Thrilling New Activations and Entertainment Unveiled for Mother of the Nation Festival 2021
The Mother of the Nation (MOTN) festival, the UAE capital’s ultimate entertainment event, has revealed more details about the host of unique experiences and awesome entertainment that will be on offer to visitors at the fifth edition of the annual extravaganza, which will take place from 9 – 18 December on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche.
The 10-day festival, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), will feature a jam-packed line-up of one-of-a-kind activations, plenty of Instagrammable opportunities, tons of family fun, and live performances across its six themed zones: Inspire Space, Thrill Zone, Food Hub, Music Arena, Shopping District, and Amusement Park.
With a packed agenda featuring world-class international and local artists, in addition to spectacular luxury retail experiences, the annual festival is designed to be a full-blown entertainment destination showcasing never-before-seen activities for all ages.
Inspire Space
One of the key highlights of the festival will be Inspire Space, where culture and creativity intersect. The awe-inspiring zone is sure to get visitors plenty of Instagram-worthy material as they immerse themselves in a series of picturesque rooms designed by various UAE-based artists, taking them through a journey based on 50 years of the UAE’s foundation. Additionally, the zone will feature a truly unique experience at The Dessert Museum, the MOTN Funhouse, a special section celebrating manga and cosplayers, and for the first time in Abu Dhabi, the Glow Sushi Bar by Bompas & Parr in collaboration with Akiba Dori.
Amusement Park
This zone will host the cartoon World of Nickelodeon, which includes the popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Paw Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and other fun characters. The eye-catching zone houses a series of fun activities such as: Diggers Lab, children’s play park, exciting carnival rides, and other games.
Food Hub
Bringing to the table a massive spread of delectable items from the best local and global F&B vendors, with some making their debut in the capital, a curated gastronomical journey awaits every visitor at MOTN’s Food Hub. The zone will provide foodies with a varied dining experience that offers them delicious dishes from globally recognised outlets such as Burger and Beyond and Matcha Mama Tulum, paired with spectacular décor all around.
In addition, South African artist Daniel Popper will be paying homage to the festive celebrations by curating a one-of-a-kind exclusive installation at the Food Hub. The larger-than-life art piece is titled Nurture and symbolises the importance of self-nurturing and the human relationship with Mother Earth. Popper is globally known for his figurative sculptures and magnificent public art installations, which have grabbed attention around the world, including at the Burning Man and Tulum festivals.
While devouring delicious dishes, visitors will also be treated to tunes from some local favourites, including Alaa Wardi, Aleksandra Krstic, Carl & The Reda Mafia, DJ Bliss, DJ Keza, and many more.
Shopping District
Shopping fans will be right at home in this zone, with the Beach Market, featuring local favourites, and the Bô-tik, a pavilion for luxury brands. Shoppers will be delighted to find exciting items, and several recognisable brands, including Rula Galayini, Sarah’s Bag, and sustainable fashion from Riot, with pre-loved pieces by Balmain, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, amongst others. The Shopping District will feature EL&N London, the popular destination that is reputed to be the world’s most Instagrammable café, in the UAE for the very first time.
Thrill Zone
Visitors can also prepare themselves for an action packed adventure at the festival’s Thrill Zone, which includes the famous Rick & Morty Laser Tag, a skate and parkour park, the Smash Room, a horror escape room, the Gaming Hub, and Wild Trail.
Music Arena
MOTN’s Music Arena will welcome globally and regionally renowned stars to its main stage, with an exhilarating line-up all set for the opening weekend. Headlining the festival is the Egyptian superstar Sherine performing live on 10 December. The No.1-selling Kuwaiti boy band Miami Band will also be performing live on 9 December, with “Qalb Qalb” famed Iraqi singer Mohamad Al Salim as the opening act.
MOTN will underline the emirate’s position as a key destination for international, regional and local visitors, and will present immersive experiences led by global artists, brands, and event partners. The festival will also run in line with the Go Safe Certification, a unique programme launched by DCT Abu Dhabi that enforces global standards of safety and cleanliness at hotels, events, attractions, and venues across the emirate.
Held on Abu Dhabi Corniche, MOTN will run from December 9 to 18, 2021 from 4pm to midnight on weekdays and from 2pm to midnight on weekends.
Tickets are now on sale through the official ticketing partner www.ticketmaster.ae
