Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi (DCD), is launching "The Story We Grow", an interactive family experience at Yas Mall, as part of its Emirati Family Growth Program "Numou".
The installation is a feature event of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2025 (November 17-23) and is available for all community members and Emirati families to journey through immersive storytelling exploring how each family member plays a role in creating a healthy environment that nurtures children during their early development years, all in line with Abu Dhabi’s strategy to strengthen family stability and support optimal child development.
The installation offers a unique opportunity for all generations of Emirati families to understand their vital contribution to early childhood growth. The stories are told by characters representing family members through a captivating visual narrative reflecting bonding moments showcasing how the emotional wellbeing and cultural identity of a child are shaped by family connections.
Following their personalized story, visitors can complete an interactive questionnaire about Numou and its services including parental support services, home visits, and assistance to households with multiple children. This form of engagement raises community awareness of the available programs supporting families and children throughout different stages of development.
ECA affirmed that “The Story We Grow” experience reflects a deep understanding of the vital role played by the extended Emirati family in shaping a supportive and nurturing environment for young children during their early years. The Authority emphasized that family cohesion and the quality of everyday interactions form the foundation from which children thrive, highlighting that the experience offers an effective model of institutional collaboration to empower parents through practical initiatives that raise awareness, strengthen national identity, and engage all family members in a child’s growth journey.
The Authority added that its collaboration with the Department of Community Development embodies Abu Dhabi’s vision for a more cohesive and inclusive future for families, through innovative initiatives that ensure every child receives the best possible start in a safe, loving, and supportive environment — in line with the goals of Abu Dhabi’s Early Childhood Development Strategy 2035.
"The Story We Grow" celebrates the strength of multi-generational care and honors the role of mothers, fathers, siblings and grandparents in caring for a child and shaping their personality. In addition, it demonstrates DCD's vision for building a closely connected society that nurtures all its members, as DCD’s role is not limited to social services, but includes strengthening family values, celebrating the choice to grow together, and support its longevity.
The experience connects directly to Numou's comprehensive suite of support programs designed for families with multiple children, including home visits for new parents, housing assistance, and parenting resources. These initiatives embody DCD's commitment to strengthening Emirati family stability and supporting optimal child development in line with the goals outlined in Abu Dhabi's 2035 Early Childhood Development Strategy, aiming to empower the growth of every child within a safe supportive environment.
DCD invites all community members and Emirati families to visit "The Story We Grow" at Yas Mall during November 14-23. The interactive and rich experience is free and available in both Arabic and English.
This initiative reflects DCD’s commitment in involving the community in success stories of growth and highlighting the role of every family member and their contribution to the growth of Emirati family and society.