On the Corniche in Abu Dhabi, visitors flocked to pavilions and exhibitions to acknowledge the achievements of a national leader whose life story embodies service to her country and the highest callings for women of all nations.
ABU DHABI // The Corniche was teeming with crowds eager to celebrate and enjoy the activities at the first day of the Mother of the Nation Festival on Sunday.
The 10-day event, which runs until April 4, celebrates and honours Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, through performances, workshops and activity zones.
“The Mother of the Nation Festival aims to share the values that Sheikha Fatima believed in with the community, to society, to future generations,” said Salama Al Shamsi, senior project manager of the Zayed National Museum at the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, and member of the festival organising committee.
“It’s an honour and a privilege for me to be working on this project as an Emirati. At the end of the day, we look at Sheikha Fatima as an inspiration.
“She never gave us this feeling that she’s different but she’s one of us. She’s a mother, she’s part of society and the community – and she’s a leader.”
The festival has zones offering something for all ages. The two-level Pavilion zone overlooking the Corniche displays art.
“It is the main zone at the festival and the content and the narrative of this Pavilion is inspired by Her Highness’s values,” Ms Al Shamsi said.
“The journey starts with getting an understanding of the Queens of Arabia, the women who ruled this land.
“We have a very important collection within this section, which includes a coin on loan from the Al Ain National Museum.”
Another section on women of the 20th century shows them supporting men and their families, Ms Al Shamsi said.
“These women used to do the hard work – cooking, selling, supporting an economy, motherhood and transfer of knowledge.
“And then we move on to the more modern, contemporary UAE, and you’ll see women in different fields: medicine, arts and culture, sports, diplomacy and in the UAE Forces, whether it’s in the police, ambulance or Armed Forces.
“All these reflect the support that His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed gave to women and, of course, his wife Sheikha Fatima.”
Sheikha Fatima is Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
She has been recognised for her contribution to women’s development at local, regional and international levels.
Another exhibit includes projects that Sheikha Fatima has supported, from philanthropic to social and family concerns, Ms Al Shamsi said.
“The collections here are from government entities, including the Zayed National Museum at TCA Abu Dhabi, as well as private collections.”
One of the messages on the wall at the exhibit says that Sheikha Fatima and generations of women from the Emirates have shared their time, efforts and resources to build the nation and to make the world a better place.
Mohammed Al Shaibah was volunteering at the multimedia pavilion, which featured archive photographs and artefacts explaining Sheikha Fatima’s contribution to women’s empowerment and home and abroad.
On Sunday, he invited visitors to write their thoughts on how they can make a difference for their family, friends, the nation and society.
“We’re asking people to attach their notes and be part of the cloud of inspiration to inspire all of us to make the world a better place,” he said. “We want them to share happiness, hope and to do good things.”
Umid Allayorov, 42, director of finance at an Abu Dhabi hotel, took his wife, Isabelle, 40, and two children, aged 4 and 6, to the festival. He said it was the perfect venue to raise cultural awareness.
“We’ve spent five years here in the UAE and cultural awareness is important to us,” said Mr Allayorov, who is from Uzbekistan.
“Both our children, Elias and Sara, are growing in a diverse environment.
“We’ve checked the website to find out more about Sheikha Fatima and what she has done and what this place can offer us in terms of cultural awareness.”
At the Souq zone, arts and handicrafts including jewellery making and dhow painting showcase local traditions alongside modern counterparts.
An interactive Happiness zone, designed primarily for children, has an environmental focus, with areas including an art zone where recycled objects are turned into art, and conservation activities and educational workshops take place, in addition to workshops on well being.
Dr Sayed El Sabbagh, 45, a critical care physician at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, said the festival was an ideal venue to spend some quality time with his two sons, Mazen, 10, and Mohammed, 8.
“We came here to have fun,” he said. “Last year, they came to this place and had a great experience. The idea behind this festival is amazing, very nice.
“It brings together people from different countries and cultures. My children are so fortunate to be raised here in the Emirates and appreciate the growing role of women in society.”
The festival runs daily, from 4pm to 11pm on weekdays and from 4pm until midnight on weekends. Tickets cost Dh20, while admission for under fives is free.
“I’m completely in love with this country,” said Dubai resident Caroline Hummer, a 39-year-old teacher from Belgium, who went to the festival with her husband John, 43, and two children, aged 8 and 5.
“It’s amazing, seeing all these Emirati women and their accomplishments and contribution to the UAE and across the world. Sheikha Fatima is indeed a great inspiration to all women.”
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Calendar full of highlights
The Mother of the Nation Festival on the Corniche offers more than 100 interactive activities and performances.
The centrepiece of the festival, the Mother of the Nation Pavilion, celebrates the role of women in all aspects of life.
Among the activities are the Pixel Pyros digital firework display on the main stage, the Bu Tinah Sea Adventure and the Tranquil Park at the Happiness Zone, the Waterlight Graffiti at the Progress Zone and fire dancers at the Souq Zone main stage.
Visitors can also enjoy performances on the main stage by Emirati star Hamdan Al Abri and his band Funk Radius, Emirati singer Mohammed Al Shehhi, and the Arabic Orchestra.
Boxing, fitness, Tai Chi and Zumba sessions are also available.
While children delight in the kite-making workshops held at night in the Happiness Zone, adults can enjoy Sherine Tohamy’s relaxing oud performance at the Souq Cafe.
During its 10-day run, the festival will present Pokemon: Symphonic Evolutions, a video game-themed concert that has toured worldwide, which features orchestral arrangements and visuals from the franchise's classic games. - Ramona Ruiz
rruiz@thenational.ae