MOTN Abu Dhabi 2026: Dates, Locations, Tickets and What to Expect

MOTN Abu Dhabi 2026: Dates, Locations, Tickets and What to Expect

MOTN Abu Dhabi is back for its 10th edition this winter. The Mother of the Nation Festival Abu Dhabi runs from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 across three locations, starting in Al Ain and Al Dhafra before moving to the Abu Dhabi Corniche from 9 December.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and produced by Brag, this year’s World of Wonder edition brings three new themed zones to the capital, along with new rides, gaming, food concepts new to Abu Dhabi and live entertainment. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

• What is MOTN festival Abu Dhabi?
• MOTN 2026 dates and locations
• What to expect at MOTN Abu Dhabi
• MOTN Al Ain and Al Dhafra
• MOTN Abu Dhabi tickets
• Entry rules and visitor tips
• How to get to MOTN on the Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is MOTN festival Abu Dhabi?

MOTN is short for Mother of the Nation. It’s an annual family festival that mixes rides, food, live music, art and shopping, and it has become one of the busiest dates on the capital’s winter calendar. If you’re planning your season, our guide to the biggest Abu Dhabi events and festivals covers what else is on.

The festival keeps growing. The 8th edition in 2024 ran for 31 days across Al Dhafra, Al Ain and the Abu Dhabi Corniche, offered more than 350 experiences and welcomed over 259,000 visitors, making it the festival’s largest season up to that point.

This year marks ten editions, and the timing works well for families: the Al Ain and Al Dhafra events fall over UAE National Day, while the Corniche edition stays open through New Year.

MOTN 2026 dates and locations

The 2026 festival runs for more than five weeks in total. Here’s where and when you can catch it:

Daily opening hours for 2026 haven’t been released yet. Keep an eye on motn.ae and the festival’s Instagram for the schedule.

What to expect at MOTN Abu Dhabi

MOTN Abu Dhabi on the Corniche is the festival’s main event, and this year it’s split into three themed worlds, each aimed at a different crowd.

Melting Aurora

Melting Aurora is the zone for younger visitors. Expect a bright, playful space built around colour, imagination and discovery.

Beyond the Sky

Beyond the Sky is designed for teenagers and young adults. It has a more energetic, immersive feel, with experiences shaped around exploration and trying something new.

The Golden Hour

The Golden Hour is open to everyone. It’s where families and friends can try food concepts making their Abu Dhabi debut and viral food trends, catch performances, shop and simply hang out together.

Rides, art and live music

Across the site, you’ll find returning family favourites alongside new rides, gaming and attractions. The festival also features art installations, live music from local and international artists, and curated retail spots that bring together culture, fashion and creativity.

Because the Corniche edition runs until 3 January, it’s also an option if you’re planning New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi with the family. The concert line-up for 2026 is yet to be announced.

MOTN Al Ain and Al Dhafra

Before the festival reaches the capital, it spends five days in Al Ain and Al Dhafra, with both events lining up with UAE National Day celebrations.

MOTN Al Ain at Al Jahili Park

MOTN Al Ain takes place at Al Jahili Park from 28 November to 2 December 2026. The festival promises five days of family fun with good food, live music and National Day celebrations. If you’re making a weekend of it, see our list of things to do in Al Ain, or read our Al Ain area guide if you’re thinking about living there.

MOTN Al Dhafra at Al Mugheirah Bay

Over in Al Dhafra, MOTN sets up at Al Mugheirah Bay on the same dates. Expect five days of family activities, new experiences and National Day festivities by the water.

MOTN Abu Dhabi tickets

Tickets for the Mother of the Nation Festival (MOTN) Abu Dhabi 2026 are not yet available. Ticket prices and booking details will be announced closer to the event.

To give you an idea of how ticketing worked on the Corniche last season:

• General admission: Visitors aged 4 to 59 needed a general admission ticket, which covered entry to the festival grounds and its free offerings.
• Paid experiences: Rides and other activities needed a separate MOTN Day Pass.
• Concerts: Seated concert tickets were sold online and at on-site booths, and each one included a general admission ticket.
• Refunds: Tickets couldn’t be refunded or exchanged, so check ride age and height limits before buying a day pass.

Entry rules and visitor tips

The 2026 rules will be shared closer to opening. These are the main ones that applied on the Corniche last season, and they’re a useful guide for planning:

A few more tips for a smoother visit:

• Sign the waiver at the ticketing booth before joining any experience.
• Leave restricted items at home, as security confiscates prohibited items at the entrance.
• Arrive early in the evening, since some experiences have longer queues.

How to get to MOTN on the Abu Dhabi Corniche

Parking near the festival site is limited, so public transport is the easiest way to reach MOTN on the Corniche.

• By bus: Take bus 5, 11, 24, 26, 34, 63 or 65 to the Corniche St / Corniche stop, then walk about four minutes. Our Hafilat card explains how to top up before you travel.
• By car: Use GPS and approach via Al Bateen Street and Corniche Street. Read up on parking in Abu Dhabi before you set off.
• By taxi or ride-hailing: Both are available and save you from looking for a space.

Love the Corniche? Neighbourhoods such as Al Bateen put you close to the waterfront all year round. Explore properties for rent in Abu Dhabi on Property Finder to find your next home near the city’s best events.

Key Takeaways

• MOTN Abu Dhabi returns for its 10th edition, the World of Wonder edition, from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
• MOTN Al Ain (Al Jahili Park) and MOTN Al Dhafra (Al Mugheirah Bay) run from 28 November to 2 December, over UAE National Day.
• The Abu Dhabi Corniche edition runs from 9 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, covering New Year’s Eve.
• Three new zones are coming to the capital: Melting Aurora, Beyond the Sky and The Golden Hour.
• Ticket prices and opening hours for 2026 are still to be announced on motn.ae and @motnfestival.
• Parking is limited, so take the bus or a taxi to the Corniche.

Frequently Asked Questions

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