Watch: Emirati dancers take over Moscow square at Doorway to Abu Dhabi festival

Emirati traditional arts is having a moment on the international stage thanks to the Doorway to Abu Dhabi festival being held at the Manezhnaya Square in Moscow, until August 23, 2026, a grand cultural event bringing UAE's heritage to life to foster international cultural diplomacy.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and supported by the Government of Moscow and the UAE Embassy in the Russian Federation, the festival promotes the culture, heritage, creativity and hospitality of Abu Dhabi.

The festival includes live performances featuring traditional Emirati music through ensemble, duet, and solo performances, along with Al-Ayyala and Al Harbiya, Emirati traditional performing arts. Al-Ayyala is inscribed on Uensco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Videos from the traditional dance performances have now gone viral on social media, showing Kandura-clad Emiratis performing against a backdrop of imposing old buildings in Moscow as viewers crowd around to watch.

Designed to bring the spirit of Abu Dhabi to life, the free public festival combines live performances and demonstrations, traditional crafts, authentic Emirati cuisine and interactive workshops.

Whether planning a future holiday or discovering the destination for the first time, visitors can experience the warmth of Emirati hospitality while exploring the traditions, stories and experiences that define Abu Dhabi.

The Doorway to Abu Dhabi festival also has a number of interactive pavilions highlighting the UAE’s rich heritage and traditional crafts. The House of Artisans showcases a variety of Emirati crafts, including talli (traditional embroidery), khoos (palm-leaf weaving), sadu (traditional weaving), and pottery. It also offers a range of workshops where visitors can learn and develop traditional skills under the guidance of experienced artisans.

Bait Al Gahwa showcases the traditions of preparing and serving Arabic coffee as practiced in the traditional Emirati majlis, through a live demonstration highlighting the preparation methods of one of the most prominent symbols of Emirati hospitality.

The Maritime Pavilion highlights Abu Dhabi's historic connection to the sea through live demonstrations of rope-making, pearl-diving equipment, fishing nets, and gargoor (fish-traps), celebrating the maritime heritage that played a significant role in shaping the emirate’s history.

A highlight of the festival will be an immersive domed pavilion featuring spectacular 360-degree projections of Abu Dhabi's iconic landmarks, allowing visitors to experience the destination through an engaging visual journey inspired by its cultural sites, natural landscapes and award-winning attractions.

Visitors can also discover the flavours of Abu Dhabi, with opportunities to sample traditional Emirati dishes such as madrouba, dango, and arseea (a variety of hot dishes made with chicken, rice, vegetables, and spices), as well as desserts including luqaimat (fried dough balls), ranjeena (a date dessert with flour, cardamom, and cinnamon), and fresh dates.

Those wishing to take home a piece of Abu Dhabi will be able to browse a selection of traditional souvenirs, handcrafted products and perfumes from the UAE in dedicated retail tents.

The Doorway to Abu Dhabi festival is free to attend. Visitors are invited to explore the festival and discover everything Abu Dhabi has to offer before planning their next journey to the emirate.