Mother of the Nation Festival is a popular family-friendly event that takes place in Abu Dhabi annually. Delores Johnson / The National
Mother of the Nation Festival is a popular family-friendly event that takes place in Abu Dhabi annually. Delores Johnson / The National
Mother of the Nation Festival is a popular family-friendly event that takes place in Abu Dhabi annually. Delores Johnson / The National
Mother of the Nation Festival is a popular family-friendly event that takes place in Abu Dhabi annually. Delores Johnson / The National

Mother of the Nation Festival to take place in Abu Dhabi in December


Katy Gillett
  • English
  • Arabic

Abu Dhabi’s popular family event, the Mother of the Nation Festival, is returning from December 9 to 18, with live art installations, musical performances, activations, food outlets, rides and more for people of all ages.

The event, which has been postponed for two years because of the pandemic, will be divided into six sections, with sub-themes reflected in structures, activities and installations. This includes the Inspire Space, a picture-perfect spot designed with Instagram in mind, which will house a Dessert Museum, MOTN Funhouse and an area dedicated to cosplayers.

The Thrill Zone is where all the action is at, with a skate and parkour park, horror rooms, a VR gaming hub, Rick and Morty-themed laser tag, a Jeep track and more.

There's always plenty of activities for children at the Mother of the Nation festival. Satish Kumar / The National
There's always plenty of activities for children at the Mother of the Nation festival. Satish Kumar / The National

Local and global vendors will congregate in the Food Hub, where there will also be a large art installation by artist Daniel Popper, famous for his sculptures in Tulum and Burning Man festivals.

A roster of international artists, DJs and local musicians will perform in the Music Arena, while a Shopping District has also been curated to offer something for everyone, from high-end brands to local gems.

There will also be an amusement park with activations from the World of Nickelodeon and Diggers Lab, plus a children’s play park, carnival rides and games.

The event, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, pays tribute to family, community and contributions of women to society, honouring the legacy of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation.

“As we experience a revival of the tourism and culture sectors in the capital, we are really excited to see the return of one of the highlights of our entertainment calendar,” said Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, executive director of marketing and tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi.

“The annual event provides a unique platform to celebrate the visionary who has significantly contributed to the UAE, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. We are thrilled to welcome back the whole community to honour her legacy through combining heritage with contemporary culture, fusing global flavours with the hospitality and the culture of the emirates for visitors and residents to enjoy.”

Strict Covid-19 safety regulations will be in place, in line with government directives.

It will be open from 4pm to midnight during the week, and 2pm to midnight on weekends.

More information is available at motn.ae

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

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