News DeskAbu Dhabi: Held under the honorary founding patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, ‘Festival in the Park’ returns as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2025. Recognised as one of Abu Dhabi’s largest community-led outdoor celebrations of cultural expression, ‘Festival in the Park’ is back for two days of fun, excitement, and educational activities in celebration of this year’s Festival country of honour: Japan.
Umm Al Emarat Park will come alive with traditional performances from Japan and the UAE, workshops, arts and handcrafts and musical shows on 12 and 13 April. From 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the park’s amphitheatre, visitors of all ages can engage with Japan’s rich culture and heritage while connecting as a community through shared values embodying the spirit of UAE’s ‘Year of Community 2025.’
Organised by Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in the UAE, this year’s ‘Festival in the Park,’ commemorates over 50 years of UAE-Japan diplomatic relations. Aligned with the UAE’s Year of Community, ‘Festival in the Park,’ brings people and cultures together in harmony, highlighting cultural diversity, coexistence and unity.
Families can immerse themselves in eight Japanese-inspired activity pavilions, featuring hands-on sessions in origami, suminagashi, Japanese calligraphy and manga anime. Additionally, other cultural pavilions will showcase the heritage of different countries represented at the festival, including art workshops by Emirati artists.
Pokémon fans can enjoy a range of interactive games, including Pokémon character colouring, Pokémon Quick Battle, Pokémon Memory Game and Pokémon My First Battle. Young visitors can participate in cultural challenges like the Chopstick and Rice Challenge or test their strategy skills at the Shogi board game table.
Throughout the festival, visitors can interact with Japanese cartoon characters, cosplay and capture memorable moments wearing traditional Japanese kimonos. They can also experience the art of making authentic Japanese Kyusu green tea.
The cultural festivities will continue with traditional Japanese dance and Karate performances on both days.
At 8:00 pm, visitors will be invited to gather at the park’s stage for an enchanting evening of performances celebrating the fusion of Emirati and Japanese cultures. The showcase will begin with school students performing a traditional Emirati dance, followed by a dynamic Japanese taiko drum performance by Shoten. Performers playing the drums, koto and Japanese flute will also take the stage for a joint performance in the evening. For the grand finale, VR artist Aimi Sekiguchi will present a mesmerising live painting and interactive art experience.
‘Festival in the Park’ highlights Abu Dhabi Festival’s mission to foster cultural exchange in a city that is home to more than 200 nationalities. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, the festival creates a space for exploring traditions while making art and culture accessible to all.
The Festival is open to the public for free; however, standard park entry fees apply.
