Sheikh Zayed Festival 2024-2025 aims to set fireworks record

The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2024-2025 celebrating the UAE’s heritage through numerous entertainment and cultural events, will take place in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi from November 1 until February 28, 2025.

The event is held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

Under the supervision of Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President, and Chairman of the Festival’s Higher Organising Committee, this year's edition will be held under the theme "Hayakum" - meaning welcome in Arabic.

The Festival’s Higher Organising Committee announced that this year's edition will witness fundamental changes in all aspects, including designs, events, and new activities, with weekly festivals being held for the first time, including over 6,000 international cultural events, more than 1,000 shows and major public events, in addition to more than 30,000 exhibitors and participants.

The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2024-2025 will host numerous public events and major shows, notably the ‘Union Parade’, which serves as a reaffirmation of the strength and unity of the people of the UAE in preserving the heritage and core national values established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

A special festival will be held for 14 days to commemorate the UAE National Day, featuring a variety of activities, including folk art shows, parades, raffles, prizes, and stage performances, along with other entertainment offerings such as fireworks, drone shows, laser displays, and musical concerts.

The Sheikh Zayed Festival will celebrate numerous global occasions, particularly the New Year's celebrations. This year, for the first time, a special festival will be organised, spanning two weeks and featuring various events, including major fireworks displays that will aim to set new records in the Guinness World Records.

Unique drone and laser shows will light up the skies over the Al Wathba area, alongside activities on the fountain and children’s stages, among many other surprises awaiting the audience.

Fireworks will also be launched weekly in the festival's sky to ignite the enthusiasm of the audience during the holiday, and for the first time, visitors will enjoy the "Musical Fountain" activities, which will include a variety of water games and musical performances synchronised with the water movement. This will create joyful and delightful experiences for visitors alongside family and friends in a globally inspired entertainment atmosphere.

For the first time, the festival will feature the ‘Skills’ Programme, organised by the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Media Network. 

For car enthusiasts, the Al Wathba Custom Show events and competitions at the festival will offer a unique opportunity to learn about the best methods for rebuilding classic cars, off-road vehicles, and enhancing their engines. Visitors can also enjoy exciting displays of modified vehicles and specialist workshops, along with competitions with valuable prizes.

During this year’s edition, the Sheikh Zayed Festival presents special artistic evenings as part of the "Al Wathba Nights" concerts, featuring a selection of top Arab singers, artists, and stars. The performances will range from traditional and national to folkloric and modern songs, catering to diverse tastes and cultures.

Concerts will be held weekly, coinciding with special events and activities during the weekends and fireworks displays, providing the UAE citizens, residents, and tourists from around the world with a culturally rich and entertaining experience alongside family and friends.

Al Wathba Nights will offer festival visitors the opportunity to meet many of their favorite stars, enjoying a wonderful time immersed in culture, art, and authentic music outdoors, amidst numerous cultural, civilisational, and entertainment activities that bring together the peoples of the world at the festival.

Another highlight will be the "Helicopter" experience, offering visitors a unique 5D adventure, allowing them to enjoy the thrill of flying through virtual reality and the latest devices and sound effects.

The audience will enjoy refreshing experiences through activities in the Chinese street and the flying restaurant, along with many more surprises awaiting festival visitors this year.