Variety is the buzzword at UAE's Mother of the Nation fest

Abu Dhabi - Once you enter into the 'wonder world', which isn't an easy task with the milling crowd, it is loads of fun and frolic for families.

Happiness awaits one and all at the Mother of the Nation Festival that opened on Sunday at the Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Once you enter into the 'wonder world', which isn't an easy task with the milling crowd, it is loads of fun and frolic for families.
Ali Alhashmi, 8th grade student at Applied Technology High School (ATHS), is relishing his time with his siblings at the Happiness Zone.
"I come here every time. The variety is the main attraction. There are so many things to do. I will try to be here on most days," he said, as his sisters sketch figures at a stall.
For the adrenaline seekers, there's Courage Mountain where visitors can take a high-rise jump.
Sara Al Amri and Ghala Al Amri, twin sisters were among the brave legs who tried the Adventure Rope Course.
"This is scary but exciting. The last leg made us nervous when you have to cross the logs one by one," Sara, one of the sisters said.
As you explore the carnival-like atmosphere further, one of the main attractions is the Bu Tinah Sea Adventure Zone. One could catch the marine life in its fullest and best form at the zone with a bubble machine tirelessly working to recreate the marine environment.
Serhii Braha from Ukraine, who is the bubble man is drawing crowd in droves. Age no bar, all want to be inside a bubble as Braha kept churning out large and multiple ones without break. When you move to the sea zone, visitors can learn a thing or two about dhow making. Dawood Al Jasmi from Al Snyar Organisation is the one who is giving final touches to the traditional dhows. "This is for children, our next generation to see," he said as he shapes a piece.
Adding grandeur to the marine show is sand work by Shadi Al Matrooshi. "This is a hobby for me. I hold workshops for children to learn more about marine environment. This is very important aspect of our life," said the national working at a public sector company. He is ably helped by his three-year old son Zayed.
Among other attractions in the Happiness Zone is LED Kite Making, Jeep Tour and innumerable stalls to discover different facets of life.
Visitors are also fascinated with Lords of Lightning, the world-famous electrifying performance which draws on elements on modern dance, martial arts and Tesla electricity.
Another feature is the Urban Garden, an area where residents and visitors alike can relax and be at one with nature.
For those who want to enter a calm world, there's the Tranquil Park to take rest.

Hey foodies, are you around somewhere? Know the timings

Once you are done with all exploration, think about munching into some lip-smacking food stalls.
From upscale restaurants to street food trucks, there are plenty of tasty treats to tempt food-lovers at the Beach Dining Zone.
Located throughout the central stretch of the Festival and spread across two distinct areas, the Beach Dining Zone offers more than 50 dining options. Fast food lovers are excited to spot their favourites: Shmokins, Calle Tacos and Tandem, that are tempting visitors with their wide variety of burgers and tex-mex dishes.
For budding amateur chefs, Chef challenges are being held pitting budding amateurs against professional chefs in a cooking challenge. Each competitor presents their final dishes for a blind taste-test to the audience, who then choose the winner.
The final dishes are judged by the audience through an interactive vote.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

The ongoing Mother of Nation festival will run until April 4 and is open from 4pm to midnight during weekdays and 2pm to midnight during the weekend.

Visitors at the Mother of the Nation Festival held at the Corniche in Abu Dhabi, March 26,2017. Photo By Ryan Lim

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi

Ashwani Kumar

• ashwani@khaleejtimes.com