Under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, representative of the ruler in the Al Ain region, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority will launch the first edition of the Al Ain Heritage Festival from January 31 to February 9, 2026, at the Al Ain ADNEC Center, under the theme “Stories from Our Heritage.”

Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized that the festival is being organized in line with the directives of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who prioritizes the preservation and promotion of Emirati heritage as a national priority. The festival aims to connect new generations with their roots, support farmers and craftsmen, and enable them to preserve, develop, and pass on their heritage to future generations, reflecting its profound cultural and humanistic value.

The festival highlights the historical and cultural significance of the Al Ain region as a central hub of Emirati heritage and a key cultural and tourist destination attracting visitors from across the country and beyond. It features a rich program of events that showcase the area’s deep cultural history.

The festival also provides a supportive platform for craftsmen, productive families, and small business owners, offering them opportunities to showcase and sell their products. In doing so, it helps sustain traditional crafts and transform them into an economic resource, strengthening their presence in today’s cultural and commercial landscape.

The Al Ain Heritage Festival features a wide range of specialized events, including the Date Festival, which celebrates the cultural and global significance of the date palm. Visitors can enjoy a rich experience of knowledge, taste, and cultural exchange through a market with 50 stalls and eight competitions showcasing distinctive date varieties.

The festival celebrates Arab cultural diversity with wide participation from Gulf Cooperation Council countries and several other Arab nations, showcasing folk arts, traditional foods, and handicrafts. The event reflects the richness of Arab heritage and the harmonious integration of its diverse cultural identities.

The festival also brings the traditional Emirati “Freej” to life with a fully integrated heritage village, designed to replicate the architectural styles of historic houses, markets, and squares in Al Ain. Visitors can experience the daily life of the past and reconnect with authentic social values.

The festival provides an interactive visual experience, guiding visitors on a chronological journey from the early desert environment, through traditional markets and community celebrations, to the stages of transformation and renaissance, all enhanced with modern audio-visual effects.

The activities include the Honey Village, showcasing beekeeping heritage and various local and Gulf honeys, alongside workshops and tasting experiences, in addition to live demonstrations of traditional crafts and making coffee pots and jewelry, allowing direct interaction between craftsmen and the audience.

The outdoor exhibition area serves as a central hub celebrating authentic Emirati heritage, featuring falconry and Arabian Saluki shows that highlight key aspects of Bedouin life and the deep connection between people and the desert environment.

Additionally, traditional cooking activities showcase Emirati and Gulf cuisine through live cooking demonstrations and daily competitions, featuring authentic dishes accompanied by their cultural and heritage stories.

The main stage presents a diverse daily program, including folk art performances, artistic and poetic evenings, theatrical shows, and heritage cinema, creating an open space for artistic expression connected to Emirati and Arab heritage.

The festival places special emphasis on children and families with educational and interactive programs, including the “Heritage Visitor Passport,” virtual reality experiences, and innovative activities designed to pass on heritage to new generations in an engaging, contemporary way.