Sheikh Zayed Festival opens in Abu Dhabi with epic night sky drone show

Abu Dhabi sheikh zayed day Opening in Al Wathba, bringing desert celebrations and cultural traditions to the Emirate.

The cultural event runs from November 18th to March 18th and kicks off with an epic drone show over the desert.

Hundreds of drones form moving images across the night sky – depicting UAE founding father President Sheikh Mohamed, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late President Sheikh Khalifa.

The drone also depicts a falcon and a message in Arabic.

Visitors to opening night also enjoyed a fireworks display and lots of festive fun, including fairground rides and lights in the darkened gardens.

Military heritage musical performances and traditional song and dance spectacle are also part of the opening night.

Guests also enjoyed the first-ever Emirates Fountain Show – a towering fountain brought to life with music, lights and more than 600 water jets.

This year’s Sheikh Zayed Festival is themed on Hayakum, which means welcome in Arabic, continuing the event’s tradition of respecting local customs and showcasing Emirati heritage.

The family-friendly event runs for four months and includes a light show, horror house, horseback riding, camel rides, and go-karts.

There is also a children’s area specially designed for families. A colorful garden contains 400,000 flowers imported from the Netherlands.

New this year is the Art Zone, where visitors can take part in acrylic pouring workshops. The UAE Civilization Pavilion showcases Sheikh Zayed’s role in nation-building.

This year’s festival will also showcase Qatar World Cup, the game is displayed on the big screen. Major celebrations are also arranged for National Day and New Year.

With more than 15 theaters, the festival regularly hosts several cultural and entertainment events.

It has more than 25 pavilions from countries around the world, each showcasing traditions, wares, crafts and delicacies.

Updated: November 19, 2022 at 8:29 am