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The Mother of the Nation Festival, that celebrates values and contributions of Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the General Women's Union, President of the Family Development Foundation, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, started in Abu Dhabi.
The 10-day long festival is expected to draw a whopping crowd of more than 200,000 people from across the country.
However, this year marks a special edition of the festival, as it will join the nation in commemorating the "Year of Zayed" to celebrate the legacy of a beloved leader, the late Sheikh Zayed, who championed a more inclusive and empowering role for women in Emirati society.
As part of the Year of Zayed celebrations, a special performance involving 500 airborne drones will be presented on the final day of the Mother of the Nation Festival.
With last year's event having welcomed more than 197,000 people, this year's edition is once again set to see a record number of visitors.
Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCTA), said: "Mother of the Nation is the biggest festival in Abu Dhabi and plays an invaluable role in showcasing the Capital as a destination of distinction".
He also said: "By embodying Sheikha Fatima's inspirational values of empowerment, conservation, collaboration and sustainability, the festival aims to promote the themes of tolerance, collaboration and camaraderie within families and across the UAE community".
Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director-General of DCTA, said: "It is with immense pleasure that we invite the citizens of Abu Dhabi, visitors and tourists alike, to join us for the Mother of the Nation Festival, a true celebration of Her Highness's vision for our society and for women in our nation".
What to expect
This year, the festival will feature several zones, stretching across 1.3 kilometres, including the new beachfront community space located on Abu Dhabi's Corniche Al Bahar project, developed by Miral.
Visitors to Al Bahar will be able to experience a completely revamped beachfront area offering a vibrant and contemporary outdoor space to relax, eat and shop, as well as enjoying the revels of the Mother of the Nation festival.
The highlights of the festival include performances by Majid Al Mohandis, Ghalia Benali, Adel Ibrahim, Foud Abdel Wahed, Harget Kart, Los Cubanos, Eida Almenhali and Mohammed Al Shehhi.
The festival also includes the Nation Pavilion, which takes visitors on a journey through time, introducing inspiring accomplishments of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and the women of the UAE.
Visitors will also find the Happiness Zone, which offers interactive and exciting activities from a thrilling zipline to a hiking across a rickety rope.
The Progress Zone is also another interactive experience, which will engage visitors with innovative concepts, encouraging them to think about the importance of sustainability to foster the environment.
The festival also includes dining areas, as well as a unique retail experience, that brings together local and traditional shops.
Doors open daily from Sundays to Wednesday from 4 pm until midnight, and on weekends from 2 pm until midnight.
Tickets are AED 25 per adult and AED 15 for children under 12, while children aged five and under are admitted for free.
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