Sultan bin Hamdan inspects the final preparations for the launch of the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025-2026 in Al Wathba

Abu Dhabi, 29th October / WAM / Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” and the follow-up and supervision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the State, Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Presidential Office.. The organizing committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival announced the completion of all preparations for the launch of the activities of the new edition of the 2025-2026 season, which will be held during the period from November 1, 2025 to March 22, 2026 in the Al Wathba area in Abu Dhabi.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Advisor to His Highness the President of the State, President of the Emirates Camel Racing Federation, and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, today made an inspection tour to see the final preparations for the launch of the festival at the event site in Al Wathba, accompanied by His Excellency Humaid bin Saeed Al Neyadi, Director of the Office of the President of the Presidential Office, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee.

During the tour, His Excellency was also accompanied by representatives of partners and supporters from government and private institutions, who reviewed their contributions to the success of this season’s activities.

His Excellency was briefed on the latest final preparations for the launch of the new season, and the new activities and programs it includes, which are being held for the first time within a renewed vision that enhances the festival’s position as a global meeting place for cultures, and a major destination for family events in the region.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan extended his deepest thanks and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” for his generous patronage of the festival, and to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the State, Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Presidential Office, for his continuous follow-up and support, stressing that the festival represents an extension of the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “Tayyib May God have mercy on him, in preserving national identity and cultural heritage.

His Excellency Humaid Saeed Al Neyadi also extended his deepest thanks and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” for his generous patronage of the festival, and to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the State, Deputy Prime Minister, and Head of the Presidential Office, for his continuous follow-up and support, indicating that this season’s edition will witness an increase in the number of participating countries and an expansion of the global pavilions that reflect different cultures and civilizations.

His Excellency Abdullah Mubarak Al Muhairi, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and member of the Supreme Organizing Committee, explained that the festival has become a global event that the public awaits annually, stressing that the 2025-2026 edition will present thousands of cultural, heritage and artistic events that suit all age groups, and give visitors an opportunity to interact with the authentic Emirati heritage alongside the cultures of the participating peoples.

His Excellency pointed out that the Sheikh Zayed Festival enjoys a high position on the map of global festivals as a meeting place for civilizations and cultures, explaining that this year’s edition includes many new additions that enrich the visitors’ experience and increase its diversity.

He added that the festival this year will include many new activities targeting various segments of society, including the “Al Wathba Winterland” amusement park, which includes a variety of family games and activities such as the roller coaster and the House of Horrors, and the “Al Wathba Boulevard” area, which hosts a number of local, Arab and international restaurants and cafes, in addition to “Al Wathba Courtyard”, which combines the diversity of international cuisines. The festival this year will also witness the launch of specialized events such as the bowling alley and the skating rink on Ice.

His Excellency confirmed that the festival will also host special events during the holy month of Ramadan, including many activities, popular markets, and Eid al-Fitr events, in addition to the development of the “Animals Anecdotes” area, which provides an educational and entertaining experience for all ages, in addition to international pavilions that include more than 22 countries from different continents of the world, and this year witnesses the addition of a number of new countries to the list of participants.

He noted that festival visitors of all age groups will have unique opportunities and experiences through a wide range of events, public performances, workshops and competitions that suit all family members, noting that the festival provides many services and facilities that guarantee visitors a comfortable experience and an international heritage, cultural and entertainment atmosphere in its various squares and sections.

The festival continues to organize a group of annual events that have become an established part of its program and constitute a distinctive element that visitors anticipate every year because of the heritage character and diverse experiences that reflect the festival’s identity.

These events include the Union March, which will be held at the beginning of next December, and the Heritage Village, which highlights the features of ancient Emirati life through crafts and folk performances, in addition to the Emirates Fountain’s musical and light shows, which are presented using modern technologies.

The festival also witnesses Union Day celebrations with cultural and entertainment events that express the country’s progress, in addition to New Year’s celebrations that include large fireworks displays and drone displays, in addition to weekly fireworks displays that take place every Saturday evening, and artistic concerts in which a group of Arab and international artists participate.

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