The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival has plenty for families and culture lovers this year.
The popular annual event, which runs until Saturday, February 20, is home to pavilions spanning mostly regional countries, from the UAE to Morocco.
These entertain and educate visitors by hosting arts and crafts, performances and cuisine.
To make the most of your trip, it is best to arrive at the vast site, which resembles a fort, in the late afternoon.
After sunset, make your way to Emirates Fountain. Within a lagoon at the centre of the site, the tower is home to a dazzling light and laser show which runs frequently throughout the evening.
After seeing the show, go for a leisurely stroll and wander among the traditional market of Al Wathba Souq, see traditional Emirati dances at the Heritage Village or watch how Moroccan leather slippers are made at the kingdom’s pavilion.
And when all that adventure makes you peckish, make your way over to one of the many food stands selling everything from Emirati bites, such as stuffed vines leaves and luqaimat (sweet fried dumplings), to burgers and pizzas.
Better yet, grab your grub and wander to one of the many performance stages situated around the site and vibe along to the thumping sounds of Levantine dance troupes or Sudanese folk bands.
The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival runs until Saturday, February 20; Saturday to Wednesday, 1pm to 11pm; Thursday and Friday, 4pm to 12am; tickets are Dh5. For more details, visit zayedfestival.com
