Free bus services, shows, fireworks on offer

The 2023 edition of the  Sheikh Zayed Festival kicked off on Friday, November 17.

The festival will welcome thousands of visitors to Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba region until March 9, 2024.

This year’s edition, spanning 112 days, features a comprehensive programme of cultural, community and entertainment activities and activations.

Festival favourites such as the Heritage Village highlight local art and culture, focusing on traditional industries and crafts.

A family-friendly destination, it also provides recreational, social and cultural activities.

Other highlights at the Sheikh Zayed Festival include a rare species reserve, Al Wathba Custom Show, Children’s City, Fun Fair City, Glow Flower Garden, House of Fear; an art district; and various competitions and draws.

Visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy the Emirates Fountain and its special dancing water fountain shows, augmented by eye-pleasing laser shows and 3D hologram shows.

More than 50 food concepts, featuring cuisine and street food from around the world, are also on offer.

Sheikh Zayed Festival: Activities you shouldn’t miss

 The Union Parade is one of the key events of the Sheikh Zayed Festival. Held on December 2 and 3, it represents the spirit of patriotism. It brings the community together, highlighting the values and leaders who have driven the country’s solidarity and success.

Additionally, the National Day Celebrations on December 2 and 3 will span across the entire festival site, featuring official and popular festivities to mark the occasion. There will be special shows and performances at the Heritage Village and international pavilions, including folk art shows, military musical performances, spectacular firework and drone displays, and Emirates Fountain shows.

A weekly fireworks display will also light up Al Wathba skies throughout the festival’s run. The display will take place every Saturday at 10pm. Click here for more details.

Read: More than one million visitors visit Sheikh Zayed Festival to watch fireworks

You can also enjoy drone shows and fireworks displays during events such as National Day and New Year’s Eve.

Getting there: Free bus services

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has a free bus service to reach the festival’s venue in Al Wathba. Buses will service the route at a frequency of 30 minutes from three different locations in Abu Dhabi and its suburbs.

The route commences from Abu Dhabi City’s Central Bus Station, heads to the Co-operative Society Supermarket in Rabdan moving on to Baniyas Court parking space, and then onwards to Al Wathba.

Trips start from 3pm until 10pm during the week. The return service begins from 4.30pm until 11.30pm.

On Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, the service begins at 3pm and runs until 9.30pm.

The return service begins at 4.30 pm and ends at midnight.

For more details, visit the ITC website or contact the toll-free number 800850.

The festival runs from 4pm until midnight daily and until 1am on weekends and public holidays.

The entrance fee is Dhs10 per person. People of Determination, children under three years of age and seniors (over 60 years) are exempt from fees.