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Abu Dhabi hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year that attract visitors from all over the world. The emirate’s events calendar is a testament to the city’s vibrant and diverse community and provides an opportunity to experience the rich culture and traditions of the region. From sports, heritage and pop culture to music, films and art, the city offers something for everyone.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
If you’re up for some mind-blowing thrills, then the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a must-visit event. Taking place at Yas Marina Circuit each December, the final race of the Formula One season features 58 laps and two long straightaways. Alongside the high-speed car race, the event offers a range of entertainment including concerts, fan zones, and cultural displays.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, the Abu Dhabi Festival is an annual celebration of performing and visual arts. The month-long festival brings artists and performers from around the globe to Abu Dhabi for a series of concerts, masterclasses, talk, workshops and more. Abu Dhabi Festival also seeks to foster cultural understanding with a range of events and discussions that explore themes of tolerance, diversity, and coexistence.
World Triathlon, Abu Dhabi
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the World Triathlon Abu Dhabi is an annual event that attracts top athletes from around the world to compete in a variety of race categories.
This event offers a challenging and scenic course that starts with a swim in the Arabian Gulf, followed by a bike ride along the Abu Dhabi Corniche and concluding with a run on the city’s iconic Yas Island. It also hosts various associated events, including fund runs, children’s races, and other activities and entertainment options for participants and spectators alike.
Mother of Nation Festival
The Mother of National Festival is the region’s ultimate annual entertainment event, featuring live performances, thrilling rides and play areas, immersive art experiences, global cuisine, retail pop-ups, and so much more. Six distinct zones offer fun activities for all ages, so visitors can create cherished memories with family and friends.
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
The prominent event of the publishing industry, Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is an excellent platform to enhance the cultural and creative content of the Middle East and North African region.
This annual event focuses on consolidating the regional writers, professionals and enthusiasts from all sectors be it the print, visual, audio platform. Visit the week long literary festival, to immerse in the interactive culture and bring back global creative content with you.
ADIHEX
The largest exhibition for hunting, equestrian & heritage preservation of middle east and African region ADIHEX is one of the most popular and visited exhibitions of the world. For all the decision makers of the world, the annual event offers a great platform for prioritising the environment, culture, heritage in addition to sustainable hunting and authentic sports.
You can encounter, trade and build your bilateral business relationships from conglomerates of the 11 industrial sectors with over 960 exhibitors & brands. The best of innovations, latest technologies, and upcoming trends in hunting & camping gears, equestrian & falconry with hunting equipment and world’s top hunting destinations, makes it a must attend event.
Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
Forming a significant part of the European Tour, this tournament is one of the most prestigious golf events in the Middle East and attracts the world’s top golfers.
Renowned for its challenging course of strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and undulating fairways, the event also features a range of activities and events for golf enthusiasts and spectators, such as a golf village, merchandise tent, and various food and beverage options.
Maritime Heritage Festival
TheMaritime Heritage Festival immerses visitors in Abu Dhabi’s rich seafaring history. Go back in time and learn about the historic shoreline community through performances, demonstrations, crafts, souqs, traditional culinary experiences, and much more.
Visitors can savour the taste of different traditional and contemporary cuisines and meet the guardians of maritime heritage, learning first hand about their relationship with the sea.
Abu Dhabi International Boat Show
The Abu Dhabi International Boat Show is one of the leading marine and luxury lifestyle events in the emirate. Typically held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, this event boasts a variety of activities and exhibits related to boating, yachting, and other water-based activities.
Visitors can see numerous vessels, ranging from luxury superyachts to more affordable options for recreational boaters, alongside displays of the latest marine technology, gear and accessories, plus interactive demonstrations and workshops.
Middle East Film and Comic Con
The region’s most anticipated event of Middle East Film and Comic Con is a must attend show for all pop culture enthusiasts from around the world. Celebrating the popular movies, comics, series, gaming, art or TV, the event makes up for the most extravagant affairs of the Middle East.
This weekend event hosts various attractions like Meet the stars, Artists Alley, Festival Plaza, Cine CLub, Cosplay centre and more for an immersive experience. Partake in the shopping fun of the limited-edition merchandise or play with some unreleased and retro games along with its specific accessories for the best time out with friends and family.
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival
The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival honours the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. Taking place during the winter season, usually between November and January, the event showcases the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Visitors can explore traditional Emirati houses, watch live folk dances and music performances, sample authentic Emirati dishes, and watch competitions such as camel races, falconry shows, and horse riding tournaments.
Al Dhafra Festival
The Al Dhafra Festival is a showcase of the traditional Bedouin way of life, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates through various events such as camel beauty contests, falconry and date packaging competitions, traditional Emirati performing arts, and heritage village exhibitions. You can also purchase traditional handicrafts, to decorate your house with the unique cultural products of the United Arab Emirates.
