In brief
Umm Al Emarat Park is running a schedule of cultural and artistic programs that showcase Emirati identity and welcome guests of all ages. The park’s design blends traditional Islamic gardens with modern architecture and has hosted a Guggenheim Abu Dhabi exhibit and a first‑ever Middle East outdoor children’s biennale. Activities aim to educate younger visitors and celebrate national occasions beyond the park’s four‑decade history.
Abu Dhabi’s Umm Al Emarat Park is celebrating its rich Emirati heritage through a 2026 schedule of cultural events. Since opening over forty years ago, the park has drawn visitors keen to experience falconry demonstrations, traditional Ramadan activities, and modern international festivals.
Architecturally the park mixes historic Islamic garden features—subtly shaded walkways, geometric water basins and lush green beds—with contemporary structural elements. WAM reports that the design reflects former President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision of safeguarding nature, preserving cultural memory and connecting people to the environment.
At the heart of its program is the practice of falconry, which the park presents as an educational centerpiece for adults and children alike. The informative displays highlight the long‑standing cultural significance of the sport in Emirati society and the conservation work that maintains falcon populations.
National celebrations, such as Eid Al‑Etihad and Emirati Women’s Day, find a stage within the park through performances and workshops that emphasize community values and women’s contributions to the nation’s development. During Eid, the park’s grounds light up with traditional lanterns, while in August a series of competitions highlight the importance of shared identity.
The park’s partnership with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood yielded a “Milsna” initiative in January, inviting visitors to learn about everyday Emirati life, from traditional food to domestic crafts. The project reached families and parents, offering interactive displays that illustrate how everyday practices tie into the country’s heritage.
Starting 30 October, a temporary Guggenheim Abu Dhabi program will run within the park’s premises. The exhibition, lasting until 1 November, invites residents and tourists to engage with contemporary art. The temporary gallery is a showcase of dynamic modern pieces that converse with the park’s blend of classic and forward‑looking styles.
Later in the year, the Abu Dhabi Festival will present the Middle East’s first outdoor children’s biennale. Scheduled between 6 November and 6 December, the biennale focuses on the arts and cultural expression directed at younger audiences. Children will encounter workshops, performance pieces and visual displays set amid the park’s natural scenery, ensuring an immersive learning experience in the open air.
In addition to Emirati programming, the park offers a Korean Festival featuring live music, traditional dances, and K‑pop performances. The festival adds an international flavor to the heritage line‑up, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s cultural openness and inviting visitors to experience diverse artistic expressions.
Through these events, Umm Al Emarat Park seeks to introduce younger generations to the nation's traditions while simultaneously showcasing Abu Dhabi’s cultural diversity. By combining education with entertainment, the venue hopes to deepen visitors’ sense of belonging and national pride, affirming the park’s longstanding role as a community hub.
