KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi is marking the Eid Al-Fitr holidays with a range of cultural programmes, performances and family-focused attractions, as major venues across the UAE open extended schedules and special activities for visitors. Here are some of the options available:
Zayed National Museum
Having opened in December, the Zayed National Museum is presenting "The Joy of Eid", bringing families and communities together through a vibrant public programme of cultural performances, interactive workshops and activities inspired by Emirati heritage.
In line with the Year of Family 2026, the programme highlights the values of solidarity and connection within families and welcomes visitors of all ages. "The Joy of Eid" features cultural performances and experiences designed to bring loved ones together within the museum's galleries and public spaces.
The schedule includes traditional arts such as Al Ayyala, Al Harbiya and Al Habbān, alongside demonstrations of falconry, perfume making and weaving, offering insight into longstanding cultural practices.
Visitors can take part in workshops, traditional games and film screenings exploring family and heritage, as well as interactive cooking sessions inspired by traditional Emirati flavours and "Memory Corners" designed for personalised keepsakes.
There are sessions to make Eid greeting cards, explore the cultural significance of Eid Al-Fitr, the concept of Sanaa and its importance in Emirati heritage and traditions of hospitality in the UAE. Participants can use natural materials such as dried herbs, flower petals and raised-pattern stamps.
On Saturday, the "Beyond Sight" programme offers a 30-minute guided tour and a one-hour workshop for visitors with visual impairments, focusing on tactile Eid greeting cards.
Sensory Journeys on Sunday caters to visitors with developmental and learning disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. The museum operates from 10am to 8pm during Eid, with daily guided tours in English and Arabic.
Qasr Al Watan
The cultural landmark is hosting a programme of cultural displays and performances within the Presidential Palace grounds, combining heritage elements with its permanent exhibitions.
Al Ayyala dance shows take place from 11.30am, while the Horse Marshal display is scheduled daily at 5pm, reflecting the UAE's equestrian traditions.
The "Military Music Show" are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2.30pm, while the Palace in Motion light and sound show run daily at 7.10pm, illuminating the façade with a narrative on the UAE's past, present and future.
Beyond the special Eid programme, visitors can explore the House of Knowledge, where the "Golden Ink: A Journey Through Arabic and Islamic Manuscripts" exhibition showcases rare manuscripts alongside captivating examples of calligraphy, illumination, and Islamic scholarship.
The Qasr Al Watan Library also offers a rich collection documenting the UAE's political, social, and cultural journey, providing visitors with deeper insight into the nation's history and vision for the future.
Festivals
In Abu Dhabi, a range of cultural and entertainment events targeting families and children is taking place, led by the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, which has been running since November and features thousands of cultural and public events with broad international participation.
In Al Ain, the second edition of the "Ghaitah Al Ain" festival is running from March 20 to 27 at ADNEC Al Ain, offering live performances, cultural shows, and activities for all age groups.
teamLab Phenomena
This Eid, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the emirate's multi-sensory art destination, invites visitors to explore its universe of living artworks, where light, sound, and movement continuously evolve to transcend the limits of guests' imaginations.
A perfect addition to any trip to the Saadiyat Cultural District, people of all ages can follow their own journey of discovery as they witness art, technology, and nature converge across dynamic, ever-evolving environments, ensuring no two visits to teamLab Phenomena are ever the same.
It is also the perfect time to experience teamLab Phenomena's two newest transformative artworks, "Massless Suns and Dark Suns" and "Megaliths in the Roots Garden", promising the perfect intertwinement of perception, environment and imagination.
From the first day of Eid, the destination will return to its regular operating hours, daily from 10am to 10pm.
Yas Island
The entertainment district of Abu Dhabi is offering a range of family-focused Eid Al Fitr experiences from Friday to Monday, combining theme park thrills with Emirati cultural activities, discount deals and a range of entertainment options.
Stay and Play packages provide hotel accommodation plus access to Ferrari World Yas Island, Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Warner Bros. World Yas Island or SeaWorld Yas Island, with payment available in interest-free instalments.
Ferrari World Yas Island features Ayyala dancers at the entrance, live calligraphy, henna, Sadu weaving, a traditional majlis and 250 goodie bags daily for children.
Yas Waterworld includes water rides alongside Ayyala and Fisherman performances, a DJ, clay making, calligraphy, face painting, henna, a majlis with photo opportunity and 250 goodie bags daily.
Warner Bros World offers Ayyala dances, arrival photo opportunity, live calligraphy, majlis, face painting, henna, falcon interactions with dates and Arabic coffee, plus 500 Eid gift bags with Warner Bros. items for children.
SeaWorld also has similar offerings while also providing guided tours. The programmes aim to blend adventure attractions with traditional Emirati elements for a complete family holiday.
The times and ticket information are available on the website of Yas Island as well as the individual theme parks. Restaurants on the Yas Bay Waterfront are ready to welcome the visitors.