Sheikh Zayed Festival 2026–27 to Begin October 30 With 136 Days of Culture, Entertainment and Sports
By Thasmiya
Abu Dhabi’s popular **Sheikh Zayed Festival** is returning for its 2026–2027 season on **October 30, 2026**, bringing more than four months of cultural experiences, family entertainment, sports, international pavilions and major celebrations to Al Wathba.
The new season will run for **136 days until March 14, 2027**, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Held under the patronage of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the supervision of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the festival will once again celebrate Emirati heritage while bringing cultures and experiences from around the world together in Abu Dhabi.
## **When is the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2026–27?**
The new season officially begins on **Friday, October 30, 2026**.
It will continue until **March 14, 2027**, giving visitors 136 days to explore the festival.
The event will once again take place in **Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi**, the long-standing home of the Sheikh Zayed Festival.
## **What can visitors expect this season?**
The 2026–27 programme will combine **culture, entertainment, arts, sports and international participation**.
Visitors can expect traditional and artistic performances, family programmes, interactive experiences, international pavilions and national and community celebrations throughout the season.
New experiences are also expected to be introduced during the festival, although the full 2026–27 calendar has not yet been announced.
## **Emirati heritage takes centre stage**
One of the biggest reasons to visit the Sheikh Zayed Festival is its focus on UAE heritage.
Traditional Emirati arts, crafts and industries will be showcased throughout the festival grounds, giving visitors a closer look at the country’s history and culture.
Traditional sports and activities associated with the UAE environment will also feature prominently, including **camel racing, falconry and maritime heritage experiences**.
The festival aims to introduce younger generations to traditional Emirati life while strengthening their connection with the country’s cultural identity.
## **International pavilions bring the world to Al Wathba**
The festival is also known for bringing different countries and cultures together in one destination.
International pavilions will return for the 2026–27 season, featuring cultural experiences, performances and traditions from around the world.
Previous festival programming has included participating pavilions representing countries and regions including Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Japan, the GCC and the United States. The final pavilion lineup for the new season should be confirmed closer to opening.
## **Fireworks, drones and laser shows are coming back**
Some of the Sheikh Zayed Festival’s biggest visual attractions are also returning.
WAM confirms that the new season will feature **fireworks, drone shows and laser displays**. Previous editions have used these large-scale shows during major celebrations, with some displays setting Guinness World Records.
The festival’s official platform describes fireworks as one of its signature experiences, alongside drone displays and other visual performances.
## **Eid Al Etihad and New Year celebrations**
The season will cover several of the UAE’s biggest celebrations.
Visitors can expect special programming for **Eid Al Etihad**, along with major **New Year festivities**.
The festival will continue into Ramadan 2027, with Ramadan-related events also included in the announced programme.
These occasions traditionally bring additional performances and special experiences to the festival grounds.
## **Live music and entertainment**
Music will also form part of the new season.
The organisers have confirmed entertainment performances featuring leading **Arab and Gulf artists**, although individual performers and concert dates have not yet been announced.
Previous editions have included the Al Wathba Nights concert series alongside daily entertainment and cultural performances.
## **Sports will be a major part of the festival**
The 2026–27 Sheikh Zayed Festival will not be limited to cultural and entertainment events.
Sporting activities will form part of the programme, including traditional sports connected to UAE heritage as well as other competitions and community activities.
The wider Sheikh Zayed Festival programme has increasingly incorporated sport. The inaugural [Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival](https://www.whatmatters.ae/post/sheikh-zayed-summer-festival-opens-abu-dhabi-learning) earlier in 2026, for example, featured football, judo, jiu-jitsu, chess, archery, skating and hockey.
## **Plenty for families and children**
Families will remain a major focus of the festival.
Dedicated spaces will offer entertainment, educational experiences and interactive activities for different age groups.
Children and young people will be able to learn about Emirati heritage while discovering international cultures through activities designed to combine education and entertainment.
## **What about tickets and opening hours?**
The organisers have confirmed the dates and overall programme for the **2026–27 season**, but the festival’s official Plan Your Visit page is still displaying details for the previous 2025–26 season at the time of writing.
That previous season charged **AED 10 per person**, with free admission for People of Determination, children under three and visitors aged 60 and above.
Those prices should **not yet be assumed for the 2026–27 season**. Visitors should wait for the official website to publish updated ticket prices and opening hours.
## **Sheikh Zayed Festival 2026–27 at a glance**
**Opening date:** October 30, 2026 **Closing date:** March 14, 2027 **Duration:** 136 days **Location:** Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi **What to expect:** Emirati heritage, international pavilions, sports, family activities, live entertainment, fireworks, drone shows, laser displays and major national celebrations.
## **Why this matters**
The Sheikh Zayed Festival has grown into much more than a seasonal attraction.
It provides residents and tourists with an opportunity to experience Emirati heritage alongside cultures from around the world, while combining traditional activities with contemporary entertainment.
With **136 days of events from October 30 to March 14**, the 2026–27 edition will cover much of the UAE’s cooler season, making it a major destination for family evenings, cultural experiences and celebrations in Abu Dhabi.
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