Mother of the Nation festival kicks off on Abu Dhabi Corniche

Abu Dhabi: Along Abu Dhabi Corniche, families and youth gathered on Sunday afternoon to enjoy a range of interactive and fun-filled shows and activities at the Mother of the Nation Festival.

A magician caught the attention of kids and parents with thrilling tricks and pranks on stage. Kids enjoyed a ride in a bubble lagoon in a small pool of water. Visitors also queued to take part in a captivating experience with the ‘Zip Line’ where they hang onto a high altitude horizontal rope in a special gear to cross from one side to another.

These attractions and much more are part of the second edition of the Mother of the Nation Festival that kicked off on Sunday on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche with over 100 activities, 35 musical shows and performances, as well as workshops, art exhibitions, play areas, sports and games, dining and heritage. At the heart of the festival lies the Mother of the Nation pavilion showcasing accomplishments of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, along with testimonials of prominent Emirati women inspired by Shaikha Fatima.

The festival venue is split into four zones including the Happiness Zone, the Progressive Zone, the Beach Dining Zone and the Souq Zone. Each zone offers a range of interactive activities and attractions for all family members.

The 10-day festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) in coordination with the General Women’s Union (GWU) to celebrate and commemorate inspirational values of Shaikha Fatima.

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City announced earlier that a large section of the Corniche would remain closed during the festival. It includes Gates 1 and 2 of the Family Beach, as well as the Lagoon Beach.The event attracted over 130,000 visitors last year.

Visitors at the festival said they were looking to have a good time on the beach.

South African expats Laverne Abrahams, 33, housewife and her husband David Abrahams, 32, teacher and their two-year old son Kai came from Al Ain to enjoy the festival.

“It’s amazing to hold the festival on the beach, the weather is great for such an outdoor attraction,” said Laverne.

David said: “We’ve very curious to explore the festival and learn more about the country’s history.”

Sohair Omar, 48, teacher from Sudan came along with her children Abeer Abdul Moneim, 20, Shaza, 18 and Mohammad, 8 and her nephews Moamen Amir, 15 and Moatamer Amir, 11 to take part in the art workshops stationed along the beach.

“The kids are having a good time and are very passionate about drawing, that’s why we came along today. They also want to have a good time and play on the beach,” said Omar.

What: Mother of the Nation Festival

When: March 26 to April 4

Time: 4pm to 12am

Price: Adults: Dh20. Free admission for children under 5.

Tickets are available at the festival entrance or can be purchased via Ticketmaster