Al Hosn Festival Abu Dhabi Tickets 2026: Al Hosn Festival 2026 invites visitors to experience the heart of Emirati heritage through immersive cultural journeys, traditional crafts, storytelling, and live performances. Held at Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone building, the festival is one of the UAE’s most meaningful cultural celebrations—bringing history, community, and identity together in one living space.
Every winter, as cooler evenings arrive, Emirati families and visitors alike gather at Al Hosn to reconnect with traditions that shaped the nation. The 2026 edition continues this legacy with an expanded programme designed for families, culture enthusiasts, and international visitors.
What Is Al Hosn Festival?
Al Hosn Festival is a celebration of the UAE’s living heritage, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The festival highlights Emirati values such as hospitality, craftsmanship, storytelling, and community bonding through hands-on activities and authentic experiences led largely by Emiratis themselves.
Rather than being a static exhibition, the festival transforms the historic fort and its surroundings into a vibrant cultural village where heritage is performed, shared, tasted, and lived.
Al Hosn Festival Abu Dhabi Tickets 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Al Hosn Festival 2026 |
| Venue | Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Dates | 18 January – 1 February 2026 |
| Weekday Timings | 16:00 – 23:00 (Last Entry 22:30) |
| Weekend Timings | 16:00 – 00:00 (Last Entry 23:30) |
| Adult Ticket (13–59 yrs) | AED 35 |
| Child Ticket (5–12 yrs) | AED 15 |
| Free Entry | Children <5, Senior Citizens, People of Determination |
| Parking | Free Gold Parking; Blue & Green Paid Parking AED 100; Valet AED 150 |
| Transport | Car, Bus (5, 35, 65), Taxi/Ride-Hailing |
| Organizer | Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi |
provides a powerful historical backdrop, making the festival experience deeply authentic and emotionally engaging.
Al Hosn Festival 2026 – Ticket Prices & Discounts
| Ticket Type / Category | Price / Discount |
|---|---|
| Adults (13–59 years) | AED 35 |
| Children (5–12 years) | AED 15 |
| Children under 5 years | FREE |
| Senior Citizens (60+) | FREE |
| People of Determination | FREE |
| Single Carer of People of Determination | 50% off (with valid ID) |
| Social Support Families | 50% off (with valid ID) |
| Fazaa Frontliners | 25% off (with valid ID) |
| Fazaa Cardholders | 20% off (with valid ID) |
| University Students & Faculty | 20% off (with valid ID) |
| Mazaya Cardholders | 20% off (with valid ID) |
Ticket site
Visit the official website. Check out more.
Entry Guidelines for Visitors
- Entry is allowed only with a valid ticket
- Wristbands can be collected at exit for same-day re-entry
- Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
- Children remain the responsibility of their guardians
The festival is designed to be safe, inclusive, and respectful of local culture.
Cultural Experiences & Attractions
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Emirati Craftsmanship | Live demonstrations of Al Sadu weaving, palm-leaf (Khoos) crafts, pottery, calligraphy, traditional coffee preparation; presented by Emirati artisans |
| Cultural Zones | Desert traditions, coastal heritage, oasis life; each zone reflects how geography shaped Emirati culture and livelihoods |
| Performances & Storytelling | Traditional music and poetry, storytelling sessions, evening cultural shows, heritage games and workshops for children; immersive Arabic cultural ambiance |
Emirati Cuisine & Food Stalls
Food plays a central role at Al Hosn Festival. Visitors can enjoy:
- Harees
- Regag bread
- Luqaimat
- Traditional Emirati sweets
Meals are prepared using time-honoured methods, making food an extension of cultural storytelling rather than just refreshment.
Parking & Transport Information
Parking Options
- Free Gold Parking:
Located on Al Hisn Street (access with valid ticket) - Blue Parking:
Underground parking via Zayed The First Street – AED 100 - Green Parking:
Underground parking via Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street – AED 100 - Valet Parking:
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street – AED 150
Getting There
- By Car: GPS navigation recommended
- By Bus: Routes 5, 35, or 65 to Hamdan Bin Mohammed St / Qasr Al Hosn stop
- By Taxi / Ride-Hailing: Easily accessible
Festival Rules & Dress Code
To maintain safety and cultural respect:
- Dress modestly
- No smoking, alcohol, drones, pets, or glass items
- No sharp objects, lighters, or matches
- No bikes, scooters, or hoverboards
- Only water and baby food allowed inside
Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted.
Why Al Hosn Festival Matters
For Emiratis, Al Hosn Festival is not just an annual event—it is a return to roots. Families gather to share memories, pass traditions to younger generations, and celebrate culture in the very place where Abu Dhabi’s story began.
For visitors, it offers one of the most authentic cultural experiences in the UAE, far beyond typical tourism.
Al Hosn Festival 2026 – Do’s & Don’ts
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Carry a valid ticket for entry | Do not enter without a valid ticket |
| Dress modestly respecting local culture | Do not wear inappropriate clothing |
| Keep children under supervision | Do not leave children unattended |
| Use designated parking & drop-off points | Do not park outside authorized areas |
| Dispose of litter in bins | Do not litter |
| Follow instructions from staff & security | Do not ignore safety guidelines |
| Bring water or baby food if needed | Do not bring alcohol, glass, or sharp objects |
| Use wheelchair/stroller access if required | Do not bring drones, bikes, scooters, or hoverboards |
| Enjoy cultural activities and workshops | Do not swim or light fires |
FAQs
When is Al Hosn Festival 2026 held?
The festival runs from 18 January to 1 February 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
What are the festival timings?
- Weekdays: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (last entry 10:30 PM)
- Weekends: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM (last entry 11:30 PM)
Where is Al Hosn Festival located?
At Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone building. Address: Al Hisn, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
How much are tickets for Al Hosn Festival?
- Adults (13–59 years): AED 35
- Children (5–12 years): AED 15
- Children under 5, senior citizens, and People of Determination: Free
Are there discounts available?
Yes, discounts apply for valid ID holders:
- 50% off for single carers of People of Determination and Social Support Families
- 25% off for Fazaa Frontliners
- 20% off for Fazaa cardholders, university students & faculty, and Mazaya cardholders
Can I re-enter the festival on the same day?
Yes, collect a wristband at exit for same-day re-entry.
Are children allowed to attend alone?
No, children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Is parking available at Al Hosn Festival?
Yes, options include:
- Free Gold Parking (with valid ticket)
- Blue & Green Paid Parking: AED 100
- Valet Service: AED 150
Can I bring pets or drones?
No, pets, drones, alcohol, glass items, bikes, scooters, or hoverboards are not allowed.
What activities are available at the festival?
Visitors can enjoy:
- Emirati craftsmanship demos (Al Sadu weaving, pottery, calligraphy)
- Cultural zones: desert, coastal, oasis traditions
- Performances, storytelling, music, and poetry
- Heritage games and workshops for children
- Emirati food stalls and traditional cuisine
How can I reach Al Hosn Festival?
- By car: Follow Mubarak Bin Mohammed St → Zayed The First St → Al Hisn St (GPS recommended)
- By bus: Routes 5, 35, 65 to Hamdan Bin Mohammed St / Qasr Al Hosn stop
- By taxi/ride-hailing: Easily accessible via all major Abu Dhabi routes
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