Best things to do at Sheikh Zayed Festival

The festival runs until April 2022.

The news that all culture vultures in Abu Dhabi has finally arrived; the schedule of events and activities for the Sheikh Zayed Festival have been announced.

The festival that will run from the 18 November 2021 to 1 April 2022 will see thousand of recreational, educational and cultural events including pavilions, exhibitions and traditional zones to showcase the UAE’s civilization, culture and heritage.

The event will attract more than 22,500 performers and exhibitors from around the globe as well as 130 workshops for children to learn, develop and enhance a new or existing talent or skill.

So, what is there to see at the Sheikh Zayed Festival?

Discover the history of the UAE

The Year of the 50^th Zone will house an art gallery featuring the journey of the UAE over the past 50 years, highlighting the aspirations of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan.

Camel champions

The Emirati Civilisation and Culture Zone will be the scene for the Best Presidential Camels gallery who have won the biggest camel races as well as special demonstrations of hunting, training and caring for Saluki dogs and falconry.

Step into the Twilight Zone

Visitors will be able to marvel at the wonderful Emirates Fountain show with daily laser displays, 3D holograms and internationally themed water shows all set to the top music hits of today.

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Sporting family fun

The Al Forsan International Sports Resort will make its mark on the Sheikh Zayed Festival for the first time where families can get stuck into karting, shooting, axe throwing, archery, driving and flight simulations, bungee jumping, trampolining, zip lines and much more.

Go on a thrilling ride

If you want to take your visit to the next level, you can with one of the many rides at the huge amusement park at Funfair City.

Join the circus

Located in the educational and entertainment district, kids can enjoy the pageantry that the circus brings to life with laser and lights shows, storyteller gatherings, karaoke parties, princess and superhero shows, balloon modelling, face painting and children’s magician.

Rebuild a classic car

Those who love cars will find this activity reving their engine as the festival provides the opportunity to rebuild and renovate classic cars and modify vehicle engines.

Horse around

If you are purist of thoroughbreds, you can take in the grace and beauty of purebred Arabian horses at special presentations.

Sample local cuisine

Visitors can refuel at more than 50 restaurants and food trucks, dishing out a variety of fare from home and abroad.

Emirati workshops

Every zone will offer guests a chance to experience live workshops of traditional Emirati handicrafts, farming methods and agricultural products and livestock from the UAE.

Bloom at the Miracle Garden

Stroll through a garden of thousands of flowers, constructed in various buildings and illusion structures.

The Sheikh Zayed Festival is open daily from 4pm to midnight in Al Wathba.

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