4,000 Events, 22 Countries: Sheikh Zayed Festival Opens With ‘Hayyakum’ Theme

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025–2026 officially opens tomorrow in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, running until March 22, 2026.

The festival returns under the theme ‘Hayyakum’ (“Welcome”), bringing a renewed vision and identity that cements its status as one of the world’s premier cultural and heritage events. Celebrating the UAE’s humanitarian and social values, the festival reflects the nation’s commitment to tolerance, coexistence, and diversity, showcasing the vibrant cultural richness of a society home to more than 200 nationalities living in harmony across the Emirates.

The Supreme Organizing Committee confirmed that this edition will feature over 4,000 cultural events and 750 large-scale public activities, with participation from more than 20,000 exhibitors and performers representing 22 countries. Each nation will present its own cultural and heritage pavilion, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and celebrating the distinctiveness of global civilizations.

Highlights of the festival include the ‘Union Parade’, a powerful display of Emirati unity and patriotism inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE. The festival will also offer heritage shows, concerts, drone displays, and family attractions, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

The Sheikh Zayed Festival continues to serve as a platform for cultural exchange, creativity, and national pride, inviting the world to experience the UAE’s heritage while embracing the values of inclusion and harmony.