The Mother of the Nation Festival celebrates, commemorates and honours the inspirational values of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
Throughout multiple and diverse activity zones, the festival creates an entertaining and highly interactive atmosphere that welcomes families and individuals from all walks of life. Visitors are invited to enjoy a day out on the Corniche and participate in this unique community event that celebrates the best aspects of contemporary culture within Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Festival Highlights
Zone Happiness (some activities are ticketed)
The Happiness Zone invites families to wander, wonder and play in a beautiful natural space. Find your way through a magical garden, while chatting with giant friendly insects under dandelion stalks. Crawl into a bubble and watch the world roll by, all around you. Go off the beaten path and take a muddy adventure in a mini jeep. Mountains and valleys call out your name to conquer them. Climb up, hike across a rickety rope bridge or take a thrilling zip line down into the sea. Cool off the excitement after you land back in the festival, with some acoustic acts and upbeat performances.
Bring your friends along so you can paint fabrics, weave fences and make colourful windmills together. Or challenge them in fun games if you’re confident of your aiming skills! Deepen your friendship as you share stories and make memories in cosy treehouses, but not until after you’ve raced the obstacle course! This interactive zone is made to excite visitors of all ages. The Happiness Zone is a must-visit for families and groups of young friends.
Zone Mother Of The Nation Pavilion
The Mother of the Nation Pavilion takes visitors on an inspiring journey that introduces the values and accomplishments of HH Sheikh Fatima bint Mubarak, while celebrating the historic contribution of women of the United Arab Emirates. HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, wife of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, became a pioneering example of female leadership by protecting the country's rich history and traditions while empowering and supporting the role of women and children across the world.
The Pavilion is at the heart of the festival and explores the impact that Emirati women have had on the country from the past to the present day. The showcase traces the visionary values of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, and reveals how her initiatives have helped shape the eminent role that UAE women now enjoy in their society, economy and government today.
This warm and inviting exhibition space is a must-visit for all festival attendees. Become inspired by the legacy of Her Highness, as we celebrate the Year of Zayed.
Zone Souq
The festival Souq features stunning views, wholesome food and stylish shopping options. Enjoy a nourishing meal at the Souq Café, as you listen to performers on the Main Stage. This central space is a visual treat, made of natural wood elements and designed as a tribute to the sea… the perfect setting for conversations with family & friends. Browse the Souq Carts that display local talent, adding a touch of beauty and novelty throughout the festival.
The Souq Concept at the festival revolves around interaction, enjoyment and support for local artisans and businesses.
Zone Beach Dining
Take a break and enjoy a meal in this natural, urban dining space. A variety of F&B containers along the shoreline provide a range of dining options from food trucks, kiosks and restaurants at Beach Dining. Visitors can gather in the creative, communal seating area enclosed within this zone. Constructed from brightly coloured, recycled pallets of different heights, this space is a vibrant and comfortable resting area.
Share a meal and a conversation with family and friends at Beach Dining.
- Containers
- Food Trucks
- Kiosks
- Trolleys
Zone Main Stage
The festival spotlight falls on Main Stage artists and performers at Mother of the Nation 2018. This year’s Stage showcases top local and international performers remains a beloved festival centerpiece.
Like the Sydney Opera House, the grand scaffolding and trussed structure of the Main Stage serve as both performance platform and dramatic festival landmark. Audiences can assemble on the Corniche sands or relax at the Souq Café while enjoying the A-list roster of local and international entertainment or the grand fireworks displays for the opening and closing ceremonies.
Zone Progress (some activities are ticketed)
Progress happens when you’re brave enough to push boundaries – of science, art and technology. The Progress Zone challenges visitors to imagine a future for all, by doing brave, new things as individuals. Dig your fingers in the soil, plant a seed, and follow its journey to become an ingredient in a nourishing meal cooked right before your eyes. Build beautiful things with your hands, like colourful kites and stunning corals. Drop from the sky on a bungee line or enjoy artistic performances by poets and rock stars, dancers and stuntmen.
Don’t forget to pause on your path, to be kind to a stranger – leave a thoughtful message on a pebble or write a wish for humanity on the large kindness tree. A futuristic space built on the values of sustainability, innovation, kindness and wonder, the Progress Zone has a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.
Tickets
Tickets are available through the online system at www.ticketmaster.ae or the Ticketmaster call centre at 800-86823. Buying tickets ahead of time will help to avoid long queues and allow visitors a smooth and seamless customer experience.
Tickets are also available for purchase at all festival entrances.
Entry is AED 25 per adult, AED 15 per child. Children under 2 years old will be admitted for free.
Image Credit: Mother Of The Nation Festival
Age
0+
Links
http://twitter.com/motnfestival
http://facebook.com/MOTNFestival/
Address
Abu DhabiA'l Bahar - Abu Dhabi Corniche
How to get there?
The site can be accessed through 3 entrances:
- Entrance A – At Gate 2 to Corniche Family Beach
- Entrance B – Opposite Al Hilal Bank building
- Entrance C – Opposite Nation Towers car park
Parking
Parking near the festival is extremely limited, however, vehicles may be parked at the following locations:
- Park & Ride
Shuttle busses will run the length of the festival site from Marina Mall to the Nation Towers car park, making stops at each of the lay-bys located near festival entrances. Free shuttle buses available from Marina Mall and Nation Tower parking every 30 mins.
- Offsite Paid Parking
A limited number of car parks are available along the Corniche, opposite the festival grounds.