The Corniche Is Bringing Abu Dhabi’s Seafaring Stories Ashore
The Maritime Heritage Festival returns on 20 November with traditional crafts, family workshops, performances and food. Make an evening of it.
yapped Editors · Nov 10, 2026 · 2 min read
Quick facts
- Dates
- 20–29 Nov 2026
- Where
- Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Opens
- 4pm daily
- Entry
- From AED12 on Platinumlist; AED13 on Experience Abu Dhabi
Traditional games, craftspeople at work and a dhow-inspired immersive experience are coming to Abu Dhabi Corniche. The Maritime Heritage Festival returns for ten days this November, giving families a chance to explore the skills and stories behind the city’s relationship with the sea.
Fishing, trading and pearl diving sit at the heart of that history. The festival brings it into a coastal-village setting, with markets, gatherings and demonstrations of skills passed between generations.
“Watch someone practise a craft, try a game together or make time for a performance.”
Watch, Play and Have a Go
The announced programme includes maritime family workshops, traditional Emirati games, crafts and live performances, alongside maritime re-enactments and a Dhow Immersive Experience.
That gives you several ways into the story. Watch someone practise a craft, try a game together or make time for a performance. The children may find something they’re better at than you. Allow them their moment.
The ticket listing also includes a traditional maritime operetta and Fann Al Soot performances. Individual session times have not yet been verified, so this is an evening to browse rather than a workshop itinerary to promise the children.
Leave Room for Food
Food is part of the festival’s programme, alongside maritime-inspired shopping. The current official overview does not name the vendors or dishes, so we’re saving the ordering advice until there’s a menu to work with.
For now, the reason to go is clear: an outdoor family outing where you can watch, listen and join in, with Abu Dhabi’s coastal history running through it.