An initiative to support young children around the world was launched in the UAE capital.
Abu Dhabi’s Early Childhood Authority will bring together global experts to look at how they can be given the best start in life.
ECA works on health and nutrition, child protection, early education and supports mothers from pregnancy until their children’s eighth birthdays.
The aim of the platform is to encourage the well-being of children globally, uniting the brightest minds from policymakers, researchers and private-sector institutions.
“Early-childhood development is a major priority for the Abu Dhabi Government,” said authority chairman Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed.
“We believe in the impact of a child’s early years on their lives and future, and we are looking forward to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to overcome challenges, cope with change and contribute to building their communities.
“It is well known that early childhood is one of the most vital sectors on which sustainable development is based.
“Therefore, creating a safe, stable and supportive environment for children’s development and well-being is important for building children’s capabilities and preparing them for the future.”
The event was attended by Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed, chairwoman of the ECA’s higher committee; Sheikha Shamsa bint Mohamed bin Zayed and fellow members of the board.
Over the next eight months, the WED initiative will bring together global experts who will make a series of recommendations and campaigns for children and their caregivers, Sana Suhail, head of the ECA, said.
“It is a message to the world urging us to contribute to the future of our children,” she said.
“It is our responsibility to prepare for a safer, healthier future for them; to enable them to achieve the best results.”
The programme will culminate in a two-day forum hosted in Abu Dhabi this November, in conjunction with World Children’s Day, at which WED’s conclusions and recommendations will be examined.
“Imagine if we could promote a healthy lifestyle for all children. I hope to see many different milestones and gather amazing people to join the WED Movement,” said Cecilia Vaca Jones, executive director of the Bernard van Leer Foundation and co-chairwoman of WED’s working groups.
“I hope that WED will disrupt the early-childhood development system, launch new solutions and, most importantly, bring children back into the process.”
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
SPECS
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Profile of RentSher
Started: October 2015 in India, November 2016 in UAE
Founders: Harsh Dhand; Vaibhav and Purvashi Doshi
Based: Bangalore, India and Dubai, UAE
Sector: Online rental marketplace
Size: 40 employees
Investment: $2 million
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.