Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi offers attractions, floating market, and entry for 10 dirhams

The Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi is preparing for a new season, combining entertainment, heritage, and family events, offering visitors virtual rides, laser shows, a floating market, and cultural pavilions from around the world.

Held in the Al Watba area, the festival allows guests to experience various cultures, enjoy live performances, and discover new attractions. The entrance ticket costs 10 dirhams.

The festival's amusement park, 'Wonderland,' is introducing new rides and experiences this season. In addition to rides, visitors can explore places such as the Al Watba Floating Market and the Rare Species Reserve.

The UAE civil society pavilions, Heritage Village, and Folk Bazaar are central to the festival, showcasing emirate traditions through cultural demonstrations, traditional crafts, and live performances.

This season, the pavilions are dedicated to over 15 countries and regions, including India, China, Japan, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Pakistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Iran, America, the Levant, and Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and Africa.

The festival program also includes artistic and musical performances, specialized festivals, national celebrations, and sporting events throughout the season.

Pavilions created by government entities include the National Library and Archives, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Legal Department, Zayed Higher Organization for Persons with Disabilities, Arabian Saluki Center, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award.

The festival opens daily at 4:00 PM, closing at midnight on weekdays and 1:00 AM on weekends and holidays. Entry is 10 dirhams per person; free admission is provided for people with disabilities with one companion, children under three years old, and visitors over 60 years old.

VIP Box packages are available for families and regular guests in three tiers: Silver for 375 dirhams, Gold for 650 dirhams, and Platinum for 850 dirhams. Each package includes several general tickets, special New Year's Eve tickets, access to Wonderland, VIP parking, raffle coupons, and discounts of 10 to 15 percent at selected restaurants and pavilions. Standard tickets are not valid for New Year's Eve.

Tickets and VIP packages can be purchased on the website zayedfestival.ae.

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Information on routes, registration, parking, and equipment for Dubai Ride 2026 participants

Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai will be transformed into a cycling track on Sunday, November 1st, as part of the opening of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, marking the return of the Dubai Ride event.

This free event offers two routes: a more challenging 12-kilometer route along Sheikh Zayed Road for experienced cyclists and an easier 4-kilometer Family Route in the city center for children, families, and beginner participants. Participants are advised to review the following information before heading out.

Is it still possible to register?

Although participation in the event is free, registration is mandatory. Participants must complete online registration to receive their race number. Organizers strongly advise registering immediately and not relying on same-day registration.

Every participant must wear a bib number. Without it, they will not be allowed to participate. Adults must register separately. Parents or legal guardians can register up to three children, provided they agree to a waiver of liability for all persons under 18 years of age.

Collecting Race Numbers

Race numbers can be collected at the Fitness Village Dubai Municipality, located in Zabeel Park, Gate 2, until Saturday, October 31st. The collection point's operating hours on Saturday are set from 8 AM to 11 PM. Cyclists should bring their registration QR code or electronic confirmation. A friend or family member can collect a number for another person if they have the QR code. Participants who opted for a Dubai Ride T-shirt during registration can pick it up along with their number.

What time does Dubai Ride start?

The event is scheduled to begin at 6 AM, with the cycling tracks opening at 6:15 AM. All participants are expected to start moving by 7:30 AM, and the track will close at 8 AM. Organizers recommend arriving between 4 AM and 6 AM, especially those traveling to the start zone by car. Since roads around the route will be closed in advance, being late may result in missing the event.

What routes are available?

The 12 km route along Sheikh Zayed Road is intended for experienced cyclists. It passes by landmarks such as the Museum of the Future, the Dubai Water Canal, and the Burj Khalifa. Participants can start from one of five starting points: Museum of the Future, Al Satwa, Coca-Cola Arena, Business Bay, and Downtown Dubai.

The 4-kilometer Family Route in the city center is a flatter loop around the Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, and Burj Khalifa, designed for cyclists of all ages and skill levels.

It is important to note that Dubai Ride is not a race. Participants must adhere to a speed limit of 25 km/h and finish the ride at a gate corresponding to their chosen starting point.

Can I use the metro?

Yes, the Dubai Metro will start operating at 3 AM on Sunday, earlier than its usual Sunday schedule, to help participants reach the venue. However, there is an important restriction: bicycles are prohibited on the metro. Cyclists using public transport will need to find an alternative way to transport their bicycle to the start zone. Furthermore, RTA has advised metro users to have at least 30 dirhams on their Nol card.

Where can I park?

RTA has designated three parking locations: Dubai World Trade Centre parking, Dubai Mall parking, and Dubai Mall Zabeel parking. Parking spaces are limited, so participants should arrive early and follow the instructions of staff and signs.

What must I bring?

Essential items include a fully functional bicycle, a helmet, and the attached participant number. Helmets are required for all cyclists, including children riding in bike seats or trailers. Organizers also ask participants to bring a Dubai Ride T-shirt and a filled water bottle. Large bags are not permitted, and baggage drop-off or changing facilities are not provided. It is recommended to wear closed athletic shoes and comfortable clothing; it may be cool before dawn, but the temperature will rise quickly.

Pedal-assisted e-bikes, tandem bicycles, children's bikes, and trailers are allowed, provided they are safe for the route. E-scooters, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles are prohibited. Mechanics, marshals, medical teams, and water stations will be available along the entire route.