A Nation Celebrates the Foundations of Childhood

The UAE's first national Early Childhood Week unfolds across seven emirates with 130 organisations delivering over 300 events designed to strengthen family bonds and support child development through play, discovery and shared experience.

From mid-November, the UAE transforms into a landscape of learning and connection as families gather across seven emirates for Early Childhood Week. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, the week from 16th to 22nd November 2026 unfolds under the theme ‘Every Moment Matters’, marking the first national edition of an initiative that places childhood development at the heart of national life.

One hundred and thirty entities have come together to create a rich tapestry of experiences. Play based learning activities sit alongside workshops for parents and caregivers. Arts performances complement storytelling sessions. Sports programmes and physical activities run in parallel with cultural and heritage events, all designed for children up to eight years old and their families. The week recognises that early childhood represents a pivotal stage, when abilities take shape, skills develop and the foundations of personality and worldview are formed.

Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, describes the initiative as a shared responsibility across community and family. ‘Creating a supportive family and community environment for children’s development calls for coordinated efforts and aligned priorities,’ she reflects. The week operationalises the UAE Year of Family by transforming focus on family and children into everyday practice, fostering a culture built around participation and positive interaction among family members.

The Ministry of Family has developed ‘Everyday Moments for a More Connected Family’, a practical guide crafted in collaboration with the Behavioral Science Group. The guide distils research into four key factors that foster family bonds: meaningful conversations, presence, family routines and growth. Available in Arabic and English, it offers activities and ideas to help family members communicate more effectively and establish shared daily practices.

Each emirate brings its own character to the week. In Abu Dhabi, children’s museum tours offer fresh perspectives on art, culture and heritage. Dubai’s Community Development Authority presents ‘A Child’s City… A City of the Future’, a miniature city inspired by children’s own aspirations, where they explore concepts from health to sustainability alongside a musical performance by the UAE National Orchestra. Sharjah’s House of Wisdom creates dedicated space for babies and young children, while Ajman transforms the garden of its Chamber into ‘Souq Al Freej’, a traditional fareej atmosphere where children run a miniature market with their families.

Fujairah introduces ‘Ramsatna’, vocabulary cards deepening children’s connection with Emirati linguistic identity and cultural heritage. Umm Al Qaiwain launches the ‘Little Broadcaster Experience’, opening radio studio doors to children for discovery through media and broadcasting. Ras Al Khaimah presents the ‘Early Childhood Carnival and Ma’an Labs’, a multi-location programme delivered by the Higher Colleges of Technology bringing academic knowledge and contemporary educational practices to life.

The week coincides with World Children’s Day on 20th November, marked by the ‘Children’s Run’, a community activity promoting movement and family interaction. The ‘Go Blue’ campaign invites organisations and community members to incorporate blue into venues and communications as an expression of support for children’s rights. The Ministry of Education will deliver ‘A Moment Together at School’, bringing children together with parents or caregivers for shared experiences centred on reading, play, discovery or conversation. Families receive take home cards to recreate these moments at home, extending benefits beyond the week itself.

Supporting organisations include PureHealth Holding, Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (Etisalat) and the National Academy for Childhood Development, alongside partnerships with the United Nations Children’s Fund. These collaborations enable organisations to exchange expertise and draw on available resources, developing joint initiatives that respond to early childhood needs and giving more families access to meaningful experiences.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

Early Childhood Week embeds the UAE’s commitment to family cohesion and quality of life into practical, accessible community action. For Abu Dhabi families, the week creates opportunities to engage with their children through carefully designed experiences that reflect developmental stages and evolving needs. Museum tours, interactive learning environments and guided activities offer parents and caregivers practical approaches that enrich daily interactions and deepen family bonds, transforming simple moments into meaningful opportunities for growth.

The initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in family centred policy and early childhood support. By mobilising 130 entities across the emirates to deliver over 300 events, the week demonstrates how government, semi government, private sector and community organisations can align efforts to support children and families. The practical guide and take home resources ensure that benefits extend beyond the week itself, embedding practices into everyday family life and creating lasting collaboration whose impact continues throughout the year.

Source: WAM