The festival brings 24 maritime, sporting and heritage competitions to Al Sila waterfront.
Ahoy there, adventure seekers. It’s time to set your sails and head to Abu Dhabi. Taking place from 12 to 21 December 2025 at Al Sila waterfront in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region, the event continues to spotlight the UAE’s seafaring spirit.
The Al Yasat Festival offers an extraordinary blend of old and new, where traditional maritime traditions meet modern sailing prowess. It’s a celebration of the UAE’s rich cultural heritage and a tribute to the beautiful coastal cities, islands, and marine festivals that dot the country’s stunning coastline.
Across the programme, visitors can look forward to 24 maritime, sporting, beach and heritage competitions, with total prize money exceeding AED 7 million. Among the highlights are the Al Yasat 60ft Dhow Sailing Race and the Gaffai 22ft Dhow Sailing Race, which together offer prizes amounting to AED 600,000. The Al Yasat Regatta, the Al Hadad (falconry) Championship and the Al Yasat Sheri Fishing Championship also take centre stage, celebrating traditional skills that have shaped coastal life for generations.
But the fun doesn’t stop at sea. The Al Yasat Festival is also about enjoying the sun, sand, and sports. On land, the programme features carrom and domino tournaments for men and women, swimming contests, beach volleyball, beach football for adults and youth, as well as running races. Cooking competitions, a traditional costume contest, a cycling race and traditional games further animate the waterfront, alongside other recreational and educational activities.
At the Heritage Village, you can immerse yourself in a wide range of cultural and heritage competitions that will transport you back in time. A traditional market will be one of the main draws, showcasing heritage products, traditional crafts and Emirati cuisine. Retail spaces will be dedicated to productive families and emerging businesses, giving local entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their work to a wider audience. Children’s zones will feature games, competitions and family entertainment that support local talent and shine a light on Emirati heritage in an engaging, interactive way.
You can also take a tour of the coasts and islands in the Al Dhafra region and explore its deep connection with the ocean and its rich history. It’s a journey that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the UAE’s maritime heritage.
The festival’s main events and competitions will be held across two weekends, from 12 to 14 December and 19 to 21 December. The schedule has been curated to create a vibrant social and cultural atmosphere, encouraging families and the wider community to spend the day by the water and take part in a variety of activities.
GO: Visit https://abudhabiculture.ae for more information.