TLDR:
• Sheikh Zayed Festival starts November 1, 2024
• Over 6,000 cultural events planned
• Guinness-record-breaking fireworks and drone shows
ABU DHABI (The Thursday Times) — The annual Sheikh Zayed Festival, a hallmark event in Abu Dhabi, is set to make its much-anticipated return on November 1, offering a fresh, multi-dimensional experience for visitors. With over four months of programming, the festival promises a remarkable celebration of global and local cultures, attracting visitors from across the world to experience an extraordinary array of activities.
A global celebration of cultures
Held under the welcoming theme ‘Hayakum,’ which means ‘Welcome’ in Arabic, the festival offers a platform for the public to connect with the legacy of the UAE while enjoying a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, and educational events. With 27 countries participating and over 30,000 exhibitors showcasing international cultural experiences, the festival remains one of the most significant cultural events in the region.
Heritage Village and cultural experiences
At the heart of the Sheikh Zayed Festival is the Heritage Village, a traditional Emirati cultural hub featuring authentic markets, handicrafts, and live heritage performances. Visitors will also get to immerse themselves in the Emirati Tent Restaurant, Al Kheimah, offering a culinary exploration of the UAE’s rich gastronomic past.
Country pavilions and global immersion
This year, country pavilions will provide a special opportunity to learn about the traditions, art, and customs of diverse global communities. These pavilions will host a variety of performances and activities, allowing guests to engage with different cultures in a vibrant setting.
New theme park and virtual reality experiences
A new Theme Park adds a layer of excitement to the festival, with cutting-edge virtual reality rides and an array of games and adventures suited for all ages. Thrill-seekers can also explore the Haunted House for a spine-tingling experience, as the festival continues to innovate in the realm of entertainment.
Record-breaking fireworks and drone shows
One of the festival’s main highlights will be the Guinness World Record-breaking fireworks, an eagerly awaited display. Accompanied by drone and laser shows, these events will be a spectacle of light and sound that will mesmerise audiences and establish new benchmarks in entertainment.
Floating market and cultural activities
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the Al Wathba Floating Market promises a picturesque stroll through Asian-inspired market stalls, where traditional crafts like Thai flower making and umbrella painting will be on display. The market will also offer various culinary options, providing a sensory journey through Asia’s food and art traditions.
Interactive musical fountain and water games
The introduction of the Musical Fountain at the festival will provide an immersive water show experience, with water displays choreographed to music, offering an engaging performance that blends visual and auditory art in synchronisation.
Showcase of technical skills and student talent
Another addition to the festival is the Skills Programme, designed to highlight the technical talents of Emirati students. Organised in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, this programme will see young minds showcase their professional skills in competitions that meet international standards.
Car show and custom vehicles
The Al Wathba Custom Show will cater to automobile enthusiasts with a display of meticulously restored classic cars and off-road vehicles. Workshops on customisation techniques, as well as competitions with prizes, will draw in car lovers from across the UAE and beyond.
Concerts and Al Wathba Nights
Music lovers will be treated to performances from top Arab artists at the Al Wathba Nights concerts, where the musical line-up will reflect a mix of traditional, national, and modern tunes, offering a variety of styles to captivate the audience.
Seven weekly festivals
This year’s festival will also include seven weekly thematic festivals for the first time, each offering its unique set of activities. These festivals will range from the National Day Celebrations Festival to the Arts, Flowers, and Plants Festival, ensuring that there is something for everyone over the four-month span.
