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Don’t miss this festival stretching along 1.3 km of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Beach
We cannot wait to visit the first edition of this festival organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. Highlighting the vision and far-reaching contributions of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and the importance of family coherence and cultural understanding amongst the UAE society, it will take place on Abu Dhabi Corniche from the 24th of March until the 2nd of April, daily from 4pm to midnight.
It just looks fantastic!
The Festival is divided into five different outdoor zones: Souq, Beach Dining, Active, Art, Conservation, as well as The Pavilion; all designed to offer entertaining and engaging activities for all family members.
The Pavillion
‘Within the Souq, The Pavillion is a unique exhibition designed solely for the Mother of the Nation Festival, dedicated to the immeasurable impact women have had in Emirati society.‘ Visitors will be taken on a mixed media journey that will edu-tain them with 13 diverse and dynamic zones to discover.
The Souq Zone
Combining tradition and modernity, The Souq Zone, modelled on the old port markets of Abu Dhabi, will reflect the Emirati heritage with a modern and creative flair. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover local and international retail shops from home decor to jewelry and fashion displayed in an historical setting decorated with features mixing the present and the future.
In the Souq zone, visitors may also take part into activities and workshops such as a Dhow Painting workshop encouraging visitors to interact with a group of artists as they paint a reproduction dhow or build traditional and contemporary sand houses, decorate traditional Oud burner clay incense pots or attend a jewellery design workshop under the guidance of traditional Emirati silversmiths.
This zone will also welcome foodtrucks, Emirati live cooking station, Hadeera lounge, central coffee-bar complete with fire, serving traditional Emairati coffee and light bites as well as the Caligrafiti Cafe, featuring a seating area surrounded by a curved wall spray painted with Arabic calligraphy by a local artist.
One of the most highly anticipated areas is the Main Stage, which will host performances by two orchestras, in addition to a live show specially designed for the Souq Zone. The zone also includes a sand playground with a design inspired by old shipyards, in which children can enjoy various activities and games. In addition, a large 3D interactive Puzzle Wall inspired by traditional Arab mashrabiya designs, serves as a useful visual and sensory exercise for children.
A throwback in the past with different exhibits
The Festival will allow visitors to browse and explore seven display units, each featuring a milestone in UAE history. Altogether, the display units celebrate the cultural and societal development of our nation over the decades.
“School: Blackboard window” recreates a vintage Emirati school classroom. Rich in detail, the classroom’s blackboard will illustrate Emirati students’ achievements in educational initiatives championed by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
“Pearling: Step into the Sea”, immerses visitors in a virtual underwater experience reflecting the traditions of pearl diving, a vital ancient Emirati trade.
“UAE Through the Lens” display carries pictures of scenes from UAE history, as well as a unique display of authentic cameras alongside pictures of the main landmarks that characterise the modern state.
“Architecture: Texture Timeline & Sand sculpture” exhibit that displays chronologically ordered building materials.
There will also be Music of the Past and A Classic Radio room while cars fans will enjoy watching classic cars on display.
In the Active Zone
This zone will feature an intriguing mix of large interactive installations designed to engage with your senses through your motions.
Come immerse yourself in the monumental and luminous walk-in sculptures of Architect of the Air – that has already amazed more than 3 million people around the world in 41 different countries. Kids and adults will also have a blast in the Pool by artist Jen Lewin where people can play and splash light on the ground with their movements creating swirling effects of light and color.
Oversized deck chairs, foosball, table tennis, climbing wall, safe archery, boombox and DJ, zipline, mini golf-the list of activities is just fab and will keep the little ones entertained!
A corner for the foodies
The Beach Dining Hub will be located on the West Plaza of the Corniche and will feature many different Abu Dhabi dining concepts, from street food, creative , healthy to upscale treats, you will surely get something to your taste.
In the Conservation Zone
Kids aged between 7 and 14 will certainly want to join and enjoy this 6 minutes eco-friendly journey called the Mini Jeep Eco Safari or visit the wooden architectural geodesic dome – supported by the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency – that will feature exhibits and activities. This dome will also host cinema and performances with visitors relaxing in hammocks, hanging chairs or rugs.
DATES:
from 24th March to 2nd April, 2016
TIMING:
daily from 4:00 pm to midnight
PRICING:
Tickets must be purchased at the festival entrance for AED 20 per adult and AED 10 for children under 12, while children aged 5 and under are admitted for free. The proceeds from the festival will be donated to a charity chosen by the organising committee.
ENTRIES:
There will be 4 different entrances to get to the Festival:
Art Zone, next to East Plaza,
Art Zone, Photo Pointillism,
West Terrace,
VIP entrance- exhibition Zone.
If you wish to know more about the Mother of The Nation Festival in Abu Dhabi, the website dedicated to this Festival offers many more informative details so that you make the most of this much-awaited event.
