Emirati Children’s Day 2021: Six ways to mark the occasion with your family

From digital competitions to bespoke cookie boxes, here are a few ways to celebrate the occasion with your little ones

Emirati Children's Day is celebrated on March 15 every year. Reem Mohammed / The National

Emirati Children's Day is marked annually on March 15. The origins of the special date coincide with the launch of the Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 Concerning Child Rights, also known as Wadeema's Law, and aims to raise awareness about children's rights and welfare.

This year’s theme is the "right to play”, with a goal to educate members of the community about the importance of playtime for a child's development.

From informative online talks to fun competitions, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion. Here's a look at a few of the activities being organised this week to help you have fun, bond and – yes – play with your little ones.

Dubai Parks and Resorts

Fancy spending the day trying out some fun rides? In honour of Emirati Children’s Day, Dubai Parks and Resorts is allowing those under the age of 12 free full day access to any of its theme parks, along with every single adult ticket purchase.

The offer is valid across Motiongate Dubai, Legoland or Bollywood Parks Dubai.

Tickets can be purchased via the website or at the gate and children must present valid ID with proof of age. This offer is valid for UAE residents only.

Sunday to Tuesday, March 14 to 16; Dh275 (price of an adult ticket, with one child below 12 entering for free); Dubai Parks and Resorts; www.dubaiparksandresorts.com

KidZania

The popular children's entertainment complex has launched a sweet initiative that emphasises its belief that “every child has the right to play, grow and thrive”.

On Monday,it is offering free entry to the first 100 children of determination who enter the KidZania Dubai or Abu Dhabi branches. The ticket is otherwise priced at Dh75.

Monday, March 15; Kidzania locations at The Dubai Mall and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi; dubai.kidzania.com

Collage Cafe

Collage Cafe, at Sharjah Ladies Club, has launched a themed box with fun and adorable cookies that celebrates the UAE's national attire and colours.

These are available until Thursday, cost Dh60 and can be delivered to homes across Sharjah, Dubai and Ajman.

It's great for gifting – and for munching.

Until Thursday, March 18; Dh60 for a box; Collage Cafe delivers across Sharjah, Dubai and Ajman, with extra charges for delivery; 06 506 7731

Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital

This one isn’t for the children, but it’s bound to be packed with useful information for mums and dads.

Online retail shop Mumzworld has teamed up with Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital for an online talk offering tips to promote children's development.

Dr Deena Wafadari, a paediatric consultant at Al Jalila Children's Hospital, will be going live at 11am on Monday, on the Mumzworld.com's Instagram page, to share insights, tips and tricks that you can learn from the safety of your home.

Monday, March 15, 11am; free; www.instagram.com/mumzworldcom

Sharjah Child Friendly Office

Sharjah Child Friendly Office, an affiliate of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, has launched an online Children’s Right to Play campaign to coincide with Emirati Children’s Day.

This includes a competition that encourages children to share their understanding and experience of playing by posting creative videos.

Participants need to provide parental consent, record a 30-second video on TikTok, use the official Emirati Children's Day hashtag and follow @sharjahchildfriendly on social media platforms.

Submissions will be accepted until the end of March and winners will receive a variety of prizes.

Daily, until Wednesday, March 31; free; www.instagram.com/sharjahchildfriendly

Ministry of Interior

The UAE's Ministry of Interior has also launched a competition for Emirati Children’s Day, to get the little ones' creative juices flowing.

Running until Thursday, March 25, the campaign invites children to submit creative works through Instagram – be it stories, videos, drawings, photos or speeches.

The submission must be related to the UAE identity and express the child’s love for their homeland.

Use the hashtag #right_to_play and tag @MOIUAE. Winners will receive prizes according to their age group.

Daily, until Thursday, March 25; free; www.instagram.com/moiuae

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