Early Childhood Development Fair launches at Umm Al Emarat Park
With more than 40 workshops, 21 theatre performances and 10 panel talks
ABU DHABI, UAE, 23rd November 2023: The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Development Fair launched today at Umm Al Emarat Park under the title, “Learning through play… Development through learning”, which runs until Saturday 25th November from 10am to 10pm. The fair’s objective is to provide parents and caregivers with the necessary tools, skills and resources to develop children’s abilities from birth to eight years old, through various workshops, sessions and other activities in an innovative and interactive educational environment. The event also aims to promote Abu Dhabi as one of the best cities to attract investments in the field of early childhood development and out-of-school services and activities.
The fair, which is the largest of its kind in the country, includes a wide range of activities, experiences and innovative events, featuring more than 40 workshops, 21 theatre performances and 10 interactive talks covering a range of topics related to health and nutrition, child safety, early childcare and education, and most importantly, family support for all children, including children of determination. The first day also included a number of public and private schools visiting the fair in order to engage students with the fair’s special events.
Her Excellency Sana Mohamed Suhail, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), said: “We are extremely happy with the great turnout that the exhibition witnessed on its first day, and keen to ensure positive engagement and cooperation among all partners in order to support early childhood development. Our aim is to enable parents and caregivers to acquire the tools and skills necessary to enhance their role in developing children’s skills and abilities by participating in the many fun, educational and interactive activities included in the fair. We are facilitating the opportunity to learn more about the leading providers of extra-curricular educational and recreational programmes, services and activities, and to discover the great array of services offered by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in this area.”
HE Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Director General of the FCA, stated: “Today marks a significant milestone for the Family Care Authority as we proudly participate in the launch of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Development Exhibition. We are delighted to join hands with esteemed partners across the social sector, recognizing the profound importance of cross-collaboration. The exhibition provides FCA with a platform, ensuring direct communication with every family, their children, and all members of Abu Dhabi’s diverse communities, while raising awareness about it. Through our participation, we strive to meet the unique requirements of each individual, fostering a supportive environment where every child and family can thrive. This exhibition is a testament to our collective dedication to the well-being of our communities, and we look forward to the positive impact that will resonate across Abu Dhabi.”
Her Excellency Sarah Shuhail, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Center for Shelter and Humanitarian Care – Ewaa, affiliated with the Department of Community Development, said: “We are honored by the strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority in launching the Early Childhood Development Fair. It will include many inspiring activities that can enhance childhood development and provides an opportunity to support cohesion among family members. The Fair plays a pivotal role in promoting the optimal socialization of children starting from early childhood and supporting the child’s development in various mental and physical aspects, thus contributing strongly to achieving the goals of the social sector in Abu Dhabi.”
For her part, Her Excellency Dr. Laila Al Hayas, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector at the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, appreciated the efforts of the Early Childhood Authority in organizing the Fair which includes various workshops and dialogue sessions that discuss important topics on the diverse experiences in areas related to children and parents, pointing out that the UAE prioritizes ensuring a suitable environment for the care, growth and protection of children, considering that they are the nucleus of society and an essential pillar for its prosperity.
Her Excellency stressed that the Department of Community Development is keen to cooperate and partner with entities from the social sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by developing policies and preparing programs that focus on children and the family, as parents are the basic support system for the upbringing and instilling of values. She also added that the DCD is aiming to raise a cohesive generation capable of facing challenges of the future.
Her Excellency stressed that the Department of Community Development is keen to cooperate and partner with entities from the social sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by developing policies and preparing programs that focus on children and the family, as parents are the basic support system for the upbringing and instilling of values. She also added that the DCD is aiming to raise a cohesive generation capable of facing challenges of the future.
For her part, Dr. Bashayer Al Matroushi, Executive Director of the Talent Empowerment Sector at the Department of Education and Knowledge – Abu Dhabi, said: “The objectives of the Early Childhood Development Fair align with ours in providing quality early education for all students as their access to education in the first years of their lives is a cornerstone. It will be the foundation for their success in academics, their careers, and their social lives in the future. The Fair serves as an excellent platform, with its various booths, and it constitutes an important opportunity to introduce children and their families to the local culture in Abu Dhabi, while giving them an interactive experience to discover more about out-of-school activities available to them that are vital for their optimum development.”
On the importance of the exhibition, Ms. Rasha Kablawi, Director of Corporate Communications at Sinyar Holding, spokesperson for Umm Al Emarat Park, said: “The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Development Fair reflects the essence of the Umm Al Emarat Park. We dedicate our efforts to promoting the inclusive development of children by integrating play and education seamlessly into our work as we strive to contribute significantly to the overall development of the next generation. We are pleased with this partnership with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority in hosting this event at Umm Al Emarat Park. This hosting is a demonstration of our commitment to provide an exceptional location that is in line with the values of the ECA and reflects our collective vision to create an environment that supports early childhood development and contributes to laying the foundations for a better future.”
One of the most prominent scientific activities offered by the fair to its visitors is the Interactive Science Museum, which allows children to explore scientific concepts through interactive presentations and practical educational activities.
The fair also includes a number of linguistic, artistic and cultural activities, including manual work stations, a workshop to familiarize children with Emirati heritage where they can try on the Emirati traditional dress and learn about its details, as well as henna painting and the storytelling station, where authors are invited to tell their stories to children and take them on a journey of imagination and creativity.
Also included in the cultural activities of the fair are the Arabic Calligraphy Workshop and the Islamic motifs station, which provide an opportunity to learn how to build patterns of decorations, as well as the heritage music station, which introduces children to traditional Emirati music and various musical instruments, alongside the heritage handicrafts station, which provides children with the opportunity to learn the knitting of traditional Bedouin fabric and Al Ayyala Dance station, where participants will enjoy learning UAE heritage dances with the help of specialists in teaching the arts.
In addition to rich cultural, artistic and scientific experiences, the fair includes a variety of sporting activities, which features the obstacle activity, a jumping challenge, climbing, and many other fitness games.
One of the most important stops at the fair is the innovative specialized activities dedicated for children of determination, which includes creative painting and colouring as well as handicrafts, which are all delivered by a group of specialized personnel who deliver support and help for participating children, in addition to an activity dedicated for parent-child bonding time that allows each child to experience private space with his or her parents or family member to spend quality time together through various activities such as relaxation, reading stories and many other interactive programs.
The fair has more than 50 pavilions with the participation of the Family Care Authority, the National Archives and Library, the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the Department of Community Development, the Department of Education and Knowledge, the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, the Department of Health and the Abu Dhabi Centre for Shelter and Humanitarian Care – Ewaa, Family Development Foundation, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Ports, Louvre-Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Media Network, in addition to 42 service providers.
For more information about the Early Childhood Development Fair, the Authority invites everyone to visit the fair’s website and register via the link at https://www.ecdfair.ae/index_ar.php and follow the official accounts on social media.
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