On 11–12 September 2026, the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi organised “Marhaba Thailand: Creating Your Own Thai Experience” at Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi, with more than 12,000 visitors. The event featured Thai cultural activities, handicrafts, Muay Thai, wellness, contemporary music, Thai dress and silk, and tourism promotion, with the aim of introducing different aspects of Thailand to the public in the United Arab Emirates and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The event was organised around the theme “Thai Experience,” with visitors able to take part in a range of hands-on activities, including workshops on Thai handicrafts such as traditional gold and silver thread embroidery, basket weaving, Nora bead bracelet making, wood carving, floral garland making, and umbrella painting. The activities were proudly presented by the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand and the Thai Women’s Circle in Abu Dhabi. 

The programme also included Thai cultural performances by the Kaikaew Kanlakorn troupe, contemporary music by SUN DER, and a vocal performance by Kany (Kanyawan Photidet). The UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation presented Muay Thai demonstrations and the Wai Kru ceremony. Visitors could also receive traditional Thai massage free of charge. An exhibition of traditional Thai royal dress and Thai silk was complemented by an AI-based activity that allowed visitors to see themselves wearing Thai outfits and Thai silk through a mobile screen.

For the tourism component, the Embassy worked with more than 30 partners, including Etihad Airways, flydubai, Dusit Thani, Anantara, Bin Moosa Travel, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Dubai Office. A Lucky Draw was also held, with approximately 3,000 people registering to participate. The activity provided information on Thai tourism products, services and destinations, while facilitating direct connections between consumers in the UAE and Thai businesses.

The event provided an opportunity to present Thai culture, handicrafts, traditional knowledge, wellness and tourism to the public in the UAE, while supporting continued people-to-people exchanges and closer ties between Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.