His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Adviser to His Highness the President of the United Arab Emirates, has completed an inspection tour of the Sheikh Zayed Festival location in Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area and reviewed the final preparations to ensure that facilities and services are fully in place based on the highest international standards. 

The Higher Organizing Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival announced the completion of all preparations for the Festival’s launch on Friday, November 18th, 2022, under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the wise guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Court, following the Committee’s establishment of additional events that appeal to and attract citizens, residents and tourists.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his generous sponsorship of the Festival and to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Court, for his earnest follow-up on the Festival preparations. 

His Excellency said that the Festival, named after the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has been completely updated due to the limitless support of the UAE’s wise leadership of the unique event dedicated to Emirati heritage and traditions, which has become prominent on the roster of global events, and where various cultures and civilizations meet in a joyous and harmonious cultural exchange.

H.E. Humaid Saeed Al Nayadi, Director of the office of H.E. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Director of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, extended his sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his fervent support of the Festival, and to H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his ongoing follow-up to the preparations of the Festival.

His Excellency said that the Festival contributes to enhancing Abu Dhabi's status as a leading tourism and cultural destination in the region due to the impact of the contributions it makes  which enhance the UAE’s position on the map of culture and heritage mega events around the world.

His Excellency explained that the Festival features a number of events and activities that include science-themed, knowledge-based, cultural and recreational programs and workshops, meticulously designed by experts, with the aim of preserving heritage and instilling the values of tolerance and mutual respect, while incorporating innovation and enhancing a desire to bring everyone together under one umbrella event.

His Excellency expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Festival’s strategic partners, participating agencies and work groups that contributed to the preparation of the event, emphasizing that the measures he reviewed are bringing together a number of new and culturally diverse attractions that are suitable for all segments of society, age groups and interests.

H.E. Abdullah Mubarak Al Muhairi, Member of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, said, “The current edition of the Festival will be full of surprises and new activities, featuring thousands of cultural and recreational shows suitable for the whole family ranging from the Union Parade, National Day Celebrations, New Year Celebration, Global Civilization Parade, Al Wathba Custom Show and more.”

H.E. added that the past editions of the Festival have always been successful in its efforts to pass on the culture and traditions of the Emirates, to show the richness of its heritage, and to highlight the nation’s diversity by organizing a cultural event of international standards capable of attracting the UAE citizens, residents, tourists and visitors.

“Visitors to the Festival will be able to walk through various pavilions and explore different cultures and folklores through dances and music that will be showcased on Festival theaters. At the forefront of these performances are the Emirati traditional dances such as Al Yola and Al Razfa, which will provide an unforgettable experience for all visitors,” he ended.

Visitors to this year’s edition of the Sheikh Zayed Festival will have the opportunity to enjoy a generous list of events, popular shows, entertainment attractions, workshops and celebrations. The Festival will also feature various Emirati and international pavilions suitable for all family members, age groups, and interests.