Ramadan Tournament
Under the gracious patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and in line with His Highness’s commitment to advancing community sport and promoting a healthy lifestyle during the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Sheikh Zayed Festival, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, has announced the organization of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ramadan Tournament – Al Wathba 2026.
Recognized as the largest tournament of its kind in the UAE, the tournament will feature 15 sporting disciplines and a total of AED 10 million in prizes and giveaways for participants and visitors alike. The event will run from the 5th to the 28th of Ramadan, corresponding to 23 February through 17 March 2026, spanning 23 consecutive days of competition.
Responding to Strong Demand
The extension of the tournamentn to 23 days reflects the overwhelming interest from athletes and enthusiasts following the opening of registration, highlighting the strong anticipation surrounding this landmark sporting event.
A Comprehensive Sporting Experience
The tournament offers a fully integrated sporting experience that brings together fair competition and the authentic spirit of Ramadan. Designed as an annual platform to promote physical activity and strengthen community bonds, the event fosters values of tolerance, connection, and intergenerational engagement. It further reinforces the Festival’s position as a leading global destination for community and sporting events.
15 Diverse Sports
Structured to serve athletes of all levels and interests, the tournament includes a rich and diverse program of 15 sports, spanning both team and individual competitions. Disciplines include football, 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, volleyball, tug of war, running races, cycling, chess, jiu-jitsu, judo, Muay Thai, padel, table tennis, badminton, and traditional Emirati wrestling ( Al Mataraha)
Prize Pool Raised to AED 10 Million
In a significant milestone reflecting the tournament's ambition and scale, the total value of prizes and draws has been increased from AED 4.5 million to AED 10 million. The exceptional prize lineup includes luxury vehicles, international flight tickets, exclusive shopping vouchers from Festival pavilions, gaming packages, entertainment bundles at Al Wathba Wonderland, as well as cash and in-kind prizes for winners across various competitions. Daily draws will take place throughout the tournament period for both participants and visitors.
Golden Opportunities for All Visitors
Every visitor to the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ramadan Tournament – Al Wathba 2026 will receive entry into the daily prize draws simply by purchasing a Festival ticket, offering 23 days of golden opportunities to win valuable rewards throughout the Holy Month.
A Platform Connecting Generations and Cultures
The organizing committee emphasized that the tournament extends beyond sport; it is a comprehensive celebration reflecting the UAE’s values of tolerance, fair play, and cultural connection. It serves as a bridge between heritage and modernity, a platform for emerging sporting talent, and a model for community engagement during Ramadan. The event also aims to encourage physical activity, strengthen social cohesion, and provide family-friendly sporting and entertainment experiences.
Registration Now Open
The Festival administration has officially opened registration for athletes and amateurs via the dedicated online platform, inviting participants to compete at the highest levels in a distinctive Ramadan sporting atmosphere that promotes teamwork and sportsmanship.
Exceptional Numbers
Sheikh Zayed Festival continues to set new benchmarks throughout its 142-day season, welcoming over 2.5 million visitors annually, with participation from 27 countries and 8,000 participants across 1,000 public events. The Festival also features more than 90 restaurants and has achieved media reach exceeding 1.2 billion views.
Invitation to Participate
The Festival invites athletes, sports enthusiasts, and the wider public to take part in this exceptional tournament and experience a unique Ramadan atmosphere that seamlessly blends sport, entertainment, and culture in one destination, a celebration that embodies the spirit of the Holy Month and the authentic values of Emirati society.
