KUCHING: The 2026 Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration is set to be a vibrant affair, featuring a variety of traditional and cultural events scheduled over two days from 20 to 21 June.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the celebration, organised by the Iban community, will commence with the 'Niti Daun' (parade) event on 20 June which is expected to be graced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.

He said the highlight of the celebration will continue on 21 June with the Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak Dinner, to be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

"The dinner is also expected to be graced by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim as well as the Sarawak Premier.

"Preparations have been progressing well and we are confident that this year's Gawai celebration will feature exciting events as part of Sarawak's harmonious and peaceful development, where we will showcase our traditions and culture throughout the occasion," he said.

He spoke at a press conference after chairing the 2026 Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration Main Committee Meeting at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex on Monday.

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah also revealed that this year's celebration will feature several special attractions as surprises for visitors throughout the two-day programme.

Elaborating on the 'Niti Daun' event, he said a total of 99 contingents will participate, including a contingent from Sabah.

According to him, the parade will begin from the Tun Jugah Building and conclude at the Kuching Waterfront, with an estimated crowd of around 3,000 visitors expected to enliven the occasion.

Also present at the press conference were Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh and Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Native Laws and Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat. -UKASnews

Prepared by : Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Translator : Uilson Ng