Emirati Children's Day: UAE Prioritizes Youth Development

The UAE is celebrating Emirati Children's Day with a strong message from President Sheikh Mohamed, reaffirming the nation's dedication to empowering its youth.

In a post on X, Sheikh Mohamed emphasized that ensuring children reach their full potential remains a top priority in shaping the UAE’s future.

“Nurturing the development of our children and enabling their potential are priorities of the UAE in our collective efforts to empower youth into the future,” he stated.

“On Emirati Children’s Day, we reaffirm our shared commitment as a community and nation to protecting the rights of children and ensuring they remain central to our vision of progress and prosperity for all.”

الإنسان رهاننا لصنع المستقبل الأفضل لوطننا، والطفولة الأساس الصلب لبناء هذا الإنسان وإعداده للإسهام الفاعل في مسيرة تقدمنا. وفي "يوم الطفل الإماراتي" نجدد العزم على مواصلة تعزيز نهجنا الراسخ في الاهتمام بالطفل على المستويات الاجتماعية والصحية والنفسية والتعليمية والثقافية، وصيانة…

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) March 15, 2025

A Day of Reflection and Progress

Emirati Children's Day, observed annually on March 15, was introduced in 2018 by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation. The date marks the anniversary of the UAE’s Federal Law No. 3—better known as Wadeema’s Law—which was enacted in 2016 to safeguard children's rights and protect them from abuse.

The law was named in memory of Wadeema, an eight-year-old girl whose tragic death in 2012 shook the nation and spurred stronger child protection measures.

Since its implementation, Wadeema’s Law has driven significant progress in child welfare, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for every child.

New Initiatives for Child Welfare

To further enhance children's well-being, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has introduced a new assessment framework to improve extracurricular programs. The initiative will evaluate camps, after-school activities, children’s libraries, playgrounds, and museums to ensure high-quality experiences for young learners.

Meanwhile, Dubai has recently approved a new child protection protocol aimed at strengthening family support, expanding welfare services, and training social workers. This initiative covers key life stages, from prenatal care and early childhood education to youth development and premarital counseling.

With continued efforts to invest in its youngest citizens, the UAE is ensuring that Emirati children remain at the heart of its vision for a prosperous future.

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