Joanna James
While you may know about all the fantastic attractions in Abu Dhabi, don’t forget, it’s also a hub for fascinating festivals that showcase its rich culture, artistic flair, and love for thrilling experiences. Whether you are an F1 racing fan or a culture enthusiast, there’s a festival here for you!
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting (from dawn to dusk), is a time for serenity during the day, but once the daily fast ends at sunset, the evenings come alive with a festive buzz. The local markets are bustling, restaurants serve sumptuous Iftar spreads, and the city lights up in celebration. When Ramadan draws to a close, the Eid Al Fitr festival takes centre stage. Over three days, you will witness stunning fireworks, joyous family gatherings, and unbeatable shopping deals at the malls. It’s a special time to enjoy the city’s continual warmth and generosity.
Formula One fans, this one’s for you! The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is an adrenaline-fuelled spectacle at the Yas Marina Circuit, where the last F1 race of the season usually unfolds. Here’s a fun fact; the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009 was the first-ever day-night race. The 2024 race saw Lando Norris (driving for McLaren) take the crown, and with the 2025 edition set for 5th to 7th December, you have time to plan your ultimate race weekend getaway, though book your tickets ahead. If you can’t catch this race on Yas Island don’t be too disappointed; the island, within easy reach of properties like Oaks Liwa Executive Suites Abu Dhabi, is home to lots of fun attractions including Ferrari World where you can fulfil your need for speed!
For lovers of the arts, the Abu Dhabi Festival is an unmissable cultural extravaganza. Showcasing over 100 events through the year, across the seven emirates including Abu Dhabi, it offers everything from opera and classical music to ballet, jazz, and theatre, featuring renowned performers from across the globe. Whether it’s a soul-stirring symphony or beautiful ballet, this festival celebrates artistic excellence like no other. So, the next time you plan to visit, apart from booking a stay at serviced apartments in Abu Dhabi, check the official festival website (https://www.abudhabifestival.ae/) because there’s invariably always something to amaze and inspire.
The Mother of the Nation Festival, or MOTN, is the ultimate family-friendly event, offering a mix of thrilling rides, action-packed zones, live music and entertainment. One of the key locations is the picturesque Abu Dhabi Corniche packed with fun for everyone. Some of the highlights of 2024 included a Ferris wheel, a park where kids could let loose their inner ninja and even a wind tunnel offering a fun experience for budding astronauts. The food options are seemingly endless and the grand New Year’s Eve fireworks display is a dazzling highlight you won’t want to miss either.
Held in the Liwa Oasis of the Al Dhafra region, the Liwa Date Festival celebrates a rich Emirati heritage centred on the humble date which still plays an integral part in life and culture in the UAE. Dates have been cultivated here for thousands of years and the event is popular with locals as well as tourists. Amongst the main draws are the date competitions where farmers showcase the finest fruit in hopes of winning the ‘Best Date Fruit’. You also get date auctions, traditional games, camel rides, and storytelling for kids. Visitors can additionally savour dates as well as date pastries and drinks, watch falconry displays and enjoy traditional music performances for an enriching cultural experience.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
