Abu dhabi: Al Hosn Festival, Abu Dhabi’s flagship annual celebration of cultural heritage, will return to the Al Hosn site from 17th January to 1st February 2026. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), this year’s festival will bring the community together to celebrate Emirati identity and connect visitors with Abu Dhabi’s living heritage through immersive experiences.
According to Emirates News Agency, the festival will feature 16 days of interactive cultural programming, providing a platform for cultural exchange and engagement with Abu Dhabi’s heritage. The event aims to showcase the emirate’s authentic customs and traditions. The annual event aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision to protect, preserve, and promote the emirate’s heritage by supporting talent, building capabilities in the culture and creative ecosystem, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global cultural centre, and fostering artistic expression and public engagement.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the festival’s role in safeguarding and sharing the heritage at the heart of the national identity. He noted that the festival creates meaningful dialogue between generations and ensures Emirati traditions are lived, learned, and shared. The event strengthens community bonds and celebrates the creative spirit shaping Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape.
The festival, spread across the historic Al Hosn cultural site, will offer visitors a series of immersive experiences exploring Abu Dhabi’s history and heritage. Highlights include the signature evening show tracing the evolution of Qasr Al Hosn and traditional desert life experiences at Majlis Al Shilla. Visitors can engage with art forms such as Al Taghrooda and falconry, among other traditional activities.
The Freej area will host 18 artisan demonstrations and seven workshops, along with a bustling souq featuring 50 vendors. In addition, ‘Building Workshop: Crafting Al Hosn’ will engage visitors with traditional construction methods, while Bait Al Hazawi offers an interactive escape room experience. The Youth Heritage Guardians’ programme will engage younger visitors with UNESCO-listed cultural elements.
The festival will also spotlight the artistry and innovation of Emirati craftsmanship, with programmes like ‘Threads of Gold’ exploring traditional garments. Family workshops will encourage shared creativity, and over 40 families’ crafts will be featured alongside a farmers’ market.
A central feature is the Emirati Gahwa Lewan, offering a journey into the world of Emirati Gahwa through exhibitions, ceremonies, and workshops. Visitors can also enjoy performances by local musicians and poets in the ‘Jalasat’ programme and engage with a digital experience celebrating the Emirati dialect.
The festival will include 60 restaurants and food trucks and retail outlets showcasing Emirati-crafted products. It will run daily from 4 pm to 11 pm, with extended hours on weekends. Tickets are available online, with free entry for select groups. Parking is available, with complimentary and paid options, ensuring convenient access for visitors.
