A Range Of Exciting New Events, Shows and Performance are Dispersed Throughout the Festivals Pavilions and Areas.

4:00 PM to midnight -- 1 November 2025 - 22 March 2026
Al Wathba Boulevard
Al Wathba Boulevard offers a modern experience that combines contemporary cafés and restaurants with retail outlets showcasing Emirati youth ventures in perfume making and other entrepreneurial projects, supported by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.

5 pm -- 7 December
Union Parade
The Union Parade expresses patriotism and the spirit of belonging to a nation and its leadership while reflecting on UAE principles that support its sustainable development and growth. The parade is an honest expression of its people for the love of the country and its wise leadership. The Union Parade is one of the key important events of the Festival.

4:00 PM to midnight -- 1 November 2025 - 22 March 2026
Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award
Based on the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, "Give me agriculture, I guarantee you a civilization", the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence is held, which works to encourage farmers and contribute to the advancement of the agricultural sector and promote its various activities. The award includes many competitions in different categories such as agricultural and livestock, awareness competitions and competitions in food categories.

4:00 PM to midnight -- 1 November 2025 - 22 March 2026
New Years Celebrations
"Sheikh Zayed Festival welcomes the New Year 2026 with an exceptional night featuring the longest fireworks display in its history and an attempt to set five new Guinness World Records. The fireworks show will run for 62 consecutive minutes across several synchronized phases that accompany the New Year countdown, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle that lights up the sky with innovative colors and patterns powered by advanced launch and optical technology. The festival will also present one of the world’s largest drone shows, featuring 6,500 drones flying in coordinated formations to create nine massive aerial displays in a single 20-minute performance. This unique visual experience blends cutting-edge technology with a festive atmosphere, offering visitors an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year 2026 and reaffirming Sheikh Zayed Festival as one of the region’s premier destinations for New Year celebrations."

4:00 PM to midnight -- 1 November 2025 - 22 March 2026
Fireworks and Drone Shows
The festival features spectacular fireworks displays that light up the Al Wathba sky, accompanied by drone shows that fill the sky with shapes and designs.

4:00 PM to midnight -- 1 November 2025 - 22 March 2026
Heritage Village
The Festival provides you with the unique opportunity to learn about the culture and heritage of the UAE, based on a history rich in tradition and instilled noble values. Throughout the history of the UAE, the people of these good lands have proved that they could weather all the hardships, taking fearless strides to lay down the foundations for a prosperous and developed society that encompasses the rich history of the United Arab Emirates.

4:00 PM to midnight -- 1 November 2025 - 22 March 2026
Al Wathba Date Festival
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Al Wathba Date Festival returns for its second edition, Date packaging competitions, a vibrant traditional market, agricultural tools, and palm seedlings, with prizes exceeding AED 2 million. A unique opportunity to showcase Emirati and international dates and exchange agricultural expertise. From January 10 to February 28, 2025, at Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba. Join us to celebrate heritage and the legacy of palm trees.

4:00 PM to midnight -- 1 November 2025 - 22 March 2026
Kids Area and Stage Activities
An educational entertainment area, where children can enjoy great shows and artistic, musical, kinetic and linguistic activities that are rich in culture and fun.

Weekly -- 1 November 2025 - 22 March 2026
Skills
Organized by the Abu Dhabi Center for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, the "Skills Program" encourages technical skills and supports the festival with programs that highlight engineering and vocational talents. Visitors can view competitions that showcase national skills and participate in hands-on activities, displayed on screens across the festival grounds.

January 2025 - February 2025 -- January 2025 - February 2025
Sheikh Zayed Traditional Dhow Sailing Race
In cooperation with Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, the festival hosts the Sheikh Zayed Traditional Dhow Sailing Race in January 2025. Participants compete in a traditional dhow race, adhering to set regulations and competing based on dhow size.

4:00 PM to midnight -- 1 November 2025 - 22 March 2026
Camel Exhibition
The Camel Exhibition includes a showcase of champion camels from the Presidential Camels that have won top prizes in camel racing competitions.

4:00 PM to midnight -- 1 November 2025 - 22 March 2026
Eid Al Etihad Festival
The Sheikh Zayed Festival celebrates the UAE Union Day from December 1 to 3 with a variety of national and artistic events, including fireworks, laser and drone shows, traditional performances, and musical concerts that reflect pride and unity.

25 November - 1 December -- 25 November - 1 December
Sheikh Zayed Camel Race Grand Prize
In cooperation with the Emirates Camel Racing Federation, the festival organizes the prestigious Sheikh Zayed Grand Prize for Camel Racing, featuring both Emirati and other Arab participants competing passionately for the honor. This event is a significant cultural and sporting highlight, drawing interest from camel enthusiasts and owners.
