Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week once again brought families, educators, and young children together through a vibrant celebration of movement, learning, and early development. The third edition of the WED Fun Run at Zayed Sports City Stadium created a lively atmosphere, offering children an opportunity to explore, play, and engage with the world around them. The event showcased the emirate’s firm commitment to nurturing children’s wellbeing and creating experiences that strengthen family bonds.
A Community Gathering Focused on Early Development
The WED Fun Run stood out as one of the major highlights of Early Childhood Week. Designed to encourage physical activity among young children, the one-kilometer course featured playful challenges, themed zones, and interactive stations that promoted both learning and fun. More than 500 children and caregivers participated, turning the stadium into a space filled with laughter, energy, and excitement.
Families moved through the course at their own pace, allowing children to explore freely. Parents guided and cheered their children along the path, creating moments of connection that many described as refreshing and memorable. With children as young as three years old joining, the event reflected the inclusive spirit of Early Childhood Week.
A Key Component of the WED Movement
The Fun Run forms a central part of the WED Movement, a global initiative dedicated to translating early childhood development insights into practical community action. The movement focuses on creating environments where children can learn naturally through exploration, curiosity, and play. Abu Dhabi’s participation has strengthened its position as a leading advocate for early childhood wellbeing.
The event aligns with the movement’s mission by emphasizing how physical activity supports growth in multiple areas: emotional development, motor skills, social interaction, and cognitive abilities. Families participating in the run experienced firsthand how simple activities can create meaningful developmental opportunities for children.
Expanded Activity Zones and Enhanced Experiences
The 2025 edition of the event introduced expanded activity zones to create even richer experiences for children and caregivers. The new stations catered to different developmental needs, including sensory play, balance and coordination challenges, creativity corners, and interactive movement games. These zones encouraged children to move, think, feel, and communicate in new ways.
Organizers highlighted that each activity was designed intentionally to support emotional resilience, problem-solving skills, and physical growth. Many parents expressed that they appreciated having an environment where their children could learn through play rather than instruction. This approach helped children build confidence, independence, and social awareness.
Strong Leadership and Vision Behind the Event
Early Childhood Week was held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reflecting the leadership’s commitment to supporting children’s development from the earliest stages of life. The UAE’s vision for a thriving generation is built upon creating spaces where children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to be active learners.
Dr. Yousef Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Knowledge and Impact Sector at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, emphasized that the WED Fun Run demonstrates how movement and play contribute to early development. He noted that physical activity not only enhances children’s health and motor skills but also strengthens the bond between a child and their caregiver.
Saeed Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, shared that the event reflects the shared belief that an active lifestyle begins in childhood. Encouraging young children to move and explore lays the foundation for long-term wellbeing. He highlighted that the event supports the broader goal of fostering a health-conscious and active community.
Supporting the Goals of the Year of Community 2025
Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week contributes directly to the goals of the Year of Community 2025 by encouraging families to take part in accessible and meaningful experiences. Throughout the week, more than 300 activities were delivered with the support of over 65 partners from the public, private, and community sectors.
These activities were designed to nurture children’s wellbeing and strengthen community connections. The WED Fun Run played a vital role in bringing families together in a shared space where they could learn, connect, and enjoy quality time. The initiative also promoted inclusivity by ensuring that the activities were suitable for children of various ages and abilities.
Families at the Heart of the Event
One of the defining characteristics of the WED Fun Run is its focus on family involvement. The event is structured to encourage parents and caregivers to move alongside their children rather than simply observe. This shared experience reinforces the importance of family engagement in early childhood development.
Parents expressed that the run provided a rare opportunity to slow down and engage deeply with their children. They appreciated having a day dedicated to bonding through activity rather than digital screens or structured routines. Many families shared that participating in the event has become a meaningful tradition, with children eagerly anticipating each year’s run.
The environment also encouraged social interaction among families. Parents exchanged experiences, supported one another, and celebrated their children’s achievements. This sense of community strengthened the overall spirit of the event and highlighted its role in promoting collective wellbeing.
A Space Designed for Learning Through Movement
The structure of the Fun Run was intentionally created to support early learning principles. Each station aimed to stimulate a different aspect of development, whether physical, emotional, or cognitive. From soft obstacles to creative problem-solving challenges, children were engaged in activities that encouraged them to experiment, adapt, and grow.
Movement is an essential part of early learning because it enhances brain development. As children run, jump, crawl, and balance, they strengthen the neural pathways that support future learning. The Fun Run offered a safe and stimulating environment where these skills could flourish naturally.
Building a Culture of Active Families
The growing turnout at the WED Fun Run each year demonstrates that Abu Dhabi families are embracing a lifestyle centered around activity and engagement. The event encourages parents to model healthy habits, showing children that exercise and outdoor play are important parts of daily life.
By focusing on fun rather than competition, the event helps children associate movement with joy. This positive relationship can influence lifelong attitudes toward fitness, wellbeing, and social participation.
Looking Toward the Future
With the continued success of the WED Fun Run, Abu Dhabi is expected to expand these initiatives further in the coming years. Future editions may include additional stations, more sensory zones, educational workshops for parents, and greater involvement from schools and community centers.
The dedication shown by families, volunteers, and organizing teams highlights the growing recognition of early childhood development as a community priority. As Abu Dhabi continues to invest in family-centered experiences, it strengthens the foundation for a future generation that is confident, active, and emotionally resilient.
Conclusion
The third edition of the WED Fun Run has once again demonstrated the power of play, movement, and family engagement in early childhood development. Bringing together more than 500 children and caregivers for a day of joy and learning, the event celebrated the importance of active play and highlighted Abu Dhabi’s vision for nurturing a strong, connected generation. As part of Early Childhood Week, the Fun Run reflected a community united in its commitment to supporting children’s wellbeing and building a healthier, more active society.
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