MOTN Festival turns 10, with three new zones on Abu Dhabi Corniche
The 10th MOTN Festival opens in Al Dhafra and Al Ain on 28 November, then moves to Abu Dhabi Corniche from 9 December to 3 January with three new themed zones.
Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Ain and Al Dhafra
The Mother of the Nation (MOTN) Festival returns for its tenth edition, called World of Wonder, the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi has announced. It runs for more than five weeks across three parts of the emirate.
The festival opens at Al Mugheirah Bay in Al Dhafra Region and at Al Jahili Park in Al Ain from 28 November to 2 December, over the National Day holiday, then moves to Abu Dhabi Corniche from 9 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.
On the Corniche there are three new zones: Melting Aurora for younger children, Beyond the Sky for teenagers and young adults, and The Golden Hour for all ages, with food concepts new to Abu Dhabi, performances and shopping. The organisers also promise new rides, gaming, art installations and live music from local and international artists. Last year's edition drew more than 266,000 visitors, Khaleej Times reported.
From Dubai, the Corniche leg is the one most families will reach easily, and it covers the Christmas and New Year school holiday. Ticket prices and opening hours have not been announced; they will be published on motn.ae, which is also where updates on the line-up will appear.