SPONSORED CONTENT: The 10-day family-friendly festival is back and bigger than ever, and at a new location on the Corniche as well

The third Mother Of The Nation Festival takes place this week, and it’s a special one – once again it’s on at the city’s Corniche, but for 2018 it’s moving along the coastline and will now take place in A’l Bahar – Abu Dhabi Corniche. That’s the part of the Corniche currently being redeveloped into a new 600-metre beachfront with restaurants and a whole lot more.

The opening weekend of A’l Bahar – Abu Dhabi Corniche will coincide with the start of the festival, which is dedicated to Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council of Motherhood And Childhood.

The festival is organised by Abu Dhabi’s Department Of Culture And Tourism and Flash Entertainment and just like previous years, will feature plenty of fun for all the family, with more than 100 workshops, performances and activities taking place in four very different zones – these zones pay tribute to Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s living legacy and vision for the UAE.

So what does that mean for visitors? Lots and lots of things to do. Some 197,000 visitors attended the festival last year, with more expected in 2018 and you’ll be able to explore the Happiness Zone (families will love it here), the Progress Zone (like thinking outside the box? Head here), the Beach Dining Zone (there’s 60 food and beverage outlets located here) and the Souq Zone (featuring traditional and contemporary shopping outlets).

Picking five things you must do at a festival with over 100 activities taking place is no easy task, but here’s the top five events and activities What’s On thinks you MUST do when you visit the Mother Of The Nation Festival this month.

#MOTN Pavilion

The stunning main pavilion is an exhibition space that looks at Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s impact on UAE culture, and reveals how her initiatives have shaped the country we all call home today. Highlights include stunning photography of women and girls in the emirate that dates back as far as the 1960s. One of the key messages of the festival is to celebrate the achievements of Emirati women over the decades, something you’ll learn all about here.

ALZAD Pavilion – World Of Food

New to the festival this year is another pavilion – and this one is all about what we eat, and how it impacts our bodies and the environment. The glass-walled area has plants, water features and explains how the UAE’s ruling family turned the desert of Abu Dhabi into a lush, green land.

The zip line

A massively popular part of last year’s festival, you’ll get to soar across the capital’s sky once again in 2018. There’s also climbing frames and vertical drops to keep your kids active and entertained.

Awesome live music

The festival’s spectacular Main Stage is where you’ll be able to see top musical talents from the UAE and overseas, including Emirati singer, composer and poet Eida Al Menhali (he’s one of the headliners). Also performing are fellow Emirati star Mohammad Al Shehhi (he’s performed at Dubai Opera and has just under one million subscribers on his YouTube channel alone). Another highlight is Dancing Fire – a breathtaking performance guaranteed to warm up the Corniche.

Lots of stunts

Make sure you check out some very unique performers at the festival, who’ll be doing tricks on skateboards, rollerblades, BMX bikes and more throughout the rest of March.

You can get your tickets for Mother Of The Nation from Ticketmaster, and entry to the festival is a bargain Dhs25 for adults and Dhs15 for kids aged two to 12. Children under two-years-old, seniors over 60 and People of Determination get in for free.

March 22 to 31
A’l Bahar – Abu Dhabi Corniche, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 4pm until midnight, Fri to Sat 2pm to midnight. Tel: (800) 86823. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Corniche. motn.ae, ticketmaster.ae

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