Your Guide to MOTN 2025: Everyone's Favourite 'Out of This World' Family Festival in the UAE | ExpatWoman.com
 

Your Guide to MOTN 2025: Everyone's Favourite 'Out of This World' Family Festival in the UAE

MOTN Festival returns to Abu Dhabi with an ‘Out of This World’ family adventure from November 28th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026.

Posted on

17 November 2025

Last updated on 20 November 2025

The UAE's favourite family festival will kick off in Al Dhafra and Al Ain (28 Nov - 2 Dec), before landing in Abu Dhabi (10 Dec - 4 Jan)

Clear your calendars, and start planning with your family and friends: MOTN Festival is officially returning to Abu Dhabi this winter season for its ninth edition... and it’s going bigger, bolder, and more “Out of This World” than ever!

Running for over 30 days across three UAE locations, MOTN 2025 is bringing a full universe of fun to families, foodies, thrill-seekers, and anyone who loves a good Instagram moment. Explore immersive zones, live entertainment, rides, an all-new Insta-ready museum, laser tag, gaming, shopping, a Ninja Kidz action park, and over 40 food concepts in one place.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and festival producers Brag, this year’s edition is designed to be a full-on experience, not just a day out.

When and Where Is MOTN 2025 Happening?

MOTN isn’t just popping up in one spot, visitors can find it at different locations this winter.

Where: Al Dhafra & Al Ain

The festival kicks off in Al Dhafra’s scenic Al Mugheirah Bay and Al Ain from 28 November to 2 December, perfectly timed with UAE National Day celebrations.

Where: Abu Dhabi Corniche

MOTN will then land in the capital from 10 December to 4 January along the iconic Abu Dhabi Corniche, turning the waterfront into a vibrant festive universe.

Whether enjoying Al Dhafra’s scenic Al Mugheirah Bay, celebrating National Day in Al Ain, or exploring the festival’s grand finale along Abu Dhabi Corniche, MOTN offers a world of inspiration, fun, and excitement for the entire family.

An ‘Out of This World’ Theme That Turns the Festival Into a Fantasy Universe

This year’s “Out of This World” theme takes MOTN to another level! The entire festival is imagined as a playful universe of wonder, where every corner is designed to surprise you, spark joy, and, yes, look amazing on your feed.

With more than 50 immersive experiences, visitors can wander through different sections of the festival, each with its own mix of fun, flavour, and adventure. Expect larger-than-life art installations, unexpected pop-ups, glowing lights, and lots of “Wait, we have to take a photo here” moments.

Meet the MOTN Zones: Amuse, Thrill & Indulge

MOTN continues its signature zoned layout, so you can choose your vibe or try them all!

Amuse - For Families and the Young at Heart

Perfect if you’ve got kids in tow or you’re just in the mood for feel-good fun, with creative play areas, interactive activities, and surprise moments designed to get little ones laughing and exploring. It’s all about imagination, colour, and plenty of energy.

Thrill - For Adrenaline Lovers

If you (or your teens) love a bit of action, Thrill is where the pulse-racing fun happens. Dive into rides that keep you on your toes, or challenge your friends to action-packed experiences and games. Explore new immersive gaming zones and laser tag, plus mazes to get lost (and found) in.

There’s even a Ninja Kidz action park this year, ideal for kids and tweens who love to climb, jump, and conquer obstacle courses.

Beyond the rides and games, visitors to MOTN Festival can check out art installations and creative pop-ups. It’s easy to spend the whole day (and night) there without anyone getting bored!

Indulge - For Foodies, Shoppers & Chill Seekers

When you’re ready to slow down and soak it all in, Indulge is your zone. Snack, munch, and drink your way through 40+ food concepts from regional and international vendors: Street food, sweet treats, gourmet bites, and the latest global food trends.

There'll also be fashion, lifestyle, and boutique shopping for that unique find you can't get anywhere else. Indulge is the perfect spot to grab a bite, browse, and people-watch while enjoying live music and entertainment.

Where to Get Your MOTN Festival 2025 Tickets

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.ae! For more information, visit motn.ae or follow @motnfestival on social media for the latest updates.

Click here to grab your tickets to everyone's favourite family festival!

Mother of the Nation (MOTN)
Sponsored by
MOTN Festival
Launched in 2016, MOTN Festival is the region’s ultimate entertainment festival. Held annually, the festival draws inspiration from some of the world’s most recognisable theme parks to bring visitors a jam-packed line-up of one-of-a-kind activations and art installations, gastronomical delights by local and global food vendors, a curated retail space featuring unique design from around the world and live performances by A-list artists. With a range of activities for all to enjoy, the MOTN Festival pays tribute to family and community by fusing local and global entertainment offerings to bring visitors of all ages an exceptional experience.

Abu Dhabi Corniche, United Arab Emirates