Young people’s wellbeing 'top priority' says UAE President on Emirati Children’s Day

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting and supporting children as the nation marked Emirati Children’s Day on Sunday.

In a message shared on social media, the President said the safety, happiness and wellbeing of all children in the UAE remain a top priority, particularly during what he described as challenging times.

Marking the occasion during the Year of the Family, he called on parents, teachers and the wider community to support and reassure young people.

“I encourage families, teachers, and all members of the community to reassure our children that they are safe and protected,” he said.

His Highness added that children in the UAE should grow up with confidence, hope and ambition, knowing they live in a country committed to their future.

On Emirati Children’s Day, and in this Year of Family, we reiterate that the safety, happiness, and wellbeing of all children in the UAE remains a top priority. During these challenging times, I encourage families, teachers, and all members of the community to reassure our…

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) March 15, 2026

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said childhood represents the first stage in which people learn the values of life, ethics and the principles of their community, stressing that the lessons children receive today will influence the future of their nations.

He highlighted the importance of childhood in shaping the future of society, in a message posted on X.

“What we sow and plant in our children today is what we reap and harvest tomorrow in our homelands,” he wrote.

“In childhood we draw the picture we want for the future of our nations.”

Sheikh Mohammed also described ensuring a healthy childhood as a shared national responsibility, calling on society to protect and support young people as they grow.

“Let us preserve it,” he said.

الطفولة هي المدرسة الأولى التي يتعلم فيها الإنسان معاني الحياة، وقيم المجتمع، ومبادىء الأخلاق.. ما نزرعه ونغرسه في أطفالنا اليوم هو ما نجنيه ونحصده غداً في أوطاننا ..
في الطفولة نرسم اللوحة التي نريدها لمستقبل أوطاننا .. الطفولة الصحية مسؤولية وطنية كبيرة على أكتاف الجميع..…

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 15, 2026