Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2025 aims to create meaningful connections between children and their caregivers
Abu Dhabi is getting play-ully serious about early childhood again this year.
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) will host the second edition of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week from 17-23 November.
This Emirate-wide initiative is designed to celebrate and support families and young children through engaging, hands-on, and community-focused experiences.
Held under the theme ‘Together We Can Make Abu Dhabi a Family-friendly Emirate,’ the Week invites families, caregivers, educators, and organisations to come together.
The plan is to recognise the importance of the early years in a child’s life—and to help build a more supportive, inclusive, and enriching environment for all children.
Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2025 aims to create meaningful connections between children and their caregivers by transforming everyday public spaces into vibrant, interactive environments
From parks and museums to shopping malls and cultural centers, the Emirate will come alive with a wide range of free activities and experiences designed to spark learning, joy, and bonding.
The initiative is grounded in research that shows how critical the first years of life are to a child’s development.
During this time, a child’s brain builds over a million new neural connections every second-laying the foundation for lifelong learning, well-being, and resilience.
By nurturing positive, responsive relationships and creating supportive environments, families and communities play a vital role in helping every child thrive.
The 2024 edition saw an enthusiastic response, with over 25,000 families, 1,000+ international participants, and more than 70 activations across the Emirate.
While last year’s program included a global forum and research-focused events, the 2025 edition will focus more intentionally on grassroots-level engagement, offering community-based events and family-friendly activities throughout Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
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This year’s key themes include:
Spending quality time with children
Celebrating cultural identity and heritage
Using technology and AI to support, rather than replace, real-world connection
Creating welcoming, accessible spaces for families throughout the Emirate
Organisations, institutions, and community groups are encouraged to participate by co-creating experiences that are child-centered, culturally meaningful, and interactive.
Activities might include pop-up play zones, storytelling sessions, mini-workshops, art and music programmes, wellness activities, or interactive learning experiences; all designed to encourage fun, exploration, and connection between children and their caregivers.
Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2025 aligns with the UAE’s Year of Community, and reinforces a collective commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life.
A full schedule of events and list of participating partners will be released closer to the event.
Those interested in contributing to the week’s programming or hosting an activation can register their interest by emailing ADECWeek@eca.gov.ae
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