or just a magical evening under desert stars, Al Wathba is worth your time. I'm already planning my next visit for the special Union Day events in early December.​

The UAE was built on hospitality, and this festival proves it's still the guiding principle.