Sheikh Zayed Festival Prepares For UAE's 54th Eid Al Etihad Celebrations In Al Wathba

The Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, is preparing to host the UAE's 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations. This event will feature a national, cultural, and artistic programme designed to attract citizens, residents, and visitors. The festival aims to showcase Emirati identity and heritage through various activities across international pavilions, the heritage village, government zones, and partner areas.

Special programming is scheduled for Monday through Wednesday from 2 pm to 1 am. Additional activities will occur on selected days. Hundreds of events will be organised by participating entities and pavilions throughout the festival grounds. A significant attraction is the Eid Al Etihad Parade on 4th December.

From 1st to 3rd December, twice-daily shows of the Eid Al Etihad Convoy will take place at 4:30 pm and 7:40 pm. Fireworks displays are planned for 29th November and from 1st to 3rd December at 10 pm, with an extra show on 5th December at 8 pm. Drone displays from 1st to 3rd December at 9:30 pm will use light formations to depict Union symbols.

Traditional Emirati arts will be prominently featured during the festival. Leading folk groups will perform Al Ayala and Al Razfa, with nearly 300 performers in each show lasting between 20–30 minutes across the festival grounds and heritage village. Military bands will also roam the site performing national pieces.

The festival stages will host musical, theatrical, and cultural shows catering to different age groups. Family-friendly activities include cartoon characters interacting with children and roaming performers such as musicians, clowns, and street-theatre groups. Around the Emirates Fountain, approximately 10,000 balloons in UAE flag colours will be released on 2nd and 3rd December.

The programme for Eid Al Etihad in 2025–2026 underscores the festival’s role as a national platform promoting unity, tolerance, and coexistence values. It celebrates the achievements of the UAE and reflects on the Union's journey over the past five decades.

With inputs from WAM