Hundreds of visitors flocked to Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area on Thursday evening as the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, one of the UAE’s largest cultural events, kicked off. Named in honor of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, the UAE’s Founding Father, the festival celebrates the country’s cultural history and showcases the rich diversity of its traditions. It also educates visitors about the legacy of the nation’s founder and the UAE’s arts, crafts, traditions, customs, and food.
Key Takeaways
- The festival runs until April 1, 2022, featuring over 22,500 performers and exhibitors.
- New attractions include drone shows, a glow garden, and an ice-skating rink.
- The event emphasizes family-friendly activities and educational experiences.
- Free bus services are available for visitors from various locations in Abu Dhabi.
The festival has a line-up of thousands of recreational, educational, and cultural events, all conducted with necessary Covid-19 safety protocols in place. Visitors can explore the Year of the 50th Zone, which houses a unique art gallery showcasing the UAE’s journey over the past 50 years. This zone also highlights the aspirations of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his vision for a promising future for the UAE.
Cultural Exhibitions and Activities
The festival features pavilions, exhibitions, and traditional neighborhood zones that showcase the UAE’s civilization and various aspects of its culture and heritage. New additions to this year’s event include:
- Miracle Garden: A collection of famous buildings and illusion structures.
- Funfair City: An amusement park with rides and games.
- House of Fear: A scary escape room experience.
- Crazy Car: Go-karting for thrill-seekers.
- Extreme Weekend: Off-road motorcycle racing events.
Additionally, there will be over 4,500 cultural events, 650 performances, and more than 130 workshops for children. Spectacular firework displays will dazzle visitors every Friday at 9 PM, and numerous daily competitions will offer opportunities to win valuable prizes, including draws for the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed International Festival for Arabian Horses.
Family-Friendly Focus
The festival is dedicated to providing a cultural, educational, and recreational atmosphere for families and children. It features activities that introduce visitors to the diverse heritage and authentic values of countries around the world.
Fatima Ahmed, an Egyptian mother, expressed her excitement, saying, "This is an exciting event, and I have been visiting the festival for more than three years now. I come here with my family every year to have fun and also learn about the UAE’s cultures and traditions."
Emirati visitor Hussein Mubarak, 20, noted, "It is only by visiting such events that we can learn about the history of our culture, traditions, and customs. There is a lot to learn about Sheikh Zayed and his legacy."
Free Transportation for Visitors
To facilitate access to the festival, free bus rides are available for the general public. Regular bus services operate every 30 minutes from:
- Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station: 3 PM
- Cooperative Association: 3:30 PM
- Bani Yas Bus Station: 4 PM
The festival operates from 4 PM to 12 AM, extending to 1 AM on Thursdays, Fridays, and national holidays.
The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage, and community, inviting everyone to partake in the rich traditions of the UAE.