Pavilions from more than 15 countries, new rides and 136 days of events are now underway in Abu Dhabi.
Al Wathba is busy again. The Sheikh Zayed Festival opened its 2026/2027 season on Friday, October 30, and it will stay open until March 14, 2027. Entry starts at Dh10.
When Does the Sheikh Zayed Festival Run?
Evenings are the time for the Sheikh Zayed Festival, with gates opening at 4pm daily. Weekdays close at midnight, and weekends and public holidays go on until 1am.
According to WAM, the season began with giant installations, performers from around the world, shows at the Fountain Theatre and traditional and military music.
Where Is the Sheikh Zayed Festival Held?
Head to Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi for the Sheikh Zayed Festival. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the patron. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, supervises the festival.
Why the Sheikh Zayed Festival Still Draws Crowds
The Sheikh Zayed Festival is named after the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and keeps Emirati heritage front and centre. Visitors also get a taste of other countries through their pavilions.
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What to See at the Sheikh Zayed Festival
Start with the UAE Civilisation pavilions, Heritage Village and Popular Souq at the Sheikh Zayed Festival. Expect live shows, handicrafts and cultural demonstrations rooted in Emirati traditions.
Over 15 countries and regions have their own pavilions, among them India, China, Japan, Turkey, Morocco and Egypt.
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Wonderland, the festival’s amusement park, has added new rides and VR-enhanced experiences. Beyond the rides, the Sheikh Zayed Festival also offers the Al Wathba Floating Market and the Rare Species Reserve.
Government bodies are present as well, including the National Library and Archives, Abu Dhabi Police and the Arabian Saluki Centre. The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award has a pavilion too.
This season’s Sheikh Zayed Festival adds new music and theatre performances, art and photography exhibitions, and a redesigned aerial light show, according to Khaleej Times.
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Who Can Attend the Sheikh Zayed Festival?
Anyone can. Visitors of all ages and nationalities are welcome at the Sheikh Zayed Festival. Entry is free for children under three, visitors aged 60 and above, and People of Determination with one companion.
How to Book Sheikh Zayed Festival Tickets
A standard ticket costs Dh10 per person. You can book tickets and VIP packages at zayedfestival.ae.
Families planning repeat visits can look at the VIP Box packages: Silver (Dh375), Gold (Dh650) and Platinum (Dh850). They include several entry tickets, New Year’s Eve passes, a Wonderland pass, VIP parking, raffle coupons and 10 to 15 per cent off at selected restaurants and pavilions.
One catch: standard tickets do not work on New Year’s Eve.
The Bottom Line
The Sheikh Zayed Festival has more than four months to run, so there is no rush. If you want the New Year’s Eve crowd, though, book a VIP package before you go.
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