Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has announced that the 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week will take place under the theme ‘Together We Can Make Abu Dhabi a Family-Friendly Emirate.’ The initiative continues its mission of empowering families and supporting early childhood development across the Emirate.
Held 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 ECA, the week promises a host of engaging and educational activities for families and young children.
Following the remarkable success of the 2025 edition across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, the 2026 week will build on past achievements and introduce even more experiences aimed at nurturing children during their early years.
Highlights from Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2025
The previous edition of the week made a significant impact on the community. Over 300 activities and experiences were organized by more than 70 partners across the Emirate, reaching more than 65,000 attendees for around 55,000 hours of engagement.
HE Sana bint Mohamed bin Suhail, UAE Minister of Family and Director General of ECA, conducted several meaningful visits during the week. Her visits included Danat Al Emarat Hospital on World Children’s Day, where she congratulated new parents, emphasizing the importance of early childhood development. She also engaged with 130 children and their families at Emirates Humanitarian City, highlighting the ECA’s commitment to every child.
The awareness campaign, Their Early Years Matter, resonated widely, receiving over 109 million views across platforms, while 862,000 individuals engaged with the content. The official campaign film alone garnered 9 million views. Additionally, 600 copies of the Parents’ Mental Well-being Guidelines were distributed, supporting parents in fostering positive mental health practices.
In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), the Parent Pack was distributed across 257 schools, 235 nurseries, and 37 charter schools, ensuring parents had access to practical tools for early childhood development.
What to Expect in 2026
The 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week will introduce the WED Forum, the flagship platform of the World Early Childhood Development (WED) Movement. This forum will serve as a global hub, connecting leaders, experts, and innovators to turn knowledge about early childhood into practical action.
Derived from the Arabic word ‘WED,’ meaning affection and nurturing care, the forum embodies the UAE’s vision of combining innovation with tradition. The WED Forum 2026 will be held under the theme ‘Connected Care: Families, Communities & Culture’ and will highlight Abu Dhabi’s role in advancing early childhood development both locally and globally.
Previous editions of the WED Forum brought together over 1,000 participants, 125 speakers, and 90 researchers who focused on inclusive early childhood research. The 2026 forum aims to expand this influence further, offering practical ideas and collaborative solutions to benefit children and families across the world.
Building a Family-Friendly Emirate
Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week reflects the Emirate’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for families. By providing resources, activities, and expert insights, the initiative strengthens parental engagement and emphasizes the importance of the formative early years.
Through workshops, community programs, and global forums, the initiative encourages families to engage with their children in meaningful ways, fostering healthy development and nurturing future generations. Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week also serves as a model for regional and international efforts in promoting family-friendly policies and initiatives.
Engaging Communities for Lasting Impact
The Week’s success relies on the collaboration of multiple partners, including ADNOC, PureHealth, the National Academy for Childhood Development, and various government departments. Their support ensures a diverse range of programs that meet the needs of families from all walks of life.
From interactive experiences to educational campaigns, the initiative continues to raise awareness about the significance of early childhood development. By uniting communities around the message that “Their Early Years Matter,” Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week strengthens the foundation for a more compassionate and family-oriented society.
Looking Ahead
Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2026 promises to be an inspiring celebration of children, families, and the community. With the inclusion of the WED Forum and a variety of engaging activities, the initiative highlights Abu Dhabi’s leadership in nurturing the next generation.
Families can look forward to interactive programs, global insights, and practical resources that will help them provide the best start in life for their children. The event is not just a week-long celebration but a step towards building a stronger, family-focused, and inclusive Emirate for the future.
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