Abu Dhabi kids become pilots, doctors in SEHA Clinics’ back-to-school health campaign

SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

Abu Dhabi children can pilot a plane, treat a patient or suit up as a civil defence hero this week, then see an AI version of themselves in the job, under a new campaign.

SEHA Clinics has launched a back-to-school initiative called "The Future Starts Here", which combines career play with health screenings for kids.  Robotics engage kids in interactive activities, while an AI-powered photo booth shows them a glimpse of their future careers.

The campaign turns malls into pop-up “career fairs” for children and mixes fun and games with real health checks.

Healthcare professionals, such as nurses and dental assistants, run screening stations alongside the activities, flagging concerns to parents and advising when further evaluation is needed.

Dr Khadija Al Marashda, CEO of SEHA CLINICS, said the goal is to convey the message that health and ambition are linked. "We believe that every child should have the opportunity to grow, learn and realise their potential, with good health providing an important foundation for this journey," she told Aletihad.

“By encouraging healthy habits and greater awareness of preventive care from an early age, we aim to support children as they grow, learn and thrive at every stage of their development,” she added.

The campaign was held at The Galleria Mall from August 28 to 30 and will continue at Yas Mall from September 4 to 6. It will be followed by more activities across nine SEHA CLINICS facilities from August 31 to September 13.

The initiative comes in line with the UAE’s Year of Family mission and draws on SEHA Clinics’ network of 37 healthcare centres and school health services spanning 216 public schools in Abu Dhabi.

At the campaign’s pop-ups, families can speak directly with the SEHA team, ask questions and get a better understanding of how preventive care can support their children’s healthy development, said Dr Al Marashda.

The bigger goal, though, is what comes after the mall visits: turning a one-time activation into a relationship with a doctor for preventive care.

"Our aim is for the conversation to continue beyond the activations," Dr Al Marashda said. "Families can connect with our healthcare centres across SEHA Clinics for their routine check-ups and build an ongoing relationship with our paediatricians and family physicians, who can support their children's health as they grow."