As the UAE’s cooler season begins, Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi is hosting a new festival called Village Nights. The weekend event offers live music, traditional Emirati performances, games, and food and beverage stalls for families and tourists.

The festival is being held near the tennis courts and sports fields in Zone D at Zayed Sports City. The event aims to give visitors an opportunity to enjoy cooler evenings outdoors while learning more about Emirati culture and traditions.

Food and beverage vendors include DRVN, Tummy Yummies, Costa Coffee, Healthy Station, Ka’aki w Nos and LAMORE. Popular burger brand SALT is also expected to join the line-up soon.

From live music to traditional Al Ayyala dance

The festival’s opening programme runs from Friday, October 9, to Sunday, October 11. Over the three days, visitors can take part in interactive activities and enjoy music and entertainment suitable for different age groups.

On Friday, Caolan will host Block Party Bingo, while Musilive will take the stage with a performance of Arabic fusion music. A traditional Emirati Al Ayyala dance performance will also feature in the day’s programme.

On Saturday, singer and guitarist James Deegan will perform live. Music Bingo with Dylan & Dillon and an Al Ayyala dance performance are also scheduled.

On Sunday, YFY will perform live throughout the evening.

Those unable to attend the opening weekend can visit the festival from October 16 to 18, when the same programme of cultural activities and entertainment will be repeated.

Opening hours and admission

Village Nights runs from 5pm to 10pm on Fridays and from 4pm to 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Food and beverage stalls will also operate from Monday to Friday between 5pm and 10pm. Live music and family activities are held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Admission is free, with visitors paying only for food and beverages.

The event offers a setting for friends to gather, families to dine together and children to discover Emirati traditions. As temperatures begin to cool, it adds a new option to Abu Dhabi’s outdoor entertainment scene.

Location: Zayed Sports City, near the tennis courts and sports fields in Zone D, Abu Dhabi.

More information: Zayed Sports City’s official page