The United Arab Emirates is celebrating Emirati Children’s Day today, reaffirming its dedication to nurturing a safe and supportive environment for the nation’s children. This annual occasion highlights the UAE’s commitment to ensuring the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of its younger generation.
This year’s celebration carries added significance as it aligns with the 2025 designation as the “Year of Community.” The focus will be on fostering children’s active participation in community development, empowering them to take on leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to society. A range of initiatives and volunteer programmes will be introduced to instill values of responsibility, empathy, and unity among young citizens.
The UAE continues to strengthen child protection measures, ensuring a robust legal framework that upholds children’s rights across all spheres of life. The country has implemented comprehensive laws and policies dedicated to child welfare, reinforcing accountability in cases of neglect or misconduct.
Furthering these efforts, the UAE established the Ministry of Family in December last year, tasked with formulating and executing policies related to child protection and well-being. The ministry works in coordination with other entities to guarantee that children’s social, psychological, educational, and healthcare needs are met, particularly during early childhood, to support their holistic development.
The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood leads various awareness campaigns on children’s rights, while the Ministry of Community Empowerment plays a crucial role in providing continuous support for children at different life stages.
The UAE has also introduced the National Strategy for Motherhood and Childhood 2017-2021, serving as a key framework for policymakers focused on child welfare. This strategy ensures access to high-quality education that nurtures cognitive and personal development, promotes active participation of youth in decision-making, and safeguards children’s rights through data-driven policies and programmes.
A milestone in the UAE’s child empowerment efforts was the establishment of the Emirati Children’s Parliament on 15th March 2020. This initiative aims to develop political awareness among young citizens, encouraging their involvement in national development and fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
As the UAE marks Emirati Children’s Day, its leadership remains committed to shaping a future where every child has access to opportunities for growth, education, and well-being, further reinforcing the nation’s position as a global leader in child welfare and protection.
