The first edition of the Mother of the Nation Festival, organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, is set to launch on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi from 24th March to 2nd April, 2016.

The festival will highlight the vision and far-reaching contributions of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, which promote the importance of family coherence as well as nurturing cultural understanding amongst the UAE society.

The festival will stretch along 1.3 kilometres of Abu Dhabi’s scenic Corniche Beach and include a series of exhibits, performances, and events held across five diverse outdoor activity zones, in addition to "The Pavilion", a testament to H.H. Sheikha Fatima’s achievements. These zones are designed to host a wide array of entertaining and educational activities, giving the festival an interactive and community-centred atmosphere for one and all.

The festival will reflect on the hard work the mothers and families of our shared community undertake to preserve the authentic values and traditions of Emirati culture while embracing a multitude of others.

Each festival zone is based on a distinct theme that highlights the vital role our mothers play in nurturing families as the building blocks of our nation. A mother's care for the health of her family is translated into exciting events in the Active Zone, while light is shed on the community’s responsibility towards the environment in the Conservation Zone. The Art Zone represents an open space for expression and creativity, while the Souq Zone combines Emirati heritage with modernity through an urban set of local and international shops. Finally, the Beach Dining Zone offers an infusion of various creative cuisines to suit all tastes.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, said: "This inaugural edition of the Mother of the Nation Festival recognises the advocacy of nurturing, educating, and giving undertaken by the Mother of our Nation, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, and her crucial role in promoting global tolerance and instilling the values of cultural diversity among all members of society."

"The festival sends a distinct cultural message and encourages the growth of a society that uses the heritage and diversity of its values, customs and people as a strength, all of which is reflected in the plethora of activities and events that will span Abu Dhabi’s iconic Corniche Beach," he added.

The Mother of the Nation Festival also features a number of entertaining artistic shows grounded in our country’s cultural diversity, reflecting UAE’s collective embrace of different cultures that further enriches the community.