Designed to showcase the spirit of Abu Dhabi, the free public festival features live performances, traditional crafts, authentic Emirati cuisine, and engaging interactive workshops.
Emirati traditional arts are taking centre stage internationally through the Doorway to Abu Dhabi festival at Manezhnaya Square in Moscow, running until August 23, 2026. The grand cultural event brings the UAE’s rich heritage to life while fostering cultural exchange and international diplomacy.
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, with support from the Government of Moscow and the UAE Embassy in the Russian Federation, the festival celebrates Abu Dhabi’s culture, heritage, creativity and renowned hospitality.
The festival features a vibrant programme of live performances showcasing traditional Emirati music through ensemble, duet and solo acts, alongside Al-Ayyala and Al Harbiya, two of the UAE’s traditional performing arts. Al-Ayyala is recognised on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Videos of the traditional dance performances have gone viral on social media, capturing Kandura-clad Emiratis performing against the backdrop of Moscow’s historic architecture, while crowds gather to witness the vibrant cultural showcase.
Designed to bring the spirit of Abu Dhabi to life, the free public festival offers a rich programme of live performances and demonstrations, traditional crafts, authentic Emirati cuisine and interactive workshops.
Whether planning a future holiday or discovering Abu Dhabi for the first time, visitors can experience the warmth of Emirati hospitality while exploring the traditions, stories and experiences that shape the emirate.
The Doorway to Abu Dhabi festival features several interactive pavilions celebrating the UAE’s rich heritage and traditional crafts. The House of Artisans showcases Emirati crafts including talli (traditional embroidery), khoos (palm-leaf weaving), sadu (traditional weaving) and pottery. Visitors can also take part in workshops and learn traditional techniques under the guidance of skilled artisans.
At Bait Al Gahwa, visitors can discover the customs surrounding the preparation and serving of Arabic coffee in the traditional Emirati majlis. Live demonstrations offer an insight into the preparation methods behind one of the most enduring symbols of Emirati hospitality.
The Maritime Pavilion celebrates Abu Dhabi’s deep-rooted connection with the sea through demonstrations of traditional rope-making, alongside displays of pearl-diving equipment, fishing nets and gargoor (fish traps). The pavilion highlights the maritime traditions that played an important role in shaping the emirate’s history and identity.
One of the festival’s highlights is an immersive domed pavilion featuring spectacular 360-degree projections of Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks. The visual experience takes visitors on a journey through the emirate’s cultural sites, natural landscapes and award-winning attractions.
Food lovers can also discover the flavours of Abu Dhabi, with opportunities to sample traditional Emirati dishes such as madrouba, dango and arseea, alongside sweet treats including luqaimat, ranjeena and fresh dates.
Visitors looking to take home a piece of Abu Dhabi can browse dedicated retail tents offering traditional souvenirs, handcrafted products and perfumes from the UAE.
The Doorway to Abu Dhabi festival is free to attend, inviting visitors to experience the emirate’s culture, heritage and hospitality before planning their next journey to Abu Dhabi.
