- Al Wathba festival offers an inspiring summer experience combining education, sports, culture, technology and community engagement
ABU DHABI: The Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival 2026 is showcasing the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to empowering young people, strengthening family values and preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage through an exciting programme of educational, cultural, sporting and recreational activities.
Held in the Al Wathba area of Abu Dhabi until August 23, the inaugural festival brings together children, young people, families and members of the wider community in a safe and engaging environment designed to make the summer break both enjoyable and enriching.
Targeting young people between the ages of 6 and 18, as well as families and the wider community, the festival provides opportunities for participants to develop new skills, discover talents and explore innovation, artificial intelligence, sports, heritage and community initiatives.
Investing in the UAE’s Future Generation
The festival reflects the UAE’s forward-looking vision of investing in its youth while strengthening national identity and social cohesion.
Its carefully designed programme aims to provide young participants with meaningful experiences that combine learning with entertainment, encouraging creativity, teamwork, leadership and innovation.
Organisers have created a supportive environment where children and young people can develop new abilities while enjoying their summer holidays and strengthening their connection with Emirati society and its values.
Four Pillars: Education, Community, Heritage and Sports
The Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival is built around four key pillars:
- Education
- Community
- Heritage
- Health and Sports
The programme also reflects the themes of the Year of the Family 2026, with a strong emphasis on family participation, environmental awareness, sustainability and activities that bring generations together.
Through its diverse offerings, the festival demonstrates how education, culture, technology and recreation can come together to create a positive experience for families and young people.
Sports, Health and Community Engagement
Saeed Al Mheiri, Director of the Community Sports Department at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said the festival provides an integrated platform bringing together sports, health, heritage, innovation and community security awareness.
He highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people to participate in activities that contribute to healthy lifestyles, personal development and stronger community ties.
Saeed Ahmed Al Khouri, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Chess Club, noted that the participation of local sports clubs reflects the spirit of institutional cooperation in the UAE and contributes to efforts to nurture young talent, strengthen national identity and support youth development.
Bringing Emirati Heritage Closer to Young People
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority is playing an important role in introducing younger generations to the UAE’s authentic traditions and cultural legacy.
Eman Al Hammadi, Project Manager at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, said the authority’s initiatives present Emirati heritage through interactive experiences designed to encourage young people to discover and appreciate their national traditions.
The approach enables children and families to experience UAE heritage in an engaging and accessible way, helping ensure that cultural traditions remain vibrant and relevant for future generations.
Technology, Innovation and Cybersecurity
Innovation and digital awareness are also prominent features of the festival.
Through interactive programmes focused on digital innovation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, young visitors are being encouraged to explore emerging technologies while learning about responsible and safe participation in the digital world.
The participation of the Cybersecurity Council further strengthens the festival’s educational dimension, particularly through activities promoting online safety and digital awareness among children and families.
Families Embrace the Festival Experience
Visitors have praised the festival for offering practical and interactive activities suitable for different age groups.
Resident Ahmed Al Juneibi said his family particularly enjoyed the cooking workshops, family-oriented activities and digital innovation programmes.
Fatima Al Hosani highlighted her children’s participation in activities at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority pavilion and the Cybersecurity Council platform, describing the programmes as valuable opportunities for children to learn while having fun.
Another resident, Mohamed Abdullah, described the festival as a pioneering initiative and suggested expanding advance public outreach in future editions to encourage even greater participation.
A Model for a Vibrant UAE Summer
The Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival 2026 reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive and meaningful experiences for its communities.
By bringing together family, education, heritage, sports, health, sustainability and advanced technology, the festival offers more than seasonal entertainment. It provides a platform for young people to learn, families to connect and communities to celebrate the UAE’s identity while embracing the future.
As the festival continues through August 23, the Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival stands as a celebration of the UAE’s vision for a confident, creative and culturally connected new generation.
BY: The Times Union
