UAE Strengthens Children’s Digital Empowerment with 2026 Emirati Children’s Day Guide
The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood has unveiled the Emirati Children’s Day Guide 2026, focusing on the theme “The Right to Digital Knowledge.” This initiative is part of the UAE’s commitment to empower children and enhance their protection in an increasingly digital landscape. The guide aims to serve as a practical resource for organizations planning programs and activities throughout the year.
Annual Observance and Leadership
Emirati Children’s Day is celebrated annually on March 15, under the directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation and Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union. The guide reflects the UAE’s vision of placing children at the forefront of national development, equipping them with the necessary skills and awareness to navigate digital environments safely.
Emphasis on Digital Knowledge
The 2026 theme signifies a shift from merely providing access to technology to fostering a deeper understanding of digital tools. The guide encourages children to critically assess online content, protect their privacy, and engage positively in digital spaces. Digital knowledge is positioned as essential for children’s learning, creativity, and participation in society.
Children in the UAE are growing up in a technologically advanced environment characterized by artificial intelligence, interactive applications, and online education. The UAE has initiated steps to prepare future generations, including the integration of artificial intelligence into school curricula from kindergarten to Grade 12 starting in the 2025–2026 academic year.
Addressing Digital Challenges
The guide also highlights the challenges associated with digital expansion, such as exposure to inappropriate content, misinformation, and cyberbullying. Data indicates that approximately 72 percent of children aged 8 to 12 use smartphones daily, showcasing the significant role of digital technology in their lives.
The document stresses that the focus should now be on enabling children to understand and interact with technology responsibly. The “right to digital knowledge” encompasses critical thinking, information verification, and ethical online behavior.
Objectives and National Responsibility
The main objectives of Emirati Children’s Day 2026 include enhancing children’s digital knowledge, protecting their privacy, and promoting a coordinated national approach among stakeholders. The guide emphasizes that ensuring children’s right to digital knowledge is a collective responsibility involving government entities, educational institutions, families, and community organizations.
A national framework is proposed, focusing on child protection, proactive prevention, and privacy governance. This framework aligns with UAE legislation, including Wadeema’s Law and the Child Digital Safety Law, as well as international commitments to child rights.
Implementation Proposals
To translate the theme into actionable initiatives, the guide outlines various proposals, including family awareness workshops, digital citizenship programs in schools, and extracurricular activities like robotics clubs. It also emphasizes the importance of recognizing outstanding initiatives that promote the objectives of the theme.
Awards will be given for achievements in categories such as child-led initiatives and responsible digital environments. The guide concludes that the “Right to Digital Knowledge” is a significant advancement in the UAE’s efforts to empower children, aiming to cultivate a generation that is digitally capable and ethically grounded.
Statements from Leadership
Al Reem bint Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, stated that adopting “The Right to Digital Knowledge” as the theme for this year’s celebrations highlights the necessity of raising awareness about rapid technological developments. She emphasized the importance of nurturing a generation that understands the opportunities and challenges posed by digitalization and artificial intelligence.
Al Falasi noted that the current challenge extends beyond access to technology; it involves building children’s awareness and their ability to make informed choices in the digital realm. She stressed the need for a collaborative approach among families, educational institutions, and the community to ensure a safe digital environment conducive to children’s development.
The celebration of Emirati Children’s Day aims to bolster children’s self-confidence and positive digital identity, enabling them to express themselves and engage meaningfully. It also seeks to enhance the quality of learning through technology while minimizing exposure to digital risks.
Al Falasi further highlighted the importance of promoting children’s psychological and social well-being by addressing issues like cyberbullying. This initiative contributes to fostering responsible digital citizenship based on respect for societal values and national responsibilities, preparing children for a future in a knowledge-driven digital economy.
Follow the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section. As reported by www.emirates247.com.
Published on 2026-03-15 22:14:00 • By Editorial Desk
