The UAE’s first national Early Childhood Week will run from 16 to 22 November 2026 across all seven emirates, WAM reported. The Ministry of Family is leading the week in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the ECA.
The theme this year is “Every Moment Matters”, and the week is part of the national programmes for the UAE Year of Family. The organisers say it will turn public spaces into interactive places for learning and play, so parents and caregivers can spend more time connecting with their children.
Key points
- Dates: 16 to 22 November 2026
- First national edition, across all seven emirates
- Led by the Ministry of Family with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority
- Theme: “Every Moment Matters”
- Partners and the full programme are still to be announced
What Early Childhood Week 2026 will include
The official announcement from WAM and the Abu Dhabi Media Office lists the kinds of activities families can expect:
| Programme area | What is planned |
|---|---|
| Learning | Play-based learning activities |
| Parents and caregivers | Workshops for parents and caregivers |
| Health | Family health and wellbeing experiences |
| Arts | Arts and music performances, and storytelling sessions |
| Culture | Cultural and heritage activations |
| Sport | Sports programmes and physical activities |
| Community | Community engagement initiatives |
Some events will be run with organisations from the health, education, technology, sport and community sectors.
On 4 November, Khaleej Times reported that Her Excellency Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, announced that 130 entities will take part, with more than 700 events planned across the seven emirates. The paper also reported a new initiative in which children join activities alongside a parent or caregiver. These figures have not yet appeared in an official WAM or ECA release.
What is not announced yet
Venues, entry details and age groups for individual events have not been published. WAM said in September that the official partners and the full programme would be announced in the lead-up to the week. Organisations that want to host an activity can register their interest by emailing ECWeek@eca.gov.ae.
Until the programme is out, families can plan other outings, from family-friendly restaurants in Dubai to football academies in the UAE or a visit to Dubai Miracle Garden Season 15.
Why the early years matter
According to the announcement, 90% of brain development is complete by the age of five, which shapes how a child learns, grows and connects with others.
“Early Childhood Week is a national initiative that brings together families, government entities, the private sector and community organisations within an integrated ecosystem that supports children during the most influential stage of their lives. Expanding the week nationwide will create significant momentum to broaden partnerships, exchange expertise and provide high-quality experiences that support children’s development and wellbeing.”
Her Excellency Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family and Director General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority
Last year’s edition took place in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. More than 70 partners delivered over 300 activations and experiences, which drew more than 65,000 participants and nearly 55,000 hours of engagement.
Sources: WAM, Abu Dhabi Media Office, Khaleej Times
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