Abu Dhabi, one of the wealthiest cities in the world, hosts plenty of events and festivals throughout the year. The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage - ADACH plays a significant role in supporting the local arts community. ADACH contributes to some of the best international fairs that attract millions of tourists each year.

Events & Festivals

Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF):

Abu Dhabi has unparalleled capacity of arranging any global event and the success of the MEIFF proves this. The MEIFF in 2007 obtained around 550 press members from over 40 different countries who flew to Abu Dhabi especially for this fascinating film festival. The next MEIFF is expected to attract even more publicity reaching further parts of the world. The Middle East International Film Festival in Abu Dhabi is hosted by the ADACH and is a celebration of cinema, displaying a wide range of international films. This festival helps build rapport amongst the films buffs and those who wish to invest in the future of film. The popularity and achievement of the MEIFF over the years has seen it grow with more films and programming sections being added to the schedule. The prestigious Black Pearl Award is the highlight of the festival, praising those who have contributed to film and bringing together gifted producers with major film companies from across the globe.

Formula One

Abu Dhabi will host the first Formula One Grand Prix from 2009. A Formula One festival held in 2007 was extremely successful which attracted many top drivers to the city and this mainly contributed to the launch of this famous event in Abu Dhabi.

The new circuit is being built on the intriguing Bani Yas Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi. It will be world’s latest motorsport venue called the Yas Marina Circuit. This advanced circuit will be 5.55km in length and the grandstands are all covered, as well as featuring two major pit buildings. The circuit will also be used for other smaller sporting events such as drag racing and will host a number of corporate events throughout the year.

The circuit is in its later stages of construction and is due to host the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 13-15th of November 2009.

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF):

This is the fastest growing book fair in the Middle East, providing the opportunity for 482 exhibitors from 42 countries to bring their work into the limelight. This event is organised by a KITAB, a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and the Frankfurt Book Fair. Every year the organisers try to introduce more international exhibits in order to gain the interest of more people from around the world. Due to the fair’s successful growth the ADIBF has become the focal point not just for the Arab market but for the worldwide book market as well.

Abu Dhabi Salsa and Jazz Festival:

Abu Dhabi Latino Fiesta and Abu Dhabi International Jazz Festival offer two days of full entertainment of dance and music. The first night brings the awesome performances of Latin dancers and musicians. On the second night, some of the best jazz artists show their talent on the stage. Venue: The Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Golf Championship:

This event was only launched in 2006 but has already become very popular. Being the first European PGA Tour ranking event of the year, launches Abu Dhabi’s golfing reputation into the spot light. The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is arranged at the perfect green course of Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton. This competition is a part of European Tour golf tournament and has a $2-million prize fund. Tennis champion Paul Casey won the event in 2007.

The Emirates Photography Competition:

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) organizes an annual event named as the Emirates Photography Competition. This event is set to encourage the art of photography in the Emirates. The ADACH provides platform for the talented young photographers to explore creative and refreshing approach to photography.

Camel Racing:

Camel racing cannot be separated from the social life of Abu Dhabi. This key event attracts many tourists from all over the world, as well as locals and even members of the royal family. Camel racing is a traditional event of Abu Dhabi and specially designed tracks for this event can be found all over the country. The races take place every week during the cooler winter months on Thursdays and Friday mornings. Camel racing in Abu Dhabi is incredibly competitive and exciting because of the generous money prize and provides visitors with the chance to watch this unique and traditional sport.

The Emirates Film Competition:

With a particular emphasis on short films, documentaries, fiction and animation, The Emirates Film Competition is held every year to encourage and promote local film making and film production. UAE students from schools, colleges & universities screen their films and compete for valuable prizes at the Cultural Foundation, which is famous for being the centre of Abu Dhabi's cultural activity. The event also showcases the lectures and seminars that provide an opportunity for more in-depth discussions of the filmmakers’ art.

International Fine Art & Antiques Fair:

The International Fine Art and Antiques Fair is held at the amazing Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. This exhibition offers unique opportunity to watch and buy some of the world's most exquisite and rare antiques and pieces of fine art. It is arranged in 5000-square-metre pillar-free hall that accommodates around 100 dealers. The exhibition centre has everything for the visitors such as banks, restaurants, coffee shops, shops and round-the-clock security.

Red Bull Air Race World Series:

The Red Bull Air race series is a competition of stunt-flying that is arranged in ten cities across the world. Abu Dhabi is one of the centers of this competition. Fearless pilots show their daring talent by flying their planes at speeds of up to 400 km/h through low-level inflatable "air gates".

This event was launched with the support from HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The first round of the Air Race is held in Abu Dhabi city, with the rest of the seven rounds held in other cities of the world.

The Abu Dhabi Cycling Race of Champions:

This event held in November of every year is sanctioned by the UCI (Union Cycling International) Pro Tour. The challenging race includes cycling up the mountain of Jebel Hafeet which is the emirate’s highest point, and two flat surface races through the city’s highways.