Abu Dhabi Launches Three-City Health Festival to Transform Everyday Habits

Over three consecutive weekends, the Festival of Health will pop up in Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra and Al Ain, turning public parks into hubs for movement, nutrition, sleep education and mental-wellbeing experiences. Hudayriyat Island hosts the first edition from 12–16 December, followed by Madinat Zayed Park from 19–21 December, and Al Jahili Park from 26–28 December.

Each weekend will centre on four pillars – movement, nutrition, sleep and psychological wellbeing – with hands-on activities designed for all ages, including people of determination. A dedicated Health Hub will bring together government entities, fitness partners and private-sector contributors, with organisers expecting around 30,000 participants across the three cities. Officials emphasised that the festival is meant as a starting point: a way to build habits that continue long after the events end, especially as the country prepares for the Year of the Family 2026.

Behaviour change is the ultimate aim. Dr Ahmed Al Khazraji, Executive Director of the Healthy Living Strategy, said the festival’s purpose is to make well-being feel natural: 'By experiencing nutrition, sleep and activity in real life, people begin to rethink what ‘healthy’ actually means.' He added that further policy updates will follow, but the priority now is to meet residents where they are and help them make the first step.