Al Hosn Festival returns as a living celebration of Emirati heritage in Abu Dhabi

Each winter, as cooler evenings settle over the capital, Emirati families begin counting down to a much-loved tradition: Al Hosn Festival.

Held at Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone building, the festival is deeply rooted in Emirati culture, history, and community. More than a seasonal attraction, it is an annual homecoming of sorts, one that many locals look forward to all year.

Running from January 17 to February 1, Al Hosn Festival transforms the historic fort and its surrounding grounds into a vibrant cultural gathering space. For Emiratis, it is not just an event on the calendar but a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with heritage, pass stories to younger generations, and celebrate traditions in the very place where Abu Dhabi’s story began.

A festival shaped by Emiratis
What truly sets Al Hosn Festival apart is its strong Emirati presence. From artisans and performers to food vendors and storytellers, the festival is largely led by Emiratis themselves, offering visitors an authentic and immersive experience. Arabic conversations, traditional music, poetry, and storytelling fill the air, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and proudly national.

The festival is organized into cultural zones reflecting traditional Emirati life, desert, coastal, and oasis traditions. Visitors can witness live demonstrations of Al Sadu weaving, palm-leaf crafts, Arabic coffee preparation, calligraphy, and pottery, learning how these skills once formed the backbone of everyday life.

Children take part in heritage games and hands-on workshops, while adults enjoy poetry sessions, traditional performances, and evening shows that highlight the richness of Emirati artistic expression.

Food, family, and tradition
No visit to Al Hosn Festival is complete without Emirati cuisine. Food stalls serve beloved dishes and sweets such as harees, regag bread, and luqaimat, prepared using traditional techniques. For many families, sharing these meals under the open sky is just as meaningful as the cultural performances themselves.

The festival naturally becomes a meeting point for generations, where traditions are shared through moments rather than lectures, through taste, conversation, laughter, and togetherness.

Tickets and entry details
Al Hosn Festival remains accessible and family-friendly, with affordable ticket prices:
• Adults (13–59 years): Dh35
• Children (5–12 years): Dh15
• Free entry for children under five, senior citizens, and people of determination

Tickets are available online via official platforms and at the venue during festival days. Qasr Al Hosn’s central location ensures easy access by car and taxi, with parking and visitor guidance provided throughout the festival period.

A celebration Emiratis proudly return to
While Al Hosn Festival welcomes visitors from all backgrounds, its heart remains unmistakably Emirati. It is this authenticity, the pride, participation, and sense of belonging, that brings families back year after year.

At Al Hosn Festival, history is not confined to exhibits or museum walls. It is spoken, performed, tasted, and shared, just as Emiratis have always done.