• Bringing together activities, including Emirati dance and well-being talks, the festival is a celebration of the UAE’s diversity and pays homage to the guidance of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the wife of Founding Father Sheikh Zayed.
    Bringing together activities, including Emirati dance and well-being talks, the festival is a celebration of the UAE’s diversity and pays homage to the guidance of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the wife of Founding Father Sheikh Zayed.
  • A two-level Pavilion zone will display art exhibits overlooking the Corniche, while in the Souq zone, local arts and handicrafts including jewellery making and dhow painting will showcase more local traditions alongside modern counterparts.
    A two-level Pavilion zone will display art exhibits overlooking the Corniche, while in the Souq zone, local arts and handicrafts including jewellery making and dhow painting will showcase more local traditions alongside modern counterparts.
  • Fire breathers, Emirati dancers and an Arabic orchestra are among the highlights of the main stage, which will be all about performing arts.
    Fire breathers, Emirati dancers and an Arabic orchestra are among the highlights of the main stage, which will be all about performing arts.
  • 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, conservation activities and educational workshops take place, in addition to workshops on well-being.
    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, conservation activities and educational workshops take place, in addition to workshops on well-being.
  • Emirati Mohammed Al Shehhi, a Ras Al Khaimah-born singer, will be among those performing.
    Emirati Mohammed Al Shehhi, a Ras Al Khaimah-born singer, will be among those performing.
  • Park and ride is available for visitors as parking at the site is limited.
    Park and ride is available for visitors as parking at the site is limited.
  • Tickets for this second edition of the festival cost Dh20, while admission for those under five is free.
    Tickets for this second edition of the festival cost Dh20, while admission for those under five is free.
  • The 10-day Mother of the Nation Festival kicks off on the Corniche on Sunday.
    The 10-day Mother of the Nation Festival kicks off on the Corniche on Sunday.
  • Bringing together activities, including Emirati dance and well-being talks, the festival is a celebration of the UAE’s diversity and pays homage to the guidance of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the wife of Founding Father Sheikh Zayed.
    Bringing together activities, including Emirati dance and well-being talks, the festival is a celebration of the UAE’s diversity and pays homage to the guidance of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the wife of Founding Father Sheikh Zayed.
  • Fire breathers, Emirati dancers and an Arabic orchestra are among the highlights of the main stage, which will be all about performing arts.
    Fire breathers, Emirati dancers and an Arabic orchestra are among the highlights of the main stage, which will be all about performing arts.

Mother of the Nation Festival set to begin in Abu Dhabi - in pictures


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The 10-day Mother of the Nation Festival kicks off on Sunday, promising among others a performance by a renowned Emirati singer. Photos: Ravindranath K / The National