The Mother of the Nation Festival returns to Abu Dhabi Corniche from Wednesday 10 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, operating daily from 16:00 to 24:00. On Wednesday 31 December 2025, the festival extends from 16:00 to 01:00. The venue is Abu Dhabi Corniche, Abu Dhabi, UAE, with festival parking guidance pointing visitors to the Nation Towers area opposite the Corniche. For general destination support, you can contact the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi on +971 2 444 0444. For festival participation or enquiries, the published contact is info@motn.ae.
A Corniche takeover with a winter identity
MOTN has built its reputation as a high-energy family festival that turns the Corniche into a seasonal playground, and it usually mixes rides, live entertainment, food, and shopping in one walkable stretch. Moreover, the set-up encourages you to drift between zones rather than commit to one fixed schedule, so groups with mixed ages stay happy (family-friendly). Also, the festival leans into a celebratory winter mood, which makes it a natural choice for visitors who want an “Abu Dhabi evening out” that still feels accessible (couples, solo). Expect a lot of walking, so choose comfortable shoes. Because it runs for weeks, you can also revisit with a different focus each time.
Opening hours and the best time window
The daily operating hours run 16:00 to 24:00 from Wednesday 10 December 2025 through Sunday 4 January 2026, which makes it easy to plan after work or as a full evening outing. Meanwhile, weekdays often feel calmer before 18:30, so families sometimes arrive early and leave before late-night crowds build (family-friendly). In addition, Friday through Sunday evenings typically feel busier, especially from 19:00 onward, so couples who prefer a livelier atmosphere often pick those slots (couples). If you want smoother entry, aim for 16:00 to 17:30. On Wednesday 31 December 2025, plan extra buffer time, because the extended hours tend to attract heavier demand.
Tickets, entry pricing, and on-site purchase
MOTN does not position itself as a free-entry festival, and the published ticketing pages show multiple options rather than one flat rate. Moreover, the widely listed starting price for General Admission sits at approximately AED 35, and you may also see bundles and day passes, such as weekday and weekend options, priced higher depending on the category. Also, the festival states that each entrance has a ticketing booth, so you can buy tickets on arrival if slots remain. Treat all ticket prices as approximately, because service fees and category changes can apply. For the most reliable ticket sources, look for TICKETMASTER and PLATINUMLIST.
A practical way to spend your first visit
If it is your first time, arrive near 16:00, take a slow loop to map the main zones, and then decide whether you want rides, food, or entertainment as your anchor. Next, keep one flexible checkpoint around 19:30, because that is when the Corniche atmosphere often feels most festive and photo-friendly (couples, family-friendly). Also, if you come with kids, plan a short rest stop around 20:30, because energy dips quickly after excitement peaks. Set a simple meeting point in case your group gets separated. Since the festival runs across many dates, you can also split your experience into two visits rather than rushing.
Rides, games, and family pacing
MOTN typically promotes “thrilling rides” alongside games and immersive experiences, so families can build a full evening without leaving the site (family-friendly). Moreover, teens often gravitate to higher-energy attractions, while younger children usually prefer shorter, repeatable activities closer to food and seating areas. Also, you can pace the night by alternating active segments with calmer zones, which helps avoid end-of-night meltdowns. Check height or age guidance at each attraction entrance before queueing. Because the festival is cashless, make sure every adult in the group has a working card or phone payment method.
Food and shopping without overcommitting
The festival’s set-up usually makes it easy to snack as you go, so you do not need a single long dinner booking to enjoy the night (couples, solo). Meanwhile, shopping tends to feel less crowded earlier, so browse before 19:00 if you dislike shoulder-to-shoulder movement. In addition, you can treat the retail side as a quick stroll rather than a destination, because the entertainment pull can shift your priorities fast. Keep a small spending plan, because impulse buys stack up quickly. Since cash is not accepted, you will want a backup payment method if one card fails.
Parking, drop-offs, and Corniche traffic reality
Parking guidance for MOTN highlights free parking opposite the Corniche at the Nation Tower parking lot, but spaces are limited and work on a first-come, first-served basis. Moreover, Corniche evenings can bottleneck on weekends, so leaving a little earlier or later can save you serious exit time. Also, ride-hailing and taxis can feel simpler on busy nights, especially if your group wants to avoid long post-midnight parking queues. Parking capacity is limited, so arrive early on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If you drive, keep your return route flexible, because event traffic can shift quickly around peak times.
Coming in from Dubai, Al Ain, and other Emirates
If you drive from Dubai, aim to leave mid-afternoon, because you will enter Abu Dhabi closer to the evening rush otherwise. Likewise, if you come from Al Ain, build in a short break, since families often arrive tired and skip the best early hours. Also, if you travel from Sharjah or Ajman, a weekday visit can feel noticeably smoother than a weekend plan. Plan your return before you arrive, especially if you stay until 24:00. On Wednesday 31 December 2025, leave earlier than usual, because the extended hours can increase traffic in both directions.
Weather outlook and rain-mud watch for late December
For Friday 19 December 2025, the Abu Dhabi forecast points to showers with about 22°C high and 16°C low, so walkways may feel damp. For Saturday 20 December 2025, expect partly sunny conditions around 22°C high and 16°C low, while Sunday 21 December 2025 looks hazy with about 24°C high and 16°C low. Monday 22 December 2025 and Tuesday 23 December 2025 trend partly sunny near 25°C highs, then Wednesday 24 December 2025 brings increasing clouds around 25°C and 16°C. Watch Sunday 28 December 2025 and Monday 29 December 2025, because the forecast shows rain showers again. Since longer-range forecasts can change quickly, recheck closer to Wednesday 31 December 2025 and the first week of January.
Closing notes on timing, transport, and last checks
Dress in light layers, because evenings sit comfortably mild, yet coastal breezes can cool down after 21:00, especially if rain passes through. Also, carry a compact umbrella on showery days and choose closed shoes if you expect wet patches near entrances. Plan for heavier Corniche traffic from roughly 18:30 to 22:00 on weekends, and consider taxis or ride-hailing if you dislike parking hunts, while public buses also serve the Corniche area for those who prefer not to drive. Book your ticket early for peak nights, especially Wednesday 31 December 2025. Ticket and door prices may change and remain approximately, and the most reliable ticket sources to check are TICKETMASTER and PLATINUMLIST, while the editor notes shared through www.few.ae also encourage a quick day-of verification for timing and access updates.