This special day is about appreciating the children of the UAE so we’ve put together fun and exciting activities to enjoy with the little ones
Have you noticed anything different on your phone?
The UAE today celebrates Emirati Children’s Day and UAE networks on your phone are showing ‘MAR15-ECD’ to commemorate the special occasion.
The special day marks the launch of Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 Concerning Child Rights, also known as Wadeema’s Law on 15 March 2016. It was first celebrated in 2018, with no less than the ‘Mother of the Nation’ Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, announcing the event.
Emirati Children’s Day is organised each year to raise awareness on children’s rights and welfare, and the importance of providing children a healthy, safe and supportive environment for their development.
As this special day is really about honouring and appreciating the children of the UAE, we’ve put together five fun and exciting activities to remind us how such an incredible gift our children really are.
1. Instil in children a love of the local culture
The 20th edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival, which kicked off this month, offers a wide array of activities for kids and family to enjoy and learn more about the rich cultural tradition of the UAE and other countries.
The festival has lined up many headlined events, including the world premiere of the “Pearl Diver’s Daughter” on 19 March, where Emirati writer Maitha Al Khayat and Emirati composer Eman Al Hashimi join forces with American contemporary dance Company E for the longest continuous augmented reality experience ever created.
And speaking of kids, be sure not to miss 16-year-old violin prodigy Leia Zhu, who will perform on 20 March as part of the recital series accompanied by versatile Swiss musician Benjamin Engeli on piano. The special recital will feature a beautiful repertoire of Mozart, Strauss, Debussy, Wieniawski and Sarasate.
2. Get your kids involved in literary activities
With the UE celebrating UAE Reading Month this March, the Department of Libraries of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)’s Culture Sector “MAKTABA” has prepared more than 100 literary activities that are designed to help instil the love of reading in kids and to train their imagination.
The activities range from poetry readings and storytelling to creative reading workshops and meet-and-greet sessions with leading authors. Visit library.dctabudhabi.ae for the full list and schedule of activities.
3. Explore Abu Dhabi’s wildlife with your kids
Who doesn’t love a dose of wildlife adventure with the little ones? Abu Dhabi has some of the most amazing wildlife you can find, whether visiting a zoo or one of the emirate’s wildlife parks where your kids can get up close and personal with some of the most fascinating creatures.
Introduce your children to the Arabian gazelles that roam free on Saadiyat Island, where you might also catch a sight of some amazing dolphins frolicking in the bay. Or drop by the Emirates Park Zoo or Al Ain Zoo, where kids will have loads of fun getting to know hundreds of animals, including rare species such as the Arabian Oryx.
Abu Dhabi is also home to the stunning Sir Bani Yas Island nature reserve, which is home to many species as well as important archaeological sites such as a 1,400-year-old Christian monastery. There is also Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, where kids can find the island’s chief resident, the Greater Flamingo.
And how about spending a lovely afternoon kayaking in the Mangrove National Park, or birdwatching with the kids at Jubail Mangrove Park?
If you’re looking for a fun family day out, a trip to the local zoo or wildlife park is really so much fun with lots to see and learn for your little ones.
4. Winter market adventures
Abu Dhabi’s winter market season is coming to a close, so don’t miss your last chance to create lasting memories at this magical place. Winter markets are truly among Abu Dhabi’s favourite family destinations, where kids can enjoy delicious foodie treats and mums and dads can discover quirky gift items from handcrafted ornaments to artisanal food items.
But don’t delay as the winter markets will be closing soon. Park Market at Umm Al Emarat Park is open Friday and Saturday, 4pm to 11pm, until 18 March only, while the Ripe Market at Al Maryah Island is open Friday and Saturday, 3pm until 10pm, until April. If you’re based in Al Ain, the new Saturday Market in Al Ain Oasis is open until 25 March.
5. Learn photography with the kids
The Photography Studio at Manarat Al Saadiyat is hosting The Shot, where you can learn some of the earliest photography techniques and images produced from the early 1800s, including works by renowned, pioneering photographers.
If your family adores photography, this exhibition is perfect for you. The exhibition also showcases how modern-day techniques can enhance photos with the artistic use of light and shadow – especially for black and white photos. The exhibition will run until 24 April.
What are you waiting for? These outdoor and indoor activities are sure to help you create lasting memories with your children to cherish for a lifetime.
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