Over 700 Events Planned for First National Early Childhood Week

More than 700 events will take place across all seven emirates during the first National Early Childhood Week from November 16th to 22nd, 2026, led by the Ministry of Family in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority.

Minister of Family Sana bint Mohammed Suhail said 130 entities will participate in the programme, which forms part of the Year of Family and centres on activities that children can experience alongside a parent or caregiver. Adviser Bashayer Al Shamsi said the aim is to create shared experiences that families can continue at home.

Activities will vary across the emirates. Abu Dhabi will host dedicated family museum tours, while Dubai’s Community Development Authority will create a miniature city introducing children to health, protection, inclusion and sustainability through play. The House of Wisdom in Sharjah will offer sensory activities, early-years books and performances for babies and young children.

Ajman will host a heritage market where children can manage stalls with their families, while illustrated vocabulary cards in Fujairah will introduce Emirati words that children can practise with parents or grandparents. Umm Al Quwain will offer a studio experience allowing children to try presenting programmes and conducting conversations, while Higher Colleges of Technology will run research, discovery and invention stations in Ras Al Khaimah.

A separate initiative developed with the Ministry of Education will bring children and caregivers together at schools for short reading, play and discovery sessions, with activity cards provided for families to continue at home.