Full Guide to Sheikh Zayed Festival Abu Dhabi

Are you ready for Sheikh Zayed Festival – one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest festivals? This prestigious and cultural event is organised with the honoured support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The president of the UAE, along with his Vice President, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In addition, it is a heritage festival that celebrates the United Arab Emirates culture and traditions alongside many other countries in the MENA region. Explore this multicultural and spiritual festival with everything it has to offer in this thorough guide. 

• Location
• Nearby Communities
• Nearby Attractions 
• Transportation
• Parking
• Timing
• Contact Details
• Tickets
• Activities 

Overview 

The UAE’s cultural horizons have been expanding ever since its inception. It is a home for various diverse cultures along with its esteemed presence. Therefore, the Sheikh Zayed Festival Al Wathba celebrates the pillars of the country’s culture. In addition to its framework of peace, tolerance, diversity, and brotherhood. 

Moreover, this heritage festival hosts pavilions from many of the UAE’s neighbouring countries. Also, visitors will enjoy one-of-a-kind activities that must not be missed. Such as attending international music concerts, learning about the UAE’s wildlife, and exploring Emirati cuisine and all its flavours. Moreover, visitors will enjoy a wide range of fun competitions and more. 

Sheikh Zayed Festival Location

This prestigious cultural festival is held in the heart of the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. In addition, the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival location is situated on Lane 2124, Al Wathba South. See the map below to get directions to the festival. 

Nearby Communities

Moreover, residents of many communities in Abu Dhabi can enjoy this joyful event. While some may consider it on the outskirts of the capital. It still is very easily reached, as the ride will only take a little while. Some of the nearby residential communities include: 

• Al Nahdah: 10 minutes away 
• Bani Yas: 13 minutes away
• Jarn Yafor: 18 minutes away
• Mohamed Bin Zayed City: 19 minutes away
• Zayed City: 22 minutes away

Nearby Attractions

In addition to the previous residential areas, the festival’s location is surrounded by many attractions. Al Wathba is an area filled with venues that reflect the vibrant and exciting life of the UAE. Therefore, it is home to many landmarks that are worth visiting. Such as: 

• Wathba Desert Camp: 8 minutes away
• Al Wathba Palace: 9 minutes away
• Al Sadeem Observatory: 9 minutes away
• Wathba Camel Race Track: 9 minutes away
• Rabdan Equestrian Club: 14 minutes away

Transportation 

Those wishing to visit the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival Abu Dhabi can take a taxi, Uber, or Careem to get there. You can take any of these private rides from anywhere to get here. Also, you can make use of your Hafilat Bus Card and get off at one of the nearby bus stops. Such as: 

• Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival bus stop 
• Lane 2127 / Al Rahman Mosque bus stop
• Lane 2003 / Souq bus stop

Parking 

On the other hand, if you are driving to the festival yourself. Then you should not worry about parking. The festival offers its visitors three surrounding parking lots, including: 

• Al Wathba Festival Parking
• Extension Parking
• Festival Car Parking 

Sheikh Zayed Festival Timing & Dates 

Furthermore, if you are looking for a fun afternoon activity with friends or family, visiting the festival is the best choice. The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival opening times start in the afternoon and last until midnight. See the timing breakdown below. 

• 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Sunday – Thursday)
• 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Friday – Saturday)
• Dates: November 17, 2023 – March 9, 2024

Contact Details 

First of all, if you have any inquiries regarding the festival and its activities, you can head straight to the website. Choose “Contact Us” and submit your inquiry directly. On the other hand, you can reach out using the contact details below: 

• Phone number: 800 555
• Email address: info@zayedfestival.ae 

Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival Tickets

Additionally, in order to book tickets for the festival, head online to the official website. Choose Book Tickets Now from the top right corner. And you can book as many tickets as you want and pay online. Find below the Sheikh Zayed Festival ticket prices in detail. 

• Adults: AED 10 per person 
• Children: free of charge 
• Senior citizens: free of charge
• People of determination plus 1 companion: free of charge

Pavilions 

The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Al Wathba celebrates cultural diversity from across the region. Each country has a designated pavilion that showcases its custom attire, culinary arts, artistic performances, and more. Here are the pavilions you would find in the festival: 

• Africa
• Morocco
• Thailand
• Iran
• China
• Asia
• Turkey 
• India 
• Egypt
• Yemen
• Bosnia 
• Pakistan 
• Afghanistan
• Tunisia 
• GCC
• Levant region 

Activities 

The best part about the Sheikh Zayed Cultural Festival is the many activities it has. Adults and children can visit it and enjoy endless fun activities and new experiences. Here is what to expect when heading to the festival: 

1. Al Wathba Nights 

First of all, the festival is hosting several must-watch live performances by many beloved artists. These performances include national and traditional shows, along with modern concerts pleasing different musical tastes. 

