ABU DHABI // One photo in a pavilion honouring the life and achievements of Sheikha Fatima encapsulates all the world needs to know about the UAE.
The shot from 1971 shows a camp set up by the wife of the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed to welcome the wives of ambassadors to the country.
“It signifies how from the beginning the UAE was open to all cultures and encouraged them to visit,” said Salama Al Shamsi, member of the organising committee for the Mother of the Nation Festival, which opens on Thursday.
The festival’s organisers want the world to know that welcome continues today, and hope the event and tribute will become an attraction for visitors from around the world. Mohammed Al Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority, said the 10-day festival aimed to “solidify Abu Dhabi’s position as a key global tourism destination”.
“This can be achieved through developing engaging events that enrich the experience of both residents and tourists,” Mr Al Mubarak said.
The festival, organised in honour of Sheikha Fatima, has been set up along a 1.3-kilometre stretch of the Corniche.
Hundreds of sellers and exhibitors have been spread over five main areas – Beach Dining, Souq, Art, Conservation and Activities zones.
Those activities include zip lines, dune bashing, interactive games and live performances.
Mr Al Mubarak said it was important to highlight the concept behind the festival, which was “a platform for the people of the UAE to celebrate and recognise the legacy of Sheikha Fatima’s wide-reaching vision and standing in the community”. It was also “an opportunity for all to show their appreciation of her values towards diversity, tolerance and family coherence”.
“The nation is fortunate to have such an inspirational role mode to aspire to,” he said.
The centrepiece of the festival is The Pavilion, the first exhibition of Sheikha Fatima’s achievements.
“Some of these photographs have never been shown before and while others can be found on social media, they have never been gathered in one exhibition,” said Hind Al Khoori, another member of the committee.
Also in the pavilion are four holograms of globes, each showing a country where Sheikha Fatima had a positive effect by building schools, hospitals and other facilities. There is also an artificial tree where visitors can attach leaves with their messages to the Mother of the Nation.
Ms Al Shamsi said she expected the tree to be decorated with hundreds of supportive messages by the end of the festival.
“The festival is held to show her our love and appreciation for all the support she has given us,” she said.
Although the event will have modern attractions, the organisers said its underlying theme would be of heritage and motherhood.
Vintage cars are on show around the site and some restaurants will operate from shipping crates.
“Everything is custom made for the festival. At the Souq mainly and the zones, we wanted to create a traditional space in an urban way,” Ms Al Khoori said.
“Yet the theme of motherhood, unity and love remains underlying.”
Entry is Dh20 for adults, Dh10 for children under 12 and free for children under 5. Tickets include activities, workshops and performances in all zones.
The festival runs until April 2 from 4pm until midnight daily.
salnuwais@thenational.ae