UAE's first national Early Childhood Week brings 300 activities from 16 November
From 16 to 22 November, more than 130 organisations run free and family activities for children aged eight and under in all seven emirates. In Dubai, the Community Development Authority builds a children's city.
Families with young children have a week of activities to plan for. The UAE's first national Early Childhood Week runs from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 November, with more than 300 educational, cultural, sporting and family activities across all seven emirates, run by more than 130 organisations, Gulf News reported, citing the organisers. It is aimed at children aged eight and under and the people who care for them.
The week is led by the Ministry of Family with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, under the patronage of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, and is part of the UAE's Year of the Family. Its theme is "Every Moment Matters". Until this year it was an Abu Dhabi event; last year's edition there had more than 300 activities and over 65,000 visitors, according to WAM.
In Dubai, the Community Development Authority is building "Children's City, City of the Future", a miniature city where children learn about health, education, creativity, inclusion and sustainability. Elsewhere, Sharjah's House of Wisdom holds reading and creative workshops for babies, young children and carers, Ajman Chamber Park hosts a traditional "Fareej Market" run by children with their families, and Umm Al Quwain offers a young broadcaster experience in a radio studio. Abu Dhabi's programme includes museum tours, a guided visit and clay workshop at Al Bidya Mosque in Fujairah on 18 November, and a 1km family fun run on 20 November, World Children's Day, open to children up to eight, including children of determination.
Schools take part too: the Ministry of Education's "A Moment Together at School" invites parents in for short sessions with their children and sends families home with activity cards. A bilingual guide for parents, "Everyday Moments for a More Connected Family", is part of the week.
Every activity is listed on ecweek.ae, the week's website, with its place, date and age group; open each one with View Event to see whether it needs booking. Most are aimed at under-eights with a parent, so check the age before you go, and book the popular weekend sessions early.