Sheikh Zayed Festival to begin on November 18

Festival will run until April 1 2022

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, dances during the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in 2017. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

The Al Forsan aerobatic team perform a flyby in the Union March, during the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in 2019. Abdullah Al Neyadi for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs

The Baharna tribe takes part in the March of the Union at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in 2019. Chris Whiteoak / The National

More than 100 tribes take part in the March of the Union in 2019. Chris Whiteoak / The National

An Emirati weaves at the Abu Dhabi Tourism pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Heritage in 2018. Leslie Pableo for The National

Emiratis enjoy the Uzbekistan pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Heritage in 2018. Leslie Pableo for The National

The entrance of Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, which in 2018 has added some modern touches in a bid to wow visitors. Leslie Pableo for The National

An elderly woman shows her "Al Talli" skills to the visitors at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in 2016. Ravindranath K / The National

A man roasts coffee beans during the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in 2015. Silvia Razgova / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

A group of girls dress up for upcoming National Day at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in 2014. Sarah Dea / The National

A family peruses the Al Majidi Bin Dhaher, prince of Arab poet's pavilion, at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in 2014. Sarah Dea / The National

Hilal Kadim al Kaabi beats his al qasr drum while he performs with the Banikaab, a drum and al yolla group based in Al Ain, at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in 2013. Silvia Razgova / The National

People enjoy at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in 2013. Silvia Razgova / The National

Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, one of the UAE’s largest cultural events, will begin on Thursday, November 18.

Named in honour of the late Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, it celebrates the country’s cultural history, showcases the rich diversity of its traditions and educates visitors about the legacy of the nation’s founder and the UAE’s arts, crafts, customs and food.

It is hosted at Al Wathba, a 50-minute drive from Abu Dhabi Corniche. The normally tranquil area is transformed for a few months every year to host the annual cultural jamboree, which coincides with the UAE’s National Day celebrations.

The festival, which will run until April 1, 2022, attracts more than a million visitors every year and includes events suitable for all ages.

Resembling a fort, the site will host international cultural pavilions, eclectic music performances and amusement park rides.

The organising committee said the festival would focus on preserving the Emirates’ heritage and enhance Abu Dhabi’s stature as a leading tourism and cultural destination in the region.

Sheikh Zayed Festival will mark the Year of the 50th with National Day celebrations in December. It will also host New Year’s Eve celebrations and an International Civilisations March, as well as Al Wathba Costume Show.

Last month, the festival’s organising committee unveiled a new identity and logo, featuring a hawk and Al Maqta Bridge on its design, reflecting the country’s past traditions, bright future and optimistic vision for the next 50 years.