Doorway to Abu Dhabi Festival brings Emirati culture to Moscow

The Doorway to Abu Dhabi Festival is taking place at Manezhnaya Square in Moscow until 23 August 2026, as part of the Moscow Mayor’s Summer in Moscow programme. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, with the support of the Government of Moscow and the Embassy of the UAE in the Russian Federation, the five-day festival invites visitors to discover the culture, heritage, creativity and hospitality that make Abu Dhabi one of the world’s most distinctive destinations.

Bringing the spirit of Abu Dhabi to the heart of Moscow, the free public festival features live performances and demonstrations, traditional crafts, authentic Emirati cuisine and interactive workshops. Whether planning a future trip or discovering Abu Dhabi for the first time, visitors can experience the warmth of Emirati hospitality while exploring the traditions, stories and experiences that define the emirate.

Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy daily live performances featuring traditional Emirati music, including ensemble, duet and solo performances, as well as Al-Ayyala and Al-Harbiya, two traditional Emirati performing arts. Al-Ayyala is inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The festival also features a series of interactive pavilions showcasing the UAE’s rich heritage and traditional crafts. The House of Artisans presents a variety of Emirati crafts, including talli (traditional embroidery), khoos (palm-leaf weaving), sadu (traditional weaving) and pottery. Visitors can also take part in workshops and learn traditional skills under the guidance of experienced artisans.

At Bait Al Gahwa, visitors can discover the traditions of preparing and serving Arabic coffee in the traditional Emirati majlis. Live demonstrations showcase preparation and serving techniques associated with one of the most important symbols of Emirati hospitality.

The Maritime Pavilion highlights Abu Dhabi’s historic connection with the sea through demonstrations of traditional rope-making, pearl-diving equipment, fishing nets and gargoor fish traps. The pavilion celebrates the maritime heritage that played an important role in shaping the emirate’s history and identity.

One of the festival’s highlights is an immersive domed pavilion featuring spectacular 360-degree projections of Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks. The visual experience takes visitors on a journey through the emirate’s cultural sites, natural landscapes and award-winning attractions.

Visitors can also sample the flavours of Abu Dhabi, with traditional Emirati dishes including madrouba, dango and arseea, alongside desserts such as luqaimat (fried dough balls), ranjeena (a date dessert made with flour, cardamom and cinnamon) and fresh dates.

Those looking to take home a piece of Abu Dhabi can browse a selection of traditional souvenirs, handcrafted products and perfumes from the UAE at dedicated retail tents.

The Doorway to Abu Dhabi Festival is free to attend. The event offers visitors an opportunity to experience Emirati culture and hospitality in Moscow while discovering the diverse attractions and experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer.