The Higher Organizing Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, currently taking place at Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba showgrounds, has unveiled its New Year celebrations events programme. Shows, folkloric performances and international art events will feature to celebrate the festive season and New Year’s Eve, in a cultural and entertainment setting that aims to attract millions of visitors, residents and tourists from around the world.
Celebrations will include an attempt to host the Middle East’s largest firework display, which will last more than 40 minutes and break four Guinness World Records in terms of quantity, time and design intricacy. A drone show utilising more than 5,000 drones to display intricate patterns also aims to set new record in the Middle East. The New Year’s Eve celebrations will additionally include a first-of-its-kind laser show, special laser and music shows at the Emirates Fountain, the Glowing Towers Garden, and various Sheikh Zayed Festival pavilions, as well as several cultural performances from around the world.
The Organizing Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival has allocated giant outdoor screens in the festival square to broadcast events, activities and performances of the celebrations, due to the expected high turnout.
Other attractions include the Heritage Village, which will host events and activities including a performance of Al Razfa and Ayala dances. Various participating institutions and government entities will offer celebratory entertainment to visitors at their pavilions, in addition to other special events and activities arranged specifically for children, including games and competitions held on the children's theatre, as well as the Fun Fair City, the House of Horror, Al Forsan International Sports Resort activities and more.
The pavilions of the participating countries will celebrate the coming year with carnival shows, folkloric performances, and respective traditional cultural celebrations associated with New Year’s Eve. Countries will also take part in the World Civilizations Parade, which will roam the festival grounds with performances.
During the 2024 New Year celebration, visitors will have the opportunity to get great discounts and surprises when shopping from the wide range of products and shops in all pavilions and areas of the Festival. They will also get to enjoy new dining experiences through many local and international restaurants that cater to all tastes, in a fun filled festive setting that brings joy to the public as they welcome the New Year.
The Sheikh Zayed Festival welcomes visitors of all age groups daily until the 9 March 2024, from 4pm-midnight on weekdays, and until 1am on weekends and public holidays.
