Mother of the Nation Festival opens in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: The inaugural Mother of the Nation Festival opens in Abu Dhabi today. The 10-day festival celebrates, commemorates and honours the inspirational values of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, President of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council of Motherhood and Childhood.

The festival, which runs till April 2, has transformed the 1.3km stretch of the Abu Dhabi Corniche into a sprawling showground of culture, shopping and family fun.

Mouza Al Shamsi, acting executive director, Marketing and Communications, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority which is organising the festival, said, “We are proud to organise this festival, which carries the name of the ‘Mother of the Nation’. Geared towards illuminating the profound vision and far-reaching impact of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, the festival will also express appreciation to all mothers in the UAE for their effort and sacrifice in nurturing a new generation of citizens, capable of building a promising future.”

As big as it gets

Touted as one of the biggest national and social jamborees in Abu Dhabi, the event promises to offer residents 10 days of non-stop heritage, shopping, entertainment, dining and family fun through a variety of themed zones.

One of the biggest attractions is the centrepiece pavilion, an exhibition area with 13 distinct themes, each telling unique stories of strengths and sacrifices of motherhood. Visitors will also be taken through a multi-media journey into the life and vision of Shaikha Fatima into empowering women of the UAE and abroad.

The Souq Zone is a shopping district with an assortment of pop-up shops that resemble the old port markets of Abu Dhabi, and juxtaposed with displays of UAE heritage. The Beach Dining Zone is a foodies’ delight and the main food and beverages hub of the festival. Located on the west Plaza of the Corniche, the zone features an eclectic mix of restaurants from fine dining to street food varieties. There is also live entertainment by dancers and musicians and also latte art and mocktail demonstrations and gardening classes as you enjoy alfresco dining.

Fitness freaks cannot miss the Activity Zone that features all elements of an active life including health and fitness demonstrations, activity cabanas, movement installations and an Urban Space.

Art aficionados will love the Art and Art Markets Zone, a “winding pathway that leads you through a garden of creative and artistic experience themed around the core virtues of the art of motherhood”. Children can make souvenirs and gifts for mothers and take part in sound and colour installations. There are also plenty of art kiosks that sell curios and handicrafts.

The Conservation Zone features a Mini Jeep Eco Safari and Endangered Species cabanas where you can learn about the nature conservation projects in the UAE. You can also watch a movie at the Cinema Zone housed in a 20-metre wooden dome featuring hammocks, hanging chairs and rugs.

An impressive line-up of music bands and artists will keep the visitors entertained and make sure the adrenaline levels stay high all night.

How to get to the fest and ticket info

There will be shuttle buses running along the length of the festival site from the east plaza to the Nation Towers car park, making stops at each of the lay-bys over the festival days.

Festival gates will be open daily from 4pm to midnight.

Tickets: Dh20 for adults, Dh10 for children (below five years enter free). Available at the festival gates.