In a spectacular showcase of heritage and hospitality, the highly anticipated Discover Abu Dhabi Festival has officially opened its doors to celebrate Emirati culture in the heart of Russia. Taking center stage at Moscow’s historic Manezhnaya Square, the vibrant five-day event offers an authentic window into the enchanting traditions of Abu Dhabi. Running through August 23rd, 2026, the free public festival is meticulously organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in close collaboration with the UAE Embassy in the Russian Federation, proudly serving as a flagship highlight of the Moscow Mayor’s esteemed “Summer in Moscow” programme.
Immersive Heritage and Interactive Pavilions
Designed to fully immerse visitors in the richness of the UAE’s past and present, the festival transforms Manezhnaya Square into a bustling hub of Middle Eastern tradition. The sprawling event features numerous dedicated pavilions, each thoughtfully curated to highlight different facets of Emirati life.
At the forefront is the House of Artisans, a living museum where skilled craftsmen and women lead live demonstrations. Attendees can marvel at the intricate art of Talli embroidery, Khos palm-leaf weaving, traditional pottery, and the iconic Sadu wool weaving. Meanwhile, the Maritime Pavilion delves into Abu Dhabi’s deep historical connection to the sea, providing fascinating live displays of rope-making, pearl-diving equipment, and the construction of traditional Gargoor fish-traps.
Highlighting the overarching vision behind the cultural event, an official statement released by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi noted:
“Designed to bring the spirit of Abu Dhabi to life, the free public festival combines live performances and demonstrations, traditional crafts, authentic Emirati cuisine and interactive workshops. Whether planning a future holiday or discovering the destination for the first time, visitors will experience the warmth of Emirati hospitality while exploring the traditions, stories and experiences that define Abu Dhabi.”
Captivating Performances and Digital Wonders
The cultural immersion at Manezhnaya Square extends beyond visual crafts into the realm of sound and movement. The festival stage comes alive daily with the rhythmic beats of traditional music ensembles, featuring the captivating Al-Ayyala and Al Harbiya performances. Notably, the Al-Ayyala dance holds immense global significance, having been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and its inclusion in Moscow offers Russian audiences a rare, firsthand experience of this proud tradition.
In a seamless blend of heritage and modern technology, the centerpiece of the venue is a massive, interactive six-meter dome. Inside, visitors are treated to breathtaking 360-degree visual projections that transport them directly to the UAE. The immersive digital journey showcases Abu Dhabi’s pristine natural landscapes, awe-inspiring landmarks, and world-class cultural sites, allowing guests to explore the emirate without ever leaving Manezhnaya Square.
Authentic Culinary Delights and Lasting Memories
No exploration of culture is complete without a taste of the local cuisine. The Discover Abu Dhabi Festival delights food enthusiasts with an array of stalls serving beloved regional dishes, including hearty madrouba, margoog, and the sweetly delicate knafeh. A staple of Emirati hospitality, Bait Al Gahwa, is also featured, demonstrating the time-honored preparation and serving of cardamom-spiced Arabic coffee exactly as practiced in a traditional Emirati majlis.
Dedicated retail spaces round out the festival experience, allowing visitors to purchase handcrafted goods, regional perfumes, and authentic souvenirs to remember their journey. Open daily from 10:00 to 21:00, this spectacular event at Manezhnaya Square is actively bridging communities, reinforcing cultural diplomacy, and inviting the world to experience the unparalleled magic of Abu Dhabi.
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