Variety marks this Abu Dhabi festival
Happiness is the buzzword at Mother of Nation Festival at Abu Dhabi Corniche.
I come here every time .... There are so many things to do. I will try to be here on most days.” Ali Alhashmi, 8th grade student, ATHS
Happiness awaits one and all at the Mother of the Nation Festival that opened on Sunday at the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Once you enter into the ‘wonder world’, which isn’t an easy task with the milling crowd, it is loads of fun and frolic for families.
Ali Alhashmi, 8th grade student at Applied Technology High School (ATHS), is relishing his time with his siblings at the Happiness Zone.
“I come here every time. The variety is the main attraction. There are so many things to do. I will try to be here on most days,” he said, as his sisters sketch figures at a stall.
For the adrenaline seekers, there’s Courage Mountain where visitors can take a high-rise jump.
Sara Al Amri and Ghala Al Amri, twin sisters were among the brave legs who tried the Adventure Rope Course.
“This is scary but exciting. The last leg made us nervous when you have to cross the logs one by one,” Sara, one of the sisters said.
As you explore the carnival-like atmosphere further, one of the main attractions is the Bu Tinah Sea Adventure Zone. One could catch the marine life in its fullest and best form at the zone with a bubble machine tirelessly working to recreate the marine environment.
Serhii Braha from Ukraine, who is the bubble man is drawing crowd in droves. Age no bar, all want to be inside a bubble as Braha kept churning out large and multiple ones without break. When you move to the sea zone, visitors can learn a thing or two about dhow making. Dawood Al Jasmi from Al Snyar Organisation is the one who is giving final touches to the traditional dhows. “This is for children, our next generation to see,” he said as he shapes a piece.
Adding grandeur to the marine show is sand work by Shadi Al Matrooshi. “This is a hobby for me. I hold workshops for children to learn more about marine environment. This is very important aspect of our life,” said the national working at a public sector company. He is ably helped by his three-year old son Zayed.
Among other attractions in the Happiness Zone is LED Kite Making, Jeep Tour and innumerable stalls to discover different facets of life.
Visitors are also fascinated with Lords of Lightning, the world-famous electrifying performance which draws on elements on modern dance, martial arts and Tesla electricity.
Another feature is the Urban Garden, an area where residents and visitors alike can relax and be at one with nature.
For those who want to enter a calm world, there’s the Tranquil Park to take rest.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com