MOTHER OF THE NATION FESTIVAL 2018

The third edition of the ‘Mother of the Nation’ Festival was held from 22nd March to 31st March on Abu Dhabi Corniche. It was organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism and was dedicated to the Mother of the Nation, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. The festival honors her inspirational values and numerous generous contributions to the Emirati society.

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Her Highness has held many exalted positions in a variety of committees and institutions that have focused on women and children’s affairs. The Arab Women’s Organisation and the Regional Coordination Committee for Women’s Work are just two examples of her regionally and internationally acclaimed efforts.

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The festival, spread over 10 days, was a huge success as an estimate of over 150,000 people attended. The event welcomed visitors of all ages, nationalities and walks of life. Many esteemed guests graced the event with their presence, including H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, and HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance.

The event was spread over four zones across the Abu Dhabi Corniche: Happiness, Progress, Beach Dining, and Souq. The ‘Happiness’ zone was earmarked for children and families to rediscover the joy of wonder; such as walking beneath a canopy of giant flowers, or rolling around inside an inflatable sphere. In the ‘Progress’ zone, guests were encouraged to connect with the rest of humankind. In addition, the ‘Beach Dining’ zone provided a variety of foodstuff options to choose from such as food trucks, kiosks and restaurants. The ‘Souq’ showcased the best of local and international talent across numerous retail carts throughout the festival. 

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The festival concluded on the 31st of March. As a tribute to the late founder and father of the nation, H.E. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may Allah have mercy on his soul), the Department of Culture and Tourism presented the ‘Year of Zayed’ Drone Show as the closing ceremony of the event.

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The mesmerising event, symbolising Emirati culture and traditions, consisted of five hundred shooting star drones, which provided the public with an unprecedented form of night-time entertainment. The drones depicting stars formed a number of shapes and symbols across the night sky.

The star drones first formed the official logo of the ‘Year of Zayed’ and then changed into a portrait of H.H. Sheikh Zayed, the late father and leader. They then changed position to form a picture of kids forming a circle. A green leaf, two palm trees, and a flying eagle were some of the other images formed by the shooting star drones. 

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The spectacular but technically challenging drone show lasted for more than five minutes.

​You can watch the full star drone show below.

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BONUS:
As part of the closing ceremony, the 'Mother of the Nation' Festival also displayed a dynamic Fire Dance Show. 

The show lasted for 5 minutes but had the crowd mesmerized throughout. 

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You can watch the Fire Drone Show below too!