Mother of Nation Festival celebrates Emirati women
CAPITAL’S BIGGEST FESTIVAL TO RUN FOR 10 DAYS WITH OVER 100 EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
The third annual Mother of the Nation Festival officially opened in Abu Dhabi yesterday, with the festival highlighting the empowering role of Emirati women in society and their work in the development of the UAE.
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the festival pays tribute to the living legacy and accomplishments of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union and President of the Supreme Council of Motherhood and Childhood.
The festival stretches over 1km across the Corniche, and is divided into four separate zones including the Happiness Zone, Progress Zone, Beach Dining Zone and the Souq Zone. The four sections all have their own distinct themes, offering visitors a diverse set of attractions to enjoy on their visits.
The 10-day event will also feature several live performances, with over 35 musical shows planned for this year’s festival with a line-up of both local and international performers including acts like Majid Al Mohandis, Ghalia Benali, Adel Ebrahim, Fouad Abdul Wahed, Harget Kart, Los Cubanos and Sons of Yusuf among many others.
In all, over 100 events and activities are planned over the 10 days of the festival.
Inspirational values
“The Mother of the Nation Festival commemorates and honours the inspirational values of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak. We have expanded this year’s festival in both size and scale to allow the community ample opportunity to immerse themselves in these values,” said Mohammad Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi.
“We also wanted to cater for the festival’s success as it has become renowned for its variety of experiences and fun-filled, family-friendly programme. We look forward to welcoming guests throughout the next ten days and to bringing joy to so many families,” he added.
Saif Saeed Gobash, director-general of DCT Abu Dhabi, said that this year’s expanded festival would have something for everybody, and encouraged people to come and visit the festival to experience the UAE’s culture.
“Throughout multiple and diverse activity zones, the festival has been created to offer an entertaining and highly interactive atmosphere that welcomes families and individuals from all walks of life.”