Abu Dhabi Festival to Celebrate Japanese Culture at Umm Al Emarat Park
The two-day ‘Festival in the Park’ spotlights Japan with taiko drumming, tea-making, anime workshops, and more.
The 22nd edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival will spotlight Japan as its Country of Honour with a large-scale cultural celebration at Umm Al Emarat Park on April 12th and the 13th. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in the UAE, the event—titled ‘Festival in the Park’—marks over 50 years of UAE-Japan diplomatic relations and aligns with the UAE’s ‘Year of Community 2025’.
From 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM each evening, the park will transform into an open-air hub of immersive experiences, including eight Japan-inspired pavilions featuring traditional arts like origami, calligraphy, suminagashi (ink marbling), and manga workshops. Additional creative stations will spotlight Emirati artistry, underscoring the festival’s cross-cultural dialogue.
Interactive Pokémon-themed games such as memory challenges, character colouring, and the 'Chopstick and Rice Challenge' will engage younger visitors. Attendees will also have the chance to dress in traditional kimonos, take part in Japanese tea-making demonstrations, and enjoy cosplay and live cartoon character interactions.
Evening performances will begin at 8:00 PM at the park’s amphitheatre. The stage lineup includes Japanese taiko drumming group Shoten, Emirati school dance troupes, and a collaborative show featuring the Japanese koto and flute. The weekend will conclude with a VR art performance by digital painter Aimi Sekiguchi, merging technology and live illustration.
‘Festival in the Park’ is open to the public free of charge, with standard park entry fees applying. The event aims to promote cultural diversity, creative expression, and community exchange through accessible programming for all ages.
