Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (WAM)
Attracting more than 17,137 visitors of various age groups from schools and nurseries, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Development Fair, organised by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, concluded its activities yesterday, 26th November, at Umm Al Emarat Park.
The first edition of the Fair was held under the theme “Learn by Playing ... Develop by Learning".
The Fair achieved its goals by providing parents and caregivers with the expertise, skills and resources necessary to support children’s mental and physical development and shedding light on Abu Dhabi’s reputation as one of the leading cities for attracting investment in early childhood development.
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Development Fair presented a unique platform for various strategic partners and key players in the early childhood development sector to showcase their initiatives and interact with one another, enhancing their engagement and pivotal role in supporting early childhood development. In addition to that, the event provided an opportunity for parents, families and caregivers to engage with children and encourage the development of their abilities in an interactive, entertaining and fun environment through various educational and training activities, including 40 educational workshops, four workshops dedicated to children of People of Determination, and 12 discussion sessions, 4 of which highlighted the global WED (World Early Childhood Development) movement initiative for early childhood development.
More than 25,000 early childhood development guides were produced by ECA and distributed to parents at the Fair, addressing a number of important topics related to the best practices of childhood development, care and protection. The Fair also hosted 12 theatrical performances, and more than 10,000 discount vouchers for outside-the-school programs and activities, worth AED 500,000, were provided by 50 service providers and partners who played a prominent role in enriching the Fair’s experiences, activities and success.
A number of government officials from Abu Dhabi and the UAE visited and explored the grounds and pavilions of the Fair, including His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, H.E. Al Reem Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the Cyber Security Council of the United Arab Emirates Government, and H.E. Sarah Ibrahim Shuhail, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Center for Shelter and Humanitarian Care – Ewaa.
Commenting on the first edition of the Fair, Sana Mohamad Suhail, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, said, “We are pleased with the positive results achieved by the Fair in its first edition, as it provided a platform to enhance positive and effective communication between children, parents, caregivers and various groups of the community, as well as educating member of the society on the importance of play for children and its effective role in enhancing their growth and developing their skills and abilities.”
She added, “The Fair supported and encouraged key Early Childhood Development (ECD) players and families to continue creating family-friendly environments for children. The Fair reflects one of the various initiatives to improve the quality of life in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, supporting its reputation as one of the best cities for living and investing in the world.”
Sana Suhail emphasised the crucial role of ongoing collaboration and cooperation among various entities and sectors in establishing early childhood development programs, services, and activities. These sustained efforts ensure a positive impact on both children and the community. They are an essential and effective element in promoting children's growth, developing their abilities in various fields, and playing a vital role in preparing generations capable of actively participating and contributing to sustainable development.
She praised the efforts of all partners who contributed to organising the Fair and expressed her thanks and appreciation for the fruitful efforts of the volunteer team, which included 210 volunteers who worked throughout the three days of the exhibition to organise activities and ensure that all visitors had a unique, wonderful and safe experience.
The ECA event included more than 50 pavilions, including the Family Care Authority, the National Library and Archives, 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 Department of Health, the Abu Dhabi Center for Shelter and Humanitarian Care – Ewaa, the Family Development Foundation, the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Ports, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Media Company and Abu Dhabi Police, in addition to 50 service providers.
