Mother of the Nation Festival | 26 March to 4 April 2017 | Abu Dhabi Corniche
- 10 days of interactive, educational and entertaining performances, installations and inspired activations
- Two new distinct zones make their debut in this year’s edition
- More than 100 activities, 70 local and international vendors, 50 food outlets and over 35 concerts and artistic shows
- “Majlis: Interactive Conversations” presents renowned speakers in rich discussions
The second edition of the UAE’s biggest national, cultural and interactive event of its kind, the Mother of the Nation Festival, has opened its gates on Abu Dhabi Corniche to the public today (Sunday 26 March) and will run for 10 days until 4 of April 2017.
The full programme of daily activities and events is available here.
Organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the festival celebrates the progressive vision and tireless contributions of H.H Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, showcasing the nation’s inspirational values, pursuit of a legacy of empowerment and responsibility for future generations, as well as continued efforts towards conservation and sustainability.
When Abu Dhabi’s Corniche roars to life, visitors will experience an astounding range of concerts, featuring mesmerising performances from Funk Radius and the Arabic Orchestra throughout the afternoon as they captivate crowds from the Main Stage. Also taking to the Main Stage will be the breathtaking Pixel Pyros digital firework display at intervals throughout the evening, and the unforgettable extravaganza of electrical mastery in the Frequency Rider shows presented by the Lords of Lighting will electrify the Beach Dining zone. During its 10-day run, the festival will present some of the most successful shows from around the world, among which is “Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions” which has dazzled audiences across the globe.
Interactive workshops will engage with visitors in the Progress Zone, offering fascinating discussions surrounding featured installations such as the Planetarium, Lanterns on the Beach and Waterlight Graffiti. Boxing fitness and Zumba sessions will provide guests with the opportunity to let loose in a fun-filled environment, while Tai Chi sessions offer a more relaxed form of exercise. In addition, visitors will get to experience the global premiere of the Miyah Pavilion (World of Water), where they will embark on an interactive journey that illustrates the global use of water and ways to conserve it, sending a message of water sustainability in a fun and educational manner.
Opening the Majlis: Interactive Conversations schedule, which is another new addition this year and is considered a unique platform for rich discussions, is ‘End Small Talk’, a discussion relating to society, technology, culture, morality and the meaning of life with Lyne Ismail and Farah Bushnaq.
The 10-day programme highlights the message of women’s empowerment, culture, communication and community in Emirati society with opening-day sessions also covering happiness, sustainable fashion and a watercolour workshop. The programme presents up to five daily talks, featuring internationally acclaimed speakers such as CNN’s Becky Anderson, Dr. Shefali Tsabary, whose book “The Conscious Parent” was endorsed by Oprah Winfrey as the most profound book on parenting, in addition to Hala Kazim, counsellor, author, artist and founder of “Journey Through Change”, H.E. Sara Al Madani, renowned fashion designer, and Essa Al Ansari, one of the leading fitness experts in the UAE, among others. Seats are limited and advance booking is recommended through the festival’s website.
While children delight in the kite-making workshops held throughout the evening in the Happiness Zone, adults can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Souq Café, where Sherine Tohamy’s relaxing Oud performances will provide rest and repose from the festival’s ongoing activities. For visitors looking for a delectable dining experience, the Beach Dining Zone offers more than fifty local and international options, as well as regular Chef Challenges for aspiring cooks.
The ‘Mother of the Nation Festival’ will this year include the MOTN Pavilion, and four distinctive zones: Happiness Zone, Souq Zone, Beach Dining Zone and Progress Zone, all of which are specially curated to provide visitors with thematic and interactive experiences that showcase the best of Abu Dhabi’s cultural and contemporary landscape.
Shuttle buses will transport visitors between Marina Mall and the dedicated parking area situated adjacent to Nation Towers, servicing existing bus stops along the route in order to provide the community with extensive access to the Festival.
In addition, Wi-Fi connectivity will be available throughout the festival’s duration, as well as charging stations for mobile devices to better enhance the visitors’ experience.
The entry price is AED20 per adult and AED10 for children aged 5-12, while children under five are admitted for free. Tickets are available for purchase at the gates and online through the following link: http://www.ticketmaster.ae/artist/mother-of-the-nation-festival-tickets/981941
You can follow the festival here:
Facebook: Mother of the Nation Festival
Twitter: @MOTNFestival
Instagram: MOTNFestival
YouTube: Mother of the Nation Festival