ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — The Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival 2026 opened Monday in Al Wathba, bringing together education, innovation, sports and heritage in a seven-week program aimed at young people.
The festival is being held under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and under the directives and supervision of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, vice president, deputy prime minister and chairman of the Presidential Court.
Organizers say the event has drawn strong interest through its registration platform and is being presented as one of the region’s largest summer programs for children and teenagers. It runs until Aug. 23 and is open to participants ages 6 to 18.
More than 3,000 programs and activities are included in the festival, with over 30 national, academic, security and sports organizations taking part. All events are being held in fully air-conditioned venues.
Artificial intelligence is a major focus this year. The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence is hosting an AI and Innovation World pavilion where students can explore emerging technologies through interactive activities.
The Higher Colleges of Technology is running workshops on AI-powered website design, cybersecurity, drone technology and engineering. The Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training is also offering sessions designed to build skills in digital manufacturing and innovation.
The UAE Cyber Security Council is providing digital safety programs to help young people better understand online risks, while Abu Dhabi Police is presenting its Security Camp to promote safety awareness and community responsibility.
The festival also includes a Creative Media Talents pavilion organized with the Creative Media Authority, giving participants hands-on experience in media production.
Sports activities are spread across several disciplines, including football, judo, basketball, table tennis, archery and chess. The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is overseeing much of the athletic programming, while the Abu Dhabi Winter Sports Club is managing the indoor ice-skating arena.
Cultural programming is centered on Emirati heritage. The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority’s pavilion includes a traditional majlis, crafts and local food, while the Emirates Foundation is offering workshops on etiquette, volunteering, horse riding and camel riding.
Other participants include the National Library and Archives, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority and the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, each contributing educational or interactive activities.
Visitors can also take part in Al Wathba Wonderland, gaming zones and family entertainment, along with the Al Wathba Date Festival, the Productive Families event and a Back to School initiative.
Free shuttle buses are available from several locations around Abu Dhabi. Participants who complete the programs will receive accredited certificates and have a chance to win prizes.
The festival operates daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with daytime sessions focused on learning and evening hours reserved for entertainment.
