Doorway to Abu Dhabi Comes to Moscow
A Five-Day Festival of Emirati Culture in Manezhnaya Square
From 19 to 23 August, Manezhnaya Square in central Moscow will host the Doorway to Abu Dhabi Festival, a cultural celebration held under the Moscow Mayor’s Summer in Moscow project. Over the course of five days, residents and visitors will have the opportunity to explore the heritage, contemporary creativity and traditional hospitality of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Designed as an immersive introduction to the authentic culture of Abu Dhabi, the festival will bring together live performances, traditional crafts and hands-on workshops. Across several pavilions, interactive sessions will introduce participants to the fundamentals of handicrafts such as talli (decorative embroidery), al khoos (palm-leaf weaving), and sadu (wool weaving), as well as pottery and fishing-net making. The programme on stage will be equally rich, featuring the sounds of traditional Emirati musical instruments and captivating performances of the Al-Ayyala dance.
Guests will also discover the gastronomic traditions of Abu Dhabi by sampling a range of the emirate’s favourite dishes. Authentic treats on offer will include madrouba (a hearty porridge with chicken, rice, vegetables and spices), margoog (flatbread served with stewed meat), and knafeh (a delicate dessert of thin pastry with cheese and sweet syrup). Visitors can also savour cardamom-spiced coffee and Habba al-Hamra, a distinctive drink made with custard.
The centrepiece of the festival will be a six-metre dome featuring state-of-the-art, 360° interior projections, taking visitors on an immersive visual journey through Abu Dhabi's most stunning landmarks and attractions. From Jebel Hafit mountain and Saadiyat Island’s beaches to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and more, guests can experience the emirate's iconic destinations without ever leaving home.
Additionally, visitors will have the chance to purchase authentic souvenirs such as perfumes, bags, tableware, clothing and jewellery, as well as try on traditional Arabic attire and pose for memorable photographs.
The festival is open to everyone, with free admission from 10:00 to 21:00 daily. All events take place in Manezhnaya Square, one of Moscow’s most iconic public spaces, located in the historic heart of the city.
The event is supported by the Moscow Government, the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Russian Federation, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
