Here’s everything you can eat your way through
One of Abu Dhabi’s most loved family festivals is officially returning, and it’s going bigger, bolder and more cosmic than ever. Mother of the Nation Festival (MOTN) will take over the Abu Dhabi Corniche until January 4 2026, promising thrills, flavours and fireworks in a winter celebration that’s anything but ordinary. With rides, live music, immersive attractions and a stacked food line-up, MOTN is once again set to be a highlight of the capital’s festive calendar.
The Theme
The 2025/26 edition comes with an Out of This World theme, introducing brand-new experiences across the site. Expect an Instagrammable museum, immersive gaming zones, laser tag, mazes and a Ninja Kidz action park designed to keep younger visitors entertained for hours.
View this post on Instagram
There will also be museums, roaming entertainment and weekly live performances, with artists including Mahmoud Al Turky, Mohamed Fadel Chaker and Akhras set to take the stage. And yes, MOTN is going all out for New Year’s Eve, with a huge outdoor celebration capped off by a midnight fireworks display over the Corniche.
The Food
Food lovers, this one’s for you. MOTN is bringing together cult favourites and international crowd-pleasers, with more food trucks than you can count. Here’s what’s on the menu:
Blondies Kitchen
London’s viral cookie brand lands at MOTN with its famous cookie and cookie dough bar. Expect gooey treats, founder meet-and-greets and a taste of the brand that became Selfridges’ most successful pop-up.
Boston Drink & Dessert
Daily fresh creations made with premium ingredients, from Belgian chocolate and rich coffee to fruit purées, delivering indulgence in every sip and spoon.
Cello’s Pizzeria
A fresh take on the New York slice, where hand-stretched dough meets bold flavours and neighbourhood charm.
View this post on Instagram
Charles Pan-Fried Chicken
Straight from Harlem, this soul food institution serves golden, cast-iron fried chicken rooted in Southern tradition, family and flavour.
Chris N Eddy’s
What started as a parking lot pop-up became a smashburger sensation. Expect bold flavours, quality ingredients and cult-status burgers.
Glace
New York’s cult dessert destination is known for artisanal twists on nostalgic treats, from viral hot chocolates to globally inspired candies.
Roll Boys Cinnamon Rolls
A cinnamon roll turned lifestyle brand, Roll Boys delivers indulgent flavours and a cult following that keeps growing.
Image credit: @motnfestival on Instagram
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
