Hawamir Freejna Festival 2026 in Abu Dhabi

Hawamir Freejna Festival 2026 in Abu Dhabi brings three days of family entertainment to Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November 2026. This is the second season of the festival, and the 2026 edition is held in celebration of the 55th UAE National Day. If you are planning a weekend outing with children in the capital, it is one to look at.

The organisers describe it simply: fun-filled activities for kids and families, over three days, at Emirates Palace. The ticket listing files it under family festivals, with Arabic content, kids’ activities and shows all tagged, so it is clearly built for parents, grandparents and children to enjoy together.

About Hawamir Freejna Festival Season 2

Season 2 picks up the Hawamir Freejna name and ties it to National Day, so the weekend has a celebratory, community feel as the country heads towards 2 December. It runs across a full Friday-to-Sunday weekend, which gives families three chances to go rather than one fixed date.

Our listing shows the festival opening at 6pm each day and running into the evening, which suits families who prefer to head out once school and work are done. Check the time on your ticket before you leave home, as the organisers say they can change the programme.

The organisers have not published a detailed schedule or named performers, so we would not plan a visit around one particular act. Think of it as an evening out where the children set the pace, with shows and activities rather than one headline performance.

What to Expect at Emirates Palace

The festival is staged at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental on West Corniche Road in Abu Dhabi. Expect a security check on the way in: bags are checked at the entrance, and there is CCTV across the festival area. An on-site medical team is in place throughout, and there is a designated lost and found point.

Photos are welcome. The organisers confirm you can take pictures, but professional equipment is not allowed, so phones and everyday cameras are the way to go. If you book a VIP area, note that recording devices are not permitted there.

The programme is billed as entertainment and activities for kids and families, with Arabic shows in the mix. That makes it a natural fit for Arabic-speaking families and for anyone who wants their children to enjoy National Day season in a lively, local way.

Who It Is For

Hawamir Freejna is made for families. Children must be with an adult at all times, which appears both in the safety rules and in the terms and conditions, so this is not a drop-off event. It suits parents with young children, grandparents bringing the little ones, and groups of families going together.

Very young children are welcome, with one detail parents often miss. Children under five can come in, but they still need their own ticket. Count every member of your group, toddlers included, when you book.

Because the festival runs over three evenings, it also works for families with busy weekends. You might pair a Friday visit with a quieter Saturday at home, or save it for Sunday as a way to close the weekend before school starts again.

Visitor Tips for Hawamir Freejna Festival

Plan meals around your visit

Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Leave the picnic and cool box at home, and plan meal times before or after the festival so hungry children are not waiting too long.

Pack light

Bags are checked at entry and sharp objects are on the prohibited list. A small bag with the essentials will get your family through faster.

Agree a meeting point

With a lost and found area on site, show older children where it is as soon as you arrive and agree that is where to go if anyone gets separated.

Choose your day carefully

Tickets are non-refundable, so settle on the evening that suits your family before you book. With three days to choose from, Friday, Saturday or Sunday can each work depending on your weekend.

Check before you set off

The organisers reserve the right to change the programme, and they note that events can be affected by weather or other unforeseen circumstances. A quick look at your booking on the day is a sensible habit.

Plan Your National Day Weekend in Abu Dhabi

If you want to build a full weekend around the festival, browse our guide to things to do in Abu Dhabi. For more family outings, see our kids events page, and our things to do in November round-up gathers more of the month’s plans, including other National Day celebrations. For cultural and heritage events, our art and culture listings are worth a look.

Hawamir Freejna Festival Season 2 is a simple, family-first way to start the National Day celebrations in the capital. Pick your evening, round up the family and book your tickets for Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental before the weekend arrives.