PART OF
LED BY
عربي
ADEC 2025

Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week

OUR WEEK

IN FOCUS

Did you know that 90% of a child’s brain is already developed by the age of 5? Those early years matter more than you think!

Countless family memories. Endless opportunities to learn, play and bond deeper with your child.


Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2025 is back to spotlight the importance of the early years. Expect family-friendly events from parenting talks, arts and craft workshops, sports and fitness sessions, interactive experiences and family discounts and offers across the Emirate.


This year’s theme, “Together We Can Make Abu Dhabi a Family-Friendly Emirate”, aligns with the UAE’s Year of Community.

+300

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

65+

PARTNERS

11+

ACTIVATION THEMES

4+

ECD PRIORITIES

7

DAYS OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

3

REGIONS ACROSS THE EMIRATE

LEARN

ABOUT ECA

Early childhood is a critical period that shapes a person’s lifelong trajectory. Research shows that 90 % of a child’s brain develops by the age of five. Yet in the UAE only about 1.1 % of Children of Determination are identified early.

Children in Abu Dhabi spend about 70 % of their week with caregivers (who are not their parents), and interacting with a young child for just 30 minutes a day can significantly improve academic outcomes. We also know that investments in early childhood yield social and economic returns of up to 13 % per year.

LEARN MORE

BUILDING

BRIGHTER FUTURES

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The early years (0-8 years) of life are the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and well-being.
  • 90% of a child’s brain is developed by age 5
  • 75% of parents of young children in Abu Dhabi say they lack enough time to spend with their family. 
  • Interacting with your young child for 30 minutes a day can help improve academic outcomes. 
  • Only 1.1% of Children of Determination are identified early in the UAE. 
  • Abu Dhabi’s young children spend 70% of their week with caregivers. 
  • 76% of fathers who read regularly with their children reported stronger emotional bonds and improved communication. 
  • Children who receive nurturing care in their early years are more likely to achieve better outcomes in education, health, social behaviors and employment.  
  • A toddler between the ages of 1 and 2 years gains 2 million new brain connections every second. 
  • By the age of six, most children have a vocabulary of around 10,000 words.  
  • Early experiences shape lifelong health, learning, and behaviour. 
  • Investing in early childhood yields returns of up to 13% per year. 
  • Good nutrition in the first 1,000 days is critical for brain growth. 
  • Play in early years builds problem-solving, creativity, and resilience.
  • Strong family bonds in early childhood protect against future risks. 

VISIT PARENTS’ PLATFORM

Key Focus

AREAS

QUALITY PARENT-CHILD TIME

Strengthen quality interactions between young children & their parents to support ECD.

CULTURAL & IDENTITY

Embed Arabic language and Emirati cultural heritage into ECD as foundational elements of young children’s identity.

AI & TECHNOLOGY

Promote appropriate use of AI and other technologies to protect and enhance the developmental needs of young children.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ABU DHABI

Enhance Abu Dhabi's livability for young children and caregivers with regards to family-friendly public spaces.

Parents and partners share their experiences of

Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week:

"A wonderful week for bonding."

A mother of two says the week offered creative activities where our children learned through play, and we connected with other families.

DID YOU

KNOW?

90 % of a child’s brain develops by age 5; only about 1.1 % of Children of Determination are identified early; 70 % of children’s time is spent with caregivers (who are not their parents); investing in early childhood yields returns up to 13 % per year.

FAQsFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

USEFUL

LINKS

2025 EVENTS
EVENTS
PARTNER TOOLKIT
PARTNERS
Be Part of the Week
GET IN TOUCH