The Ministry of Family has announced the first national Early Childhood Week for children aged eight and under. With 130 organisations taking part, the programme includes a miniature children's city in Dubai, museum tours in Abu Dhabi and a Childhood Run on 20 November.
The UAE Ministry of Family has announced the country's first nationwide Early Childhood Week, running from 16 to 22 November 2026. More than 300 activities will take place across all seven emirates, with 130 organisations involved. The week targets children aged eight and under and aims to strengthen family bonds under the theme "Every Moment Matters", as part of the UAE's Year of the Family 2026.
The programme was developed with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) and partners from several sectors, under the patronage of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of ECA. In Dubai, the Community Development Authority is building "Children's City, City of the Future", a miniature city themed around health, education, creativity, inclusion and sustainability. In Abu Dhabi, children can explore art, culture and heritage on interactive museum tours.
Highlights include a Childhood Run on 20 November, World Children's Day, with UNICEF and national partners; the "Together in Blue" campaign encouraging the use of blue in public spaces; and Ministry of Education sessions for children and parents at schools. PureHealth Holding and e& are among the partners.
Details and registration are available at ecweek.ae. For families in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the week offers a good range of activities for young children outside school.
Source: Gulf News
