4 November 20260411 ShareHuman Interest|Education|TechnologyA Dubai teenager has turned her younger brother's reluctance to read into a bilingual reading app. Gulf News profiles 17-year-old Maya Lofty, who created IKRAA to help children build reading habits through goals, credits and rewards. She built it using a no-code platform despite having little app-development experience. The website is available, while its App Store launch is still being worked on.
4 November 20260411 ShareHuman Interest|Education|CommunityThere's a free little library outside a home in Dubai's Arabian Ranches, and the neighbourhood has made it its own. The National profiles Angela Hundal, whose book-sharing shelves are open around the clock. Take a book, share one if you can. Teenagers are particularly welcome to contribute books because titles for their age group are in short supply.
4 November 20260411 ShareCommunity|EducationMore than 700 activities are planned across all seven emirates for the UAE's first national Early Childhood Week, from 16 to 22 November. Khaleej Times says 130 organisations are taking part, with experiences designed for children and their parents or caregivers to enjoy together. Expect learning, play and family-focused activities, with individual venue details to follow.
3 November 20260311 ShareLeisure|EducationThe Sharjah International Book Fair opens today with 1.7 million titles and plenty for families. Getting there is easier too. Khaleej Times says buses depart from Etisalat Metro Station in Dubai and City Centre Ajman at 9am, 1pm and 5pm daily. There are also free boats from Al Qasba and Sharjah Aquarium, plus extra parking and shuttle buses.
3 November 20260311 ShareEducation|LeisureSchool gamers, this one's for you. Dubai has opened registration for EGAMES DUBAI27, an international schools esports championship featuring EA SPORTS FC 27, Rocket League and Minecraft. The finals will be held in April 2027 at GEMS School of Research & Innovation, Khaleej Times reports. Students must qualify through national competitions. Time to put those gaming hours to the test.
2 November 20260211 ShareCommunity|Government|EducationUAE Flag Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, 3 November, with the national flag traditionally raised at 11am across schools, offices and government buildings. Residents are welcome to take part, but it isn't a public holiday. Schools and workplaces are expected to operate normally, subject to their own arrangements. If your child's school is organising a special ceremony, check its instructions for the day.
29 October 20262910 ShareEducation|Human InterestAn 11-year-old Egyptian girl has won Dh500,000 at the Arab Reading Challenge in Dubai after reading more than 60 books. Mayar Mohammed says she wants to use the money to help build a library at her school. With more than 40 million students participating in this year's competition, her winning idea is to help other children discover books too.
26 October 20262610 ShareEducation|LeisureAbu Dhabi is launching a free youth orchestra programme for children, with its new home in Mina Zayed set to open in January 2027. The first cohort will offer 100 places for children aged six to nine, with training in Western classical and Arabic music. Parents can register their interest now through the programme's official website.
5 October 20260510 ShareEducationDubai schools tightened photo and video rules to protect pupil privacy. The measures clarify when images or recordings may be taken, stored or shared. Parents, staff and visitors should follow each school’s consent process, especially for events and social-media publication.
1 October 20260110 ShareEducation|TransportSome Dubai schools changed their start and finish times to help ease traffic congestion. The change is not one timetable for every school, so parents need to confirm their own school’s schedule. Bus times, drop-offs and after-school arrangements may also need to change.