Sheikh Zayed Festival 2024-2025 to be Held in Abu Dhabi Under UAE President's Patronage

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Sheikh Zayed Festival for 2024-2025 is set to take place in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, from November 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and with the oversight of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, this year’s festival promises to be a grand celebration of the UAE’s rich cultural heritage.

The festival will be supervised by Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President and Chairman of the Festival’s Higher Organising Committee. This edition is themed "Hayakum," which translates to "Welcome" in Arabic, embodying a fresh vision and identity that reflects the festival’s esteemed status in the region. The festival's organising committee has announced an extensive array of events designed to showcase the UAE’s rich heritage and global humanitarian efforts. This year, the festival will witness significant enhancements across various aspects, including event designs and new activities. Notably, it will introduce weekly festivals for the first time, creating a vibrant cultural and entertainment atmosphere for UAE citizens, residents, and international visitors.

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More than 6,000 international cultural events are scheduled, alongside over 1,000 public shows. The festival will feature more than 30,000 exhibitors and participants, with an expected attendance of millions. In a first for the festival, over 27 countries will participate, each showcasing their unique cultures through dedicated pavilions and exhibits. The Sheikh Zayed Festival will prominently feature the Union Parade, a powerful symbol of the UAE’s unity and strength in preserving the core national values established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The festival will also celebrate UAE Union Day with a 14-day special event filled with various activities, including folk art shows, parades, raffles, prizes, and spectacular fireworks displays.

Visitors can anticipate a myriad of activities that highlight the UAE’s diverse environments—mountains, agriculture, marine life, and deserts—designed to strengthen cultural ties and enhance heritage preservation. The heritage village, located at the festival's heart, will host traditional markets, handicrafts, and live heritage performances, creating a deep connection to the nation’s past. A major highlight this year is the introduction of a two-week festival for New Year’s celebrations, which will feature record-setting fireworks displays. The festival will also showcase regular fireworks, drone, and laser shows, providing delightful experiences for families and friends. The new Musical Fountain activities will feature synchronized water performances accompanied by music, offering a unique entertainment experience.

In addition to cultural showcases, the festival will host various competitions, including the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence, aimed at fostering agricultural innovation and celebrating outstanding farmers. The festival will also include racing events, traditional cooking competitions, and the Sheikh Zayed Festival Dhow Sailing Race. A noteworthy addition to this year's festivities is the Skills Programme, organized in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. This initiative will spotlight student skills and their contributions to society, attracting young talent to compete in international standards. For the first time, the Al Wathba Custom Show will educate visitors about rebuilding classic cars and enhancing vehicle engines, alongside competitions featuring valuable prizes. The festival will also highlight the UAE's honey production sector through a dedicated exhibition and showcase various types of local dates.

Festival-goers can expect an immersive experience featuring international pavilions that offer insight into different cultures. The event is set to enhance cross-cultural communication and learning about global civilizations. The festival's theme park will include new rides incorporating virtual reality technology, ensuring a fun and safe environment for families. Children will benefit from an expanded area featuring live performances, competitions, and a variety of educational activities. As the festival gears up for its new edition, it promises to refresh traditional activities while introducing new ones aimed at enriching the cultural tapestry of the UAE. This year’s Sheikh Zayed Festival aims to connect visitors with diverse civilizations in an atmosphere of culture, enjoyment, and entertainment, creating lasting memories for all who attend.