The winter season in Abu Dhabi is one of the best times to explore the capital’s cultural scene, and few events showcase it better than the Al Hosn Festival. Set against the historic backdrop of Qasr Al Hosn, the city’s oldest heritage landmark, the festival transforms the fort into a celebration of Emirati traditions.
Artisans, performers, musicians, and storytellers share crafts and customs that have shaped the UAE’s identity, creating an experience that appeals to residents, visitors, and culture lovers alike.
- Festival Dates
- Location and How to Get There
- Ticket Prices and Booking Options
- What to Expect at Al Hosn Festival
- Heritage Experiences and Live Performances
- Culinary and Retail Highlights
- Interactive Activities for Families
- How Long to Spend and Visitor Tips
- Who Organises the Festival?
- Why You Should Visit
- Key Takeaways
- FAQ
Festival Dates
The Al Hosn Festival is held during Abu Dhabi’s winter season, when the weather is ideal for outdoor performances, cultural installations, and evening heritage activities across the historic fort.
Visitors planning ahead will be pleased to know that the 2026 festival dates have already been confirmed, running from January 17 to February 1, marking the event’s 10th edition.
Location and How to Get There
Al Hosn Festival is held at Qasr Al Hosn, the historic fort located on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street in the Al Hosn district, right in the heart of Abu Dhabi Island. The venue is easy to reach and is within walking distance of the Corniche, Hamdan Street, and several major cultural institutions.
Location: Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St(2nd St), Al Hisn, Abu Dhabi
Ticket Prices and Booking Options
The Al Hosn Festival tickets are priced to ensure the event remains accessible to both residents and visitors exploring cultural activities in Abu Dhabi. The ticket structure is family-friendly and straightforward:
- AED 35 for adults aged 13 to 59
- AED 15 for children aged 5 to 12
- Free entry for children under 5, senior citizens over 60, and People of Determination
Tickets may be purchased online through the Abu Dhabi Culture website or directly at the festival’s on-site kiosks. Online booking is particularly convenient during peak weekends.
What to Expect at Al Hosn Festival
The Al Hosn Festival offers a rich and immersive look into Emirati culture, with each part of the event designed to highlight a different aspect of traditional life in the UAE. Rather than functioning as a static exhibition, the festival invites visitors to move through themed areas where artisans, performers, and cultural specialists share their knowledge through live demonstrations and open conversation.
These exchanges often reveal the stories, techniques, and symbolism behind crafts that once shaped everyday life across the region.
The experience feels particularly rooted in central Abu Dhabi, where the surrounding streets, historic squares, and cultural venues add to the festival’s atmosphere.
Heritage Experiences and Live Performances
One of the most distinctive features of the Al Hosn Festival Abu Dhabi is the opportunity to watch traditional Emirati crafts being created in real time. Skilled artisans demonstrate sadu weaving, pottery shaping, embroidery, and metalwork; techniques passed down through generations.
These interactions reveal the symbolism and history behind each craft, giving visitors a deeper understanding of how such practices once shaped daily life in the UAE.
As you move through the festival, the atmosphere is brought to life by an array of heritage performances throughout the day. Some of the most memorable include:
- Traditional Emirati dance and music
- Falconry demonstrations showcasing the UAE’s proud hunting heritage
- Equestrian shows featuring Arabian horses
- Saluki presentations reflecting the country’s long-standing desert traditions
- The grand evening procession, which unites musicians, dancers, and heritage groups in a spectacular finale
Culinary and Retail Highlights
Food plays a central role in the Al Hosn Festival, where visitors can enjoy traditional Emirati dishes, warm breads, desserts, and freshly brewed Arabic coffee. A token-based system keeps queues moving and makes it easy to sample different flavours throughout the venue.
The retail area adds another layer to the experience, featuring handcrafted textiles, perfumes, décor, and gifts created by local designers and heritage-focused artisans.
These stalls showcase Abu Dhabi’s creative community and offer visitors a chance to support homegrown businesses.
Interactive Activities for Families
The festival is known as one of Abu Dhabi’s most family-friendly cultural events, offering hands-on activities that spark curiosity and creativity among younger visitors. Across the venue, children can take part in traditional craft-making, art workshops, storytelling sessions, and educational games inspired by Emirati heritage.
Encounters with camels, goats, falcons, and salukis add to the excitement, creating memorable moments for both children and adults.
How Long to Spend and Visitor Tips
Most visitors spend four to six hours at the Al Hosn Festival, allowing enough time to explore the heritage zones, enjoy performances, and browse the retail areas. Weekdays offer a quieter atmosphere, while weekends tend to be more lively.
Its central location also makes it easy to combine a visit with a walk along the Corniche or a stop at nearby cafés and cultural venues.
Visitor Tips
- Plan your visit on a weekday afternoon if you prefer a calmer experience.
- Arrive early to make the most of performances, demonstrations, and workshops.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the festival involves considerable walking on outdoor pathways.
- Dress appropriately for the weather, particularly during cooler winter evenings.
- Consider using public transport or arriving early on weekends to ensure convenient parking.
Who Organises the Festival?
The event is organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the authority responsible for shaping the emirate’s cultural strategy and preserving its heritage. Each year, DCT Abu Dhabi curates the programme with a focus on authenticity, ensuring the crafts, performances, and demonstrations reflect genuine Emirati traditions and support the city’s vision as a leading cultural destination.
A key element of the festival is its inclusive design. Free entry for children under five, senior citizens over sixty, and People of Determination reflects DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement, allowing visitors to experience Emirati heritage in a welcoming, educational, and thoughtfully produced environment.
Why You Should Visit
Set within the historic walls of Qasr Al Hosn, the festival allows visitors to engage closely with artisans, performers, and storytellers, each of whom shares elements of Emirati culture that have shaped the country’s identity.
Every workshop, demonstration, and performance feels enriched by the fort’s history, creating a sense of connection that goes far beyond a typical cultural outing.
The festival also highlights the appeal of living in central Abu Dhabi, where cultural institutions, cafés, parks, and workplaces sit side by side.
Key Takeaways
Al Hosn Festival Abu Dhabi stands out as one of the city’s most meaningful cultural events, bringing together traditional crafts, live performances, family activities, and authentic Emirati cuisine within the atmospheric setting of Qasr Al Hosn.
Its inclusive pricing and central location make it accessible for both residents and visitors, while its focus on heritage offers a deeper appreciation of the UAE’s cultural identity. Set in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the festival also highlights the lifestyle appeal of the surrounding neighbourhoods, where historic charm and modern conveniences come together to create a vibrant urban experience.
FAQ
Entry provides access to all festival zones, performances, workshops, and exhibitions, although food and beverage purchases require separate tokens.
Yes. It is well regarded as a family-friendly event, with dedicated activity zones, workshops, and animal encounters designed for younger audiences.
Parking can usually be found around the venue, though early arrival is recommended on weekends. Paid parking areas are also available nearby.
Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter, offering more space and time to enjoy each zone.
Yes. On-site ticket counters allow visitors to purchase entry on arrival, though online booking remains the more convenient option.
