UAE launches Emirati Children’s Day guide focused on digital knowledge

The UAE’s Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood has launched the Emirati Children’s Day Guide 2026, outlining this year’s theme: “The Right to Digital Knowledge”.

Emirati Children’s Day is observed annually on March 15 and is held under the directives of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the Mother of the Nation, who chairs the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

Officials say the theme reflects the UAE’s focus on helping children develop the skills needed to navigate an increasingly digital world safely and responsibly.

The guide shifts attention from simply giving children access to technology to helping them understand digital tools, assess online information, protect their privacy and engage responsibly online.

It comes as children in the UAE grow up in an increasingly digital environment shaped by artificial intelligence, online education and interactive digital services. From the 2025–2026 academic year, artificial intelligence will be introduced into government school curricula from kindergarten through Grade 12.

At the same time, the guide highlights the risks associated with expanding digital access, including cyberbullying, misinformation, exploitation and privacy breaches. It cites data indicating that around 72 per cent of children aged eight to 12 use smartphones daily.

Officials say the aim of the initiative is to strengthen children’s digital awareness, critical thinking and online safety, while encouraging cooperation between families, schools, government institutions and technology platforms.

The guide also outlines programmes and initiatives planned for 2026, including family awareness workshops, digital citizenship education in schools, teacher training and student-led projects promoting responsible online behaviour.

Al Reem bint Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, said the theme reflects the need to prepare children for rapid technological change.

She said the challenge is no longer simply providing access to technology, but ensuring children have the knowledge and awareness to use it responsibly.

Meanwhile, His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), renewed their commitment to intensifying efforts\ to raise children’s and families’ awareness om how to safely navigate the digital world.

‘’On this Emirati Children’s Day, which coincides with the Year of the Family, we renew our commitment to intensifying efforts, in line with the vision of our wise leadership, to raise children’s and families’ awareness om how to safely navigate the digital world. By creating a secure digital environment, we support children to flourish,’’ he said.

In line with this year’s theme “The Right to Digital Knowledge,” His Highness added, ’’ We want to emphasise how important it is to provide meaningful digital content to children. The content should help nurture a generation that is aware, proud of its identity and values, and capable of learning, innovating, and actively contributing to this nation.’’