Early Childhood Week Returns to Abu Dhabi This November

Early Childhood Week will return to sc from November 17th to 23rd, offering more than 200 activities across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra as part of a wider push to strengthen family bonds and support early development.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) under the slogan 'Together We Can Make Abu Dhabi a Family-Friendly Emirate,' this year’s programme includes interactive workshops, play-based learning sessions, and sports and wellness events. The authority noted that the emirate is home to 350,000 children aged up to eight, about half of whom are Emirati. Following the participation of over 25,000 families last year, the event has now expanded beyond the capital.

Early Childhood Week forms part of a broader effort to strengthen family life and support the next generation. According to the ECA, 75% of parents in Abu Dhabi report not having enough time with their young children, while 70% of a young child’s week is spent on average with domestic helpers.

To promote better work-life balance, the authority’s Parent-Friendly Label programme engages private sector partners committed to family-inclusive policies. In July 2025, 12 organisations were honoured by President Sheikh Mohamed at Qasr Al Bahr for meeting standards such as extended parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and inclusive family policies.