Abu Dhabi is once again set to shine a spotlight on its youngest residents as the Emirate prepares to host its annual Early Childhood Week. This week-long celebration brings together families, communities, and institutions to champion the development, wellbeing, and joy of young children across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. Under the theme “Together We Can Make Abu Dhabi a Family-friendly Emirate,” the event promises an engaging mix of learning, play, and community spirit.
A week dedicated to families and early childhood
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 (ECA), Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2025 begins on Monday, 17 November, running through 23 November.Organized by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority in collaboration with more than 65 partners, the Week is anchored in the Year of Community and designed to provide families with vibrant, interactive experiences. Its primary goal is to raise awareness of the significance of early childhood and to support positive, engaging interactions between parents and children.
A rich program of activities across the emirate
This year’s edition will feature over 300 community activations, ranging from interactive workshops and play-based educational experiences to cultural showcases and health-focused events. These activities are crafted to strengthen family bonds, celebrate Emirati cultural identity, and transform public spaces into vibrant learning environments.Families can choose from a variety of experiences tailored to different interests, such as:
- Workshops at Abu Dhabi Children’s Library: “Capital and the Treasures of the Future”
- Interactive experiences at CLYMB™ Yas Island combining recreation and learning
- Sports and outdoor activities in public parks
Health awareness sessions at Galleria MallADNOC Family Engagement Day in LiwaParenting workshops by NACD’s “Olfah” Program- Free football training sessions for children aged 5–8 at 321 Sports by Modon
- Hands-on learning activities focusing on health and wellbeing from PureHealth and M42
Most events are free and open to the public, while select activities require tickets or invitations. The full calendar is available at ADECWeek.ae.
Partnering for a family friendly emirate
The Week is supported by a wide array of partners across multiple sectors. Key contributors include:
- Energy Partner: ADNOC
- Visionary Partner: National Academy for Childhood Development (NACD)
- Health Partner: PureHealth
Other participants include the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), Abu Dhabi Maritime and Sports Council (ADMSC), Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC), M42, Department of Community Development (DCD), Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), Shams Power, Al Ain Football Club, Bidaya Media, Miral, the National Library and Archives, and Modon.This collaboration ensures a diverse program that combines education, health, recreation, and culture, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a family-friendly emirate and demonstrating the value of community partnerships in supporting early childhood development.Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week serves as a platform to:
- Celebrate the importance of the early years of life
- Highlight the critical role of play in child development
- Encourage parents to engage meaningfully with their children
- Show how family time and daily interactions positively impact academic and emotional growth
The Week underscores that even small, consistent moments of engagement between parent and child can leave lasting effects on a child’s development. By offering families accessible, fun, and educational experiences, the event strengthens the bond between communities and the youngest members of society, while promoting safe and supportive environments for learning and growth.
