Event attracted more than 20,000 visitors

UAE, Abu Dhabi, 2 November 2024: 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 the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), the second edition of Early Childhood Development Fair concluded successfully today at the Umm Al Emarat Park. The fair, organised in partnership with the National Academy for Childhood Development (NACD) – the event’s official sponsor – was held under the theme ‘Curiosity Can Take You Places.’

Taking place over the course of three days during the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week, the event featured a comprehensive lineup of over 50 interactive workshops designed to enhance the skills and development of young children. The event also featured a diverse range of activities, including theatrical performances, panel discussions, and storytelling sessions. Additionally, there were specially curated programs tailored for Children of Determination, activities focused on enhancing their proficiency in the Arabic language, and events that highlighted the UAE’s rich cultural heritage. Consequently, more than 20,000 visitors attended the fair and participated in a range of engaging activities.

Her Excellency Sana Mohamed Suhail, Director General of the ECA said, “The second edition of Early Childhood Development Fair provided strategic partners with an opportunity to interact with children, develop their abilities, and present them with valuable resources to support them during this critical stage of growth. During this pivotal phase, we are committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to support their holistic growth and progress, which the event was specifically designed to accomplish.”

The second edition of Early Childhood Development Fair featured a wide range of unique activities and initiatives that sought to raise awareness of effective practices and support healthy upbringing within families and communities. Furthermore, they promised to empower future generations to play an active role in accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals. Her Excellency emphasised that empowering children in their early years builds a solid foundation for long-term social progress, while also preparing future generations to overcome different obstacles and positively influence their community.

As the official sponsor of the fair, the National Academy for Childhood Development organized a diverse range of educational and interactive activities that attracted a strong turnout from visitors of all ages, including children, parents, and caregivers. The events featured workshops on storytelling, tote bags decoration, and a colouring wall, along with games designed to enhance mental and creative skills while promoting national culture, such as the Arabic alphabet game and buzzer game on childhood development and Emirati heritage. The academy’s lecturers also conducted informative workshops on key topics, including learning through play, managing screen time, and positive parenting. Additionally, the academy collaborated with the Zayed Higher Organization to support the participation of people of determination through the Bee Café, which encouraged meaningful engagement with visitors.

Dr Meera Saeed AlKaabi, Chief of the NACD team, said: “The exhibition continues to thrive in its second year, fostering an environment that supports children’s growth, encourages creativity, and emphasizes the importance of early childhood development. This edition focused on reinforcing national identity and local cultural heritage among children. We will continue to work closely with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority to implement initiatives that position Abu Dhabi as a pioneering model for childhood development and empowerment globally.”

The event hosted a range of interactive workshops presented in collaboration with various strategic entities, educational institutions, and development and entertainment organisations. The fair also showcased activities including OliOli, the Grand Prix race, art workshops by Interactive Art, and exclusive lessons for children offered by the Warner Bros. Discovery team. Additionally, it featured educational activities that aimed to introduce children to traditional crafts and cultural values. These included captivating storytelling sessions in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism, an educational experience in partnership with the Mohamed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, stage competitions with beloved characters from the ‘Majid’ magazine, as well as other activities sponsored by ‘Mansour’s Adventures,’ ‘Hekayat Bookstore,’ and the ‘Hikayatna’ application.

For more information about the Fair, please visit https://ecdfair.ae/.