Video: Why Abu Dhabi’s Arts and Flowers Festival is a must visit

Abu Dhabi: The Arts and Flowers Festival being held as part of the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba is a must-visit.

Running until January 19, the event features a variety of activities being introduced for the first time in the UAE. This includes the creation of the world’s largest floral arrangement. Thousands of visitors will participate in arranging and organising flowers for this record-breaking artwork.

In addition to this, the festival presents the “Al Wathba Mural”, an artistic project in which a group of artists will collaborate to create a painting that reflects the heritage and culture of the UAE. This project will tell “The Story of Al Wathba” through the art of sand painting.

The Arts and Flowers Festival celebrates the UAE’s authentic values and humanitarian mission, promoting innovation and cultural diversity. It serves as a prominent platform to highlight the UAE’s role in nurturing the arts and reinforcing its position as a hub for cultural and artistic creativity. By showcasing art as a bridge for cultural exchange, the festival aims to build a brighter future, spotlight Emirati talent and encourage community participation through interactive activities that support young talent in arts and sustainable agriculture.

Sheikh Zayed’s vision

The festival embodies the values instilled by the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in preserving the environment and promoting agriculture to enhance biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for the UAE. This vision is reflected in initiatives such as the “2030 Environmental Vision” and the “Plant UAE” programme, which underscore the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Blend of nature and art

The Arts and Flowers Festival offers a one-of-a-kind experience that integrates art with natural beauty, creating an immersive sensory and cultural journey for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Flowers are interwoven with artistic and cultural elements to present an enchanting spectacle.

Heritage Village

The Heritage Village will host interactive workshops for all ages, offering unique opportunities to learn artistic and creative skills, such as pottery making and fabric painting, guided by skilled artisans. Other activities include floral drawing workshops in collaboration with the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation and sand art experiences.

Al Wathba Gallery will showcase exceptional artistic works accompanied by live demonstrations that highlight the talents of participating artists. The festival will also feature large floral sculptures placed throughout the grounds, transforming the international pavilions into illuminated art displays complemented by captivating sound effects.

Competitions, prizes and a green keepsake

Specialised booths will offer a variety of flowers and plants for visitors to purchase, along with competitions for all ages. In a meaningful environmental gesture, each visitor will receive a sapling as a souvenir when leaving the festival, encouraging them to contribute to environmental preservation.

Arts and Flower Festival highlights

• Creation of the world’s largest floral arrangement, with thousands of visitors participating in arranging the flowers.

• Stunning floral art piece around a tower, inspired by the UAE’s rich heritage and enhanced with artistic touches of flowers.

• Al Wathba Mural, an artistic project featuring sand paintings that narrate the festival’s history in a creative and captivating manner.

• International pavilions adorned with floral arches, beautifully coordinated floral decorations enhancing the festival’s courtyards, walls, and windows.

• Vvibrant parade of flowers and arts, accompanied by musicians, floral-themed sculptures, and illuminated artistic designs.

Live artistic performances and workshops

Additional attractions

• 3D floral artwork at the main entrance.

• Massive floral sculptures showcasing the creativity of participating artists.

• Musical performances, including orchestral pieces inspired by the harmony of nature and art, and concerts by artists such as Harbi Al Amri, Moaded Al Kaabi, Saif Al Ali, and Arwa Ahmed on the Fountain Stage.

The festival also offers artistic exhibitions inspired by nature and interactive workshops for visitors to explore painting and sculpting using natural materials. In collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism, the “House of Oud” will host live performances that celebrate Emirati heritage, including an orchestra featuring 32 musicians and a choral concert with 51 singers.