UAE Celebrates World Children’s Day Emphasizing Cultural Identity

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Today, the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood hosted a significant gathering at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi to commemorate World Children’s Day, underscoring the 2025 Emirati Children’s Day theme: The Right to Identity and National Culture. This event highlighted the UAE’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding children’s rights and nurturing their sense of belonging.

Celebrated globally on 20 November, World Children’s Day reinforces the tenets of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This year’s event aligns with national priorities as per Wadeema’s Law and the UAE Year of Community, focusing on unity, social cohesion, and active citizenship among all.

Over the past year, the council has partnered with various sectors, including government, education, culture, and the community, to instill the principles of Emirati Children’s Day. These collaborative efforts aim to educate young minds about their national identity, highlighting how cultural understanding plays a vital role in forming personality, boosting confidence, and enhancing social interactions.

This year's theme signifies a child’s right to be connected to their heritage, spanning the Arabic language and traditional arts to customs. The council emphasized that cultural engagement is essential for healthy development, allowing children to express themselves, gain confidence in interactions, and foster a robust sense of identity.

The activities planned this year also focus on intergenerational bonding, melding the experiences of children and senior citizens to share stories, document cultural practices, and preserve traditions in formats relatable to the youth. Moreover, the council promotes Arabic reading to fortify children's ties to their mother tongue and supports initiatives that pay homage to Emirati heritage, including poetry, proverbs, Al-Ayala, Al-Harbiya, Al-Taghrooda, and traditional crafts.

The council highlighted that nurturing a cultural identity enhances academic performance, emotional health, and familial connections. Children rooted in their culture tend to cultivate stronger relationships, exhibit resilience, and embrace a broader global perspective.

Additionally, the council introduced its newly released Emirati Children’s Day Guide, outlining the ways in which cultural engagement enriches children’s understanding of their surroundings while nurturing empathy and respect for diverse cultures. These initiatives aim to empower future generations to uphold the UAE’s heritage with pride, assurance, and a profound sense of belonging.