Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Mansour Festival has officially concluded its 2025 edition at Yas Gateway Park North, following four days of vibrant celebrations, interactive family experiences and expanded entertainment zones that drew record-breaking attendance of 29,000 visitors.
Running from November 20 to 23, the festival delivered its biggest edition yet, offering more immersive edutainment spaces and new activities designed to inspire movement, creativity, and imagination.
This year's festival also marked a major milestone: the unveiling of the world's tallest LEGO brick figure, a 10-metre structure created in the likeness of Emirati cartoon character Mansour, earning a new Guinness World Records title for event organisers, Bidaya.
The 2025 edition also celebrated another significant achievement with the premiere of the new animated series "Mansour and Sara" during the festival's opening on November 20, coinciding with International Children's Day.
One of the most celebrated additions to the festival was the themed Age of AI Inflatable Park play area packed with large-scale inflatables for climbing, bouncing, exploration, and active play.
The zone quickly became a favourite among children and offered a fun, high-energy highlight for returning visitors.
Families also enjoyed the Makers' Workshop, where children engaged in hands-on activities designed around creativity, building, problem-solving, and teamwork.
This interactive zone reinforced the festival's mission to promote real-world play and limit reliance on screens, while nurturing curiosity and imagination.
The festival's stage shows combined entertainment and edutainment concepts, introducing young children to themes inspired by Emirati values, friendship, and discovery.
A special highlight of the festival was the appearance of Hazzaa Al Mansoori, the first Emirati astronaut from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.
Al Mansoori shared his historic space journey with young visitors, inspiring children through his pioneering mission to the International Space Station and connecting them with the UAE's achievements in space exploration and scientific innovation.
The popular Desert Riders attraction offered safe, guided camel-riding experiences throughout the festival, giving families a chance to connect with Emirati culture and outdoor heritage in a fun, hands-on way.
The festival's live stage programme – running daily from 4pm to 11pm – kept families entertained with character appearances, musical moments, dance sessions and interactive performances inspired by the world of Mansour.
Imane Alsalem Tlamid, Chief Executive Officer of Bidaya, said, "What we witnessed over the four days of excitement, creativity, and meaningful connection among families was truly exceptional. Seeing families explore the new zones, engage with the stage performances, and create memories together is precisely what the Mansour Festival was designed for."
"Each year, we remain committed to expanding and elevating the experience, and today we are proud to see how close the festival has become to the hearts of families across the UAE. This is especially significant as we approach the Year of the Family 2026, where initiatives that strengthen family bonds and reinforce intergenerational connections take on even greater importance."
