Hag al-Laila celebration at Zayed National Museum on 2 February

Zayed National Museum is hosting a special Hag al-Laila celebration on Monday, 2 February 2026, inviting families to experience this cherished Emirati tradition through performances, storytelling, and interactive activities. According to the museum's official announcement, children are encouraged to wear traditional Emirati dress and collect treats in specially designed museum bags.

What is Hag al-Laila?

Hag al-Laila is a traditional Emirati celebration held on the 15th night of Sha'ban, just before the start of Ramadan. This cultural tradition gives children the opportunity to engage with local customs whilst celebrating generosity and community spirit, preparing them spiritually for the holy month ahead.

The celebration is deeply rooted in Emirati heritage, bringing families together to honour customs passed down through generations. At Zayed National Museum, this tradition takes on special significance as the country's national museum dedicated to preserving Sheikh Zayed's legacy and Emirati culture.

Traditional performances and storytelling

The celebration features authentic Emirati performances, including Harbeya and Ayalla, traditional arts that embody unity, pride, and shared cultural identity. Skilled performers will lead live demonstrations throughout the day, inviting audiences of all ages to learn and participate in these rhythmic, communal traditions.

Storytelling sessions will bring Kharareef to life – the oral folk tales once shared in the majlis. Engaging storytellers will captivate audiences with tales of wisdom, humour, and imagination, celebrating the oral traditions that gathered families around the majlis for generations.

The interactive 'Stories on Wheels' experience uses a museum cart to ignite the senses through hands-on activities combining touch, sound, and scent. This accessible approach helps visitors of all ages connect with museum objects and the stories behind them.

Schedule and timing

Traditional performances run throughout the day, starting every hour from 10.30am until 6.30pm. The Arabic storytelling sessions take place hourly from 10am to 7pm, whilst the special 'Stories on Wheels' activities are scheduled from 4pm to 6pm.

This structured programme allows families to plan their visit around specific activities or spend the entire day experiencing different elements of Emirati culture.

Family experience and cultural connection

The event is designed specifically for families, offering children the opportunity to connect with Emirati heritage through immersive experiences. Children wearing traditional Emirati dress will receive special museum bags for collecting treats, adding an element of excitement to the cultural learning.

Beyond entertainment, the celebration serves an educational purpose, helping younger generations understand their cultural roots and the values that shaped the UAE. It's an accessible way for expatriate families to learn about local traditions whilst preparing for Ramadan alongside the local community.

Tickets and booking

Tickets are available for purchase through the official Zayed National Museum website at zayednationalmuseum.ae. Advance booking is recommended given the cultural significance of the event and expected family attendance.

The museum is located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi, easily accessible for families throughout the emirates looking to participate in this authentic cultural celebration.

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