The United Arab Emirates will hold its first nationwide Early Childhood Week Nov. 16-22, with 130 entities set to deliver more than 300 events for children and families across the country.
The Ministry of Family said the week is coordinated with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority and forms part of the UAE’s Year of Family. It is intended for children up to age eight, along with their families and caregivers.
The program outline ranges from play-led learning and caregiver workshops to health and well-being activities, arts, cultural events and sports. Examples include museum visits in Abu Dhabi, a miniature city activity in Dubai, vocabulary-card exercises in Fujairah and a radio-studio experience in Umm Al Qaiwain.
Sharjah’s House of Wisdom is due to host sessions for babies, young children and caregivers, while Ajman will offer a miniature market run by children and families. The Ministry of Education will also hold brief school sessions bringing a child and parent or caregiver together for reading, play, discovery or conversation.
A children’s run with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and UAE partners is planned for Nov. 20, World Children’s Day. The ministry also plans a blue-themed campaign focused on children’s rights.
The ministry introduced an Arabic-English family guide covering meaningful conversations, being present, family routines and growth. Minister of Family Sana bint Mohammed Suhail said the national week would bring greater attention to early childhood issues. The ministry plans to assess the program by tracking participation and family engagement.
The nationwide format follows a 2025 program across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. The ministry reported that the earlier edition involved more than 70 partners and over 300 activations and experiences, drew more than 65,000 participants and recorded nearly 55,000 hours of engagement.
The 2026 week is scheduled for Nov. 16-22, with the children’s run planned for Nov. 20.
