The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi will stage the 10th edition of the Mother of the Nation Festival, also known as MOTN, from late November 2026 into the new year. According to an announcement on October 13, 2026, the event will feature more than five weeks of entertainment across Abu Dhabi City, the Al Ain Region and the Al Dhafra Region. Produced in partnership with Brag, the festival adopts a World of Wonder theme that includes three newly created zones at the main Corniche site.
The initial phase will take place at Al Mugheirah Bay in Al Dhafra and Al Jahili Park in Al Ain between November 28 and December 2. The primary Abu Dhabi City portion will follow at the Corniche from December 9, 2026, until January 3, 2027. This structure allows the festival to align with UAE National Day festivities in its opening days, a tradition carried from previous years.
Melting Aurora, Beyond the Sky and The Golden Hour constitute the three dimensions visitors will encounter in Abu Dhabi City, each calibrated for specific audiences. The department’s release described Melting Aurora as a colourful space for younger children centred on imagination and discovery while Beyond the Sky targets older youth with energetic experiences. The Golden Hour unites families around food, performances and social activities, including several culinary concepts debuting in the emirate.
Previous editions of the MOTN Festival have introduced elements such as immersive gaming, laser tag and themed mazes, Time Out Abu Dhabi reported from the 2025 edition. The 2025 event, themed Out of This World, also featured weekly live performances by regional artists and concluded with a New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Such features contributed to the festival’s reputation as a leading family attraction during the winter months.
Organisers have indicated that the 10th anniversary will retain popular elements from past festivals while adding fresh rides, gaming options and live entertainment. A report from the Abu Dhabi Media Office noted that the event will bring back family favourites alongside the new attractions. Details on the full programme, including specific shows and ticket information, remain forthcoming via the official MOTN website.
The festival’s expansion to multiple regions underscores efforts to distribute cultural programming, with Al Jahili Park and the scenic Al Mugheirah Bay providing distinct backdrops for the opening celebrations. Interest in the 2026 edition has already surfaced on social media platforms following the announcement by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. General admission for past editions started from AED 25 online, with evening hours typically running from 4pm to allow visitors to enjoy cooler temperatures.
