Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Diab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Head of the Presidential Court for Developmental Affairs and Families of Martyrs, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, the Ministry of Family, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, will launch the first national edition of the Early Childhood Week. Scheduled to take place from 16 to 22 November across various Emirates, this initiative aims to raise awareness about the significant importance of the early years of a child’s life, support the role of families and caregivers, and enhance the participation of diverse sectors in creating supportive environments and experiences for children’s growth and well-being.
A Celebration of Early Childhood
The launch of this week aligns with the national programmes for the “Year of Family,” reaffirming the esteemed position of early childhood and family at the heart of the UAE’s national priorities. The week will carry the slogan “Every Moment Makes a Difference,” underscoring the family’s role as a fundamental pillar of a cohesive and thriving society. It will transform public spaces into interactive environments for learning and play, offering parents and caregivers practical and accessible opportunities to enhance their communication with their children.
Community Engagement and Support
The Early Childhood Week will present a variety of events and community experiences designed to strengthen the bonds between children, their parents, caregivers, and the supporting system across multiple components, including the social, health, educational, and sports sectors. Recognising that the early years of a child’s life are pivotal in determining their growth and development—90% of brain development occurs by the age of five—this initiative aims to shape children’s abilities to learn, communicate, and perceive the world around them.
A National Initiative for Children’s Welfare
Minister of Family, Sana’a bint Mohammed Al Suhail, remarked, “The Early Childhood Week represents a national initiative that unites families, government entities, private sectors, and community institutions within a comprehensive framework to support the child during the most impactful stages of their life. Moreover, its organisation at a national level adds qualitative momentum to expanding partnerships, sharing experiences, and providing unique opportunities that enhance children’s development and well-being, in line with the directives of the wise leadership and the UAE’s approach to promoting quality of life, building a more cohesive community, and preparing for the future.”