In brief
A WAM report details how Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi celebrates Emirati identity through a series of cultural programmes, including falconry demonstrations, Ramadan‑inspired activities, and international festivals such as a Korean Festival. The park’s design blends traditional Islamic garden elements with contemporary architecture, reflecting the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision of preserving heritage and connecting people with nature. The park also announced a temporary Guggenheim Abu Dhabi programme and the Middle East’s first outdoor children’s biennale.
On Saturday, 31 October 2026, Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi brought its celebrated cultural calendar to life, showcasing a diverse array of events that highlighted Emirati heritage, according to a report from WAM.
Umm Al Emarat Park has long been a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s cultural scene, with more than four decades of history dedicated to blending traditional Islamic garden design with contemporary architecture. The park’s landscaped green spaces, shaded walkways, water features and geometric patterns echo the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who envisaged protecting the environment, preserving heritage and strengthening people’s connection with nature.
WAM outlined how the park’s “learning through entertainment” approach brings education and recreation together. Visitors can explore Emirati heritage and the arts from around the world through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and cultural workshops that invite participation from all ages.
Central to the park’s offerings is the heritage focus. Traditional Emirati falconry demonstrations draw on one of the country’s oldest cultural practices, offering visitors an up-close experience of the birds’ training and partnership with humans that has deep roots in Emirati society.
National and community occasions are also highlighted. The park’s programmes around Eid Al Etihad and Emirati Women’s Day spotlight Emirati values and women’s contributions to national development, reinforcing a sense of belonging and pride among visitors.
In 2026, the park incorporated Ramadan‑inspired activities that reflected the holy month’s customs. Earlier in the year, in January, the park hosted the “Milsna” initiative in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, presenting aspects of traditional Emirati life to the public.
Spring and Autumn Cultural Highlights
From 30 October to 1 November 2026, the park will feature a temporary Guggenheim Abu Dhabi programme. Guests can engage with contemporary art installations and exhibitions designed to complement the park’s natural setting, offering a bridge between modern artistic expression and Emirati cultural roots.
The park’s international cultural programme also includes a Korean Festival, where visitors can enjoy live performances, cultural workshops, and K‑po experience areas that showcase Korean art and tradition in a setting designed to foster cross-cultural dialogue.
Looking ahead, the park will host the Children’s Biennale, beginning on 6 November and continuing through 6 December 2026. The Abu Dhabi Festival presents the Middle East’s first outdoor children’s biennale set within the park’s natural environment, aiming to inspire creativity, community engagement, and lifelong learning among young visitors.
Throughout the week, WAM noted how each activity serves to introduce younger generations to Emirati traditions while showcasing the capital’s cultural diversity and openness to the world. The park’s programming demonstrates a continuous commitment to protecting heritage, connecting communities, and integrating global artistic experiences, all under the watchful stewardship of Abu Dhabi’s cultural agenda.