• Assala Nasri
• Ali Bin Mohammed & Hussein Mahboub 
• Kadim Al Sahir
• Khaled Abdulrahman

2. Events and Shows 

In addition, visiting the festival will allow you to explore various events, exhibitions, and performances. All of which reflect the region’s progression in many fields. 

• Abu Dhabi Perfumes Exhibition
• National Day Celebrations
• New Years Celebrations
• Union Parade
• Weekly Firework Shows
• Al Forsan International Sports Resort
• Al Wathba Custom Show
• Emirate Fountain & Laser Show
• Glowing Towers Garden
• Majalis Abu Dhabi Activities
• Sports Week Event

3. Tefan Lawl 

Moreover, the festival hosts a traditional heritage competition. Its name sheds light on the significance of the old days, which is also what it means. Also, this is a live televised show from the main theatre. So you can catch it every Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Moreover, the festival hosts a traditional heritage competition. Its name sheds light on the significance of the old days, which is also what it means. Also, this is a live televised show from the main theatre. So you can catch it every Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 

4. Festival Attractions 

The festival is not just a place to attend performances and have new culinary experiences. But it is also home to several fun attractions for children and adults. Head there to enjoy thrilling experiences and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Moreover, note that these include some daily events which start at 4:00 PM. 

• Flying Cup
• Chinatown
• Emirati Citizen Families Pavilion
• Fun Fair City
• Haunted Mansion
• International Shows, Theatres & Cultural Pavilions
• Military Heritage Music Show
• Playtopia
• Remal Desert Landscape 
• Roaming Parades & Shows
• Wildlife Secrets Sanctuary

5. Eqrab Let’s Dine Together 

The dining scene at the Sheikh Zayed Festival is unique. Here, you will find more than 50 restaurants that deliver mouthwatering tastes from all over the world. As well as the amazingly delicious local Emirati cuisine. Also, you will find your favourite coffee shops and sweet treats here. 

• Lebanese Terrace 
• Godiva 
• Al Baik 
• Shawarma and Juice 
• Al Koukh Al Bosnia Al Kebab 
• Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant 
• All Stir Fry 
• Tim Hortons 
• Harees Al Fareej 
• La Bottega Del Gelato 
• Jubna and Zaatar Cafeteria 

6. Raffles and Draws 

Moreover, spending money at the festival will enter you into a draw to make money. How? Simply spend AED 50 at any of the festival’s 50 restaurants, and you will get a chance to win cash, valuable prizes, and a car! You can participate in these raffles till March 8, 2024. Moreover, winners will be announced on the Main Stage of the festival. 

7. Competitions 

If you are seeking the thrill of a competition, then you must head to the festival now. There are many daily and weekly competitions held here, along with a chance to win many valuable prizes. Some of these competitions are:

• Al Wathba Dates Festival And Auction 
• Heritage Village Competitions
• HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival
• Sheikh Zayed Dhow Sailing Race
• Sheikh Zayed Falconry Competition
• Traditional Cooking Competitions
• Zayed Grand Prize (Camel Racing) 

8. Daily Events 

Lastly, every day is a unique day at the festival. Many daily events and interactive entertainment shows are held throughout the week. Explore these daily events and make sure to catch them all. 

• Children Theater
• The Emirati Civilization & Culture Zone

Services 

Most importantly, the festival’s visitors have access to various facilities and services. All of which ensure you have a comfortable and smooth visit. Some of these services include: 

• Information Desk
• Lost & Found
• Mosque
• Toilets
• Concierge
• Wheelchairs
• Children Strollers
• Shopping Cart
• Nursery
• Medical Center & Ambulance
• ATMs
• TokTok
• Police Station
• Valet Parking

FAQ

 In conclusion, the Sheikh Zayed Festival is a magnificent place to visit. It will offer you the chance to travel and explore many cultures without leaving the heart of the UAE’s capital. Make sure not to miss its daily events, competitions, live performances, and culinary experiences. In addition, make sure to explore Property Finder’s blog for more guides.

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