The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced a major expansion of its Al Ghad Nurseries network, aiming to increase capacity to 12,000 seats by 2029. The initiative will give thousands more Emirati children access to high-quality, subsidised early childhood education that prioritises Arabic language, Emirati culture, values and national identity.
The expansion targets children aged 2 to 4 and will be rolled out in three phases. Priority will be given to establishing new nurseries in areas with a high concentration of Emirati families across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. This approach ensures wider geographic reach and helps more families benefit from structured early learning during the most formative years of a child’s development.
Al Ghad Nurseries are designed to support cognitive, social and emotional growth while embedding strong foundations in language and cultural identity. Educators focus on building communication skills, social interaction and early learning readiness. The programme also includes developmental screenings that identify potential learning or developmental needs at an early stage, allowing timely tailored support when it can make the greatest difference.
Results so far have been encouraging. To date, 94 per cent of participating children have achieved targeted Arabic-language readiness levels. Among those identified as needing additional support through developmental screenings, 76 per cent have shown measurable progress following intervention. These outcomes underline the value of combining cultural grounding with evidence-based early childhood practices.
Currently operating in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Al Ghad Nurseries are open to UAE nationals and children of Emirati mothers living within the designated catchment areas of each facility. Priority is given to children of working mothers. Under the expanded model, eligible families will pay a nominal fee of AED 800 per month. Exemptions apply to low-income families registered with the Social Support Authority, children requiring additional support, the fifth child in families with five or more children, and children of working mothers who do not have domestic help. This fee structure is intended to keep high-quality early education accessible while recognising varying family circumstances.
Beyond the direct benefit to children, the expansion is expected to create significant career opportunities for Emirati women in the early childhood sector. Al Ghad Nurseries already offer employment pathways supported by dedicated training and professional development. As the network grows, ADEK aims to generate more than 1,000 additional opportunities for Emirati women. Bringing more Emirati educators into these settings is seen as essential for reinforcing Arabic language use, national identity and UAE values during children’s formative years.
ADEK officials emphasise that the early years represent a critical window for development. Quality early childhood education not only prepares children for formal schooling but also strengthens family wellbeing and long-term educational outcomes. By expanding access and embedding Emirati cultural elements, the programme seeks to give every eligible child a strong foundation for future success.
The three-phase rollout will carefully match new capacity with demand in high-need areas. New facilities will follow the same curriculum and quality standards already established in existing Al Ghad Nurseries, ensuring consistency in language immersion, cultural content and developmental support. Continuous monitoring of Arabic-language readiness and developmental progress will remain central to the programme’s evaluation framework.
In addition to classroom learning, the nurseries focus on holistic development. Children engage in activities that build social skills, emotional regulation and early cognitive abilities alongside structured Arabic language exposure. Early identification of needs allows educators and families to work together on individualised support plans, improving the likelihood of positive long-term outcomes.
The expansion aligns with broader national priorities around human capital development and the preservation of cultural identity. By investing in the earliest years of education and creating meaningful career pathways for Emirati women, ADEK is addressing both immediate access gaps and longer-term workforce and societal goals.
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Families interested in enrolment will be able to access updated information on locations, eligibility and application processes through official ADEK channels as new phases open. The nominal fee structure and clear exemption categories are designed to remove financial barriers for priority groups while maintaining the sustainability of the service.
Overall, the move to 12,000 seats by 2029 represents a substantial scaling of a proven model. With strong early results in language readiness and developmental progress already recorded, the expanded Al Ghad Nurseries network is positioned to reach significantly more Emirati children and families across the emirate, supporting their growth in an environment that values both educational excellence and national identity.
