Celebrate Emirati culture and creativity at the Mansour Festival on Yas | Things to do in Abu Dhabi

If you haven’t met Mansour yet, you’ve probably heard his name. He’s the animated Emirati schoolboy who’s captured hearts across the Arab world through his TV series. He’s a curious, inventive, and proudly local hero whose adventures mix modern life with Emirati values.

Last year, Mansour got his very own festival on Yas Island - and later this month, the second edition returns to Yas Gateway Park North.

Created by Bidaya, the Abu Dhabi-based studio behind the Mansour animated series, the festival transforms Yas Island into a living version of the show. It combines culture, science, creativity, and family values.

This year’s event, taking place 20 to 23 November 2025, is set to be even bigger and more imaginative, with new themed zones, workshops, live performances, and nightly celebrations.

Where to find the festival:

It all kicks off at Yas Gateway Park North on November 20, with gates opening daily from 4pm to 11pm. You can get your tickets at Platinumlist.com.

It’s shaping up to be a busy event, with organisers expecting around 12,000 visitors a day to explore Mansour’s world and enjoy a mix of storytelling, science, heritage, and play.

What’s new this year:

Get ready to check out several new themed areas inspired by young Mansour’s friends and adventures:

• Mansour & Sara: World of Discovery - hands-on science and curiosity zones.

• Dhabia’s World - a celebration of warmth, tradition, and Emirati heritage.

• The Age of AI Inflatable Park - a futuristic playground of 12 custom inflatables packed with challenges.

  
  

There are also workshops to inspire creativity, such as tote bag painting, string art, slime making, and popcorn-making sessions (held three times daily). Kids can also try camel and horse riding. And make sure you go with an empty belly, as there will be new food outlets to explore at Obaid’s Food Corner.

If your little ones need to unwind after all that, you can take them to the Kids’ Spa for a little bit of pampering and relaxation.

 

What to do in the evenings at the festival:

The fun will continue once the sun goes down. Keep the kids up late to check out a drone show and fireworks, and don’t miss a very special guest - UAE astronaut Hazza Al Mansoori (the first Emirati to go into space, back in 2019), who will be sharing his story to inspire young explorers.

Visitors can also catch performances from the Abu Dhabi Police K9 unit, the mounted horse patrol, and a falconry show.

Tickets are on sale at Platinumlist.ae. Check out www.mansourfestival.ae for more info.