Water Festival at Expo City Dubai promises a fun family day out
As the new academic year gets underway, families looking for a refreshing weekend escape can head to the Guardians of Water Festival at Terra, Expo City Dubai. Running across two weekends — August 30–31 and September 6–7 — the event offers a mix of entertainment, learning, and hands-on fun for children and adults alike.
Designed to celebrate the wonders of water, the festival transforms Terra into a hub of discovery and play. Visitors can enjoy interactive workshops, live storytelling, creative activities, and guided tours, all built around the theme of freshwater conservation.
Stories and creativity for young minds
Celebrated children’s authors Kathy Urban and Beverly Jatwani will take the stage with live storytelling sessions, bringing to life enchanting tales of freshwater habitats and creatures. Kids can also get creative at colouring corners, filling pages with fish, otters, and other aquatic characters.
Workshops and interactive learning
Families can try their hands at building a traditional Falaj irrigation system, experimenting with water filtration techniques, or playing Freshwater Heroes Bingo. These workshops offer children a chance to explore the science and culture of water in fun, interactive ways.
Guided tours with a UAE heritage touch
A highlight of the event is a guided tour that begins at the recreated Falaj system and continues through the Laboratory of Future Values, which showcases innovative global solutions for freshwater conservation. At the Heritage Corner, visitors can explore how the UAE has managed water scarcity through both ancient systems and modern desalination technology.
Ticket details
Entry costs AED 50 for adults, while children under 12 enter for free. Tickets include all hands-on activities and guided tours. Families can also upgrade to an Attraction Pass for AED 160 to access Terra’s interactive exhibits, as well as the Alif and Vision Pavilions. For an added thrill, a 30-minute Taqa Island session can be added for AED 35.
Beyond the festival
Visitors can make the most of their trip by exploring Expo City Dubai’s other attractions, from the futuristic Alif and Vision Pavilions to the adventure-filled rides at Taqa Island.
With its mix of culture, learning, and entertainment, the Guardians of Water Festival is set to be a refreshing way for families to wrap up the first weeks of school.
