• The Academy offers families and children a wide range of educational curses and entertainment activities at the Early Childhood Development Fair in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority

• The Academy brings together key policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to drive forward the conversation around culture and identity

• The Academy’s participation is aligned with its vision as a leading national institution for childhood development aiming to ensure a fruitful experience for partners, families, and the community in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE – October 01, 2024: The National Academy for Childhood Development (NACD) announced its participation in Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week as the Official Sponsor of the Early Childhood Development Fair (ECD Fair) and Vision Partner of the World Early Childhood Development (WED) Forum. Running from October 29 to November 2, 2024, the event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Martyrs Families Affairs, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA).

NACD’s participation in this premier event is aligned with its mission to develop the UAE’s childhood development sector by building the capacities of caregivers and promoting the UAE’s national heritage and identity.

As part of its partnership with ECA during the ECD Fair, the Academy will offer families and children a wide range of educational courses and entertainment. Children engaging in these activities can hone their skills and enhance their physical and mental development in an edutainment environment. NACD will also host interactive workshops, theatrical performances, and panel discussions, as well as innovative events for children of determination and activities promoting Arabic language and Emirati culture. Additionally, the Academy will showcase its quality programs and initiatives engaging students and prospective caregivers, who will leverage their expertise to ensure the success of the event.

The Academy is also participating in the WED Forum as a Vision Partner. NACD will be leading the conversations among policymakers, experts, and stakeholders on the topic of culture and identity. Moreover, a host of experts and speakers from the Academy will engage in sessions and workshops focusing on topics critical to childhood development, such as multicultural communities of care, caregivers, and life skills development through sports.

Dr Meera Saeed AlKaabi, Chief of the National Academy for Childhood Development Team, said: “ As a leading national institution in the field of childhood development, we look at Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week as a key platform for our efforts. We will play a major role in promoting dialogue on the most critical issues related to childhood, along with sharing our expertise on the main pillars to build a conscious and empowered generation with a deep sense of pride for its culture and identity. Participating in the event comes as part of our vision to establish qualified care professionals by playing effectively ensuring a positive experience for partners, families, and the community as a whole.”

“ We will continue to support pioneering initiatives in the sector,” AlKaabi added, “Expanding our strategic partnerships with stakeholders is also necessary to enhance collaborative efforts and quality initiatives, eventually consolidating Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading hub for childhood development.”

The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week follows the launch of the second edition of WED (World Early Childhood Development) Movement, and is anchored by themes of intentional parenting, culture and identity, and sustainable and family friendly cities. The event aims to boost international collaboration to advance the global early childhood development agenda, as well as highlighting the UAE’s leading role in advancing the global agenda for early childhood development.

The event is expected to attract over 600 international experts and specialists from 20 different sectors, with 25 interactive sessions led by over 75 industry-leading speakers. The Week’s program will feature the ECD Innovation Day on October 29; WED Forum from October 30 to 31; ECD Research Convening from October 29 to 31st; The Fair from October 31 to November 2, and Community Activations from October 29 to November 2.