By: Lina Abbas
Head Teacher – Rashid Centre for People of Determination
The festive season is here. The winter break presents a perfect opportunity to bond with your children. With the UAE’s inclusive community initiatives, mild winter weather, and rich cultural experiences, there are numerous activities that can create a meaningful, enriching, and enjoyable break for children with disabilities and their families.
The cooler winter months in the UAE offer an excellent opportunity to explore outdoor spaces that provide inclusive and enriching experiences for both families and children. For those who enjoy attractions, destinations like Dubai Miracle Garden, Butterfly Garden, Al Barsha Pond Park, Safa Park, Desert Safari, and Global Village provide accessible environments where families can immerse themselves in nature and entertainment together.
Inclusive sports programs that promote physical health and foster social interaction and confidence, as seen at Desert Palm Riding School and Al Marmoom Initiative Dubai, where therapeutic Horse-Riding Therapy sessions help develop motor skills, improve coordination, and enhance emotional well-being.
Families can also explore Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve for educational nature tours like birdwatching and learning about local ecosystems or visit Al Ain Zoo, which offers tailored programs such as animal encounters and educational sessions to teach POD children about wildlife conservation. These activities offer diverse opportunities for recreation, learning, and development in inclusive settings.
The UAE offers a wide range of inclusive and educational activities designed specifically for People of Determination children to encourage their learning, development, and engagement. Educational outings blend fun with learning, such as the sensory-friendly sessions at Dubai’s Legoland, The Green Planet, and OliOli Children’s Museum are excellent destinations for children to engage in hands-on learning and play. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo provide a calming underwater environment coupled with exhibits that spark curiosity and promote sensory engagement.
Abu Dhabi’s SeaWorld offers exciting educational programs on marine life conservation, blending entertainment with learning, while Dubai Dolphinarium presents interactive dolphin and seal shows, offering POD children opportunities to engage closely with marine animals while gaining educational insights. These activities provide enriching experiences that promote sensory stimulation, creativity, and social interaction in inclusive settings.
For art-based activities, consider exploring the Sharjah Art Foundation, which offers inclusive workshops and events specifically tailored for children of determination. These programs often include art therapy sessions and family-friendly exhibitions, providing children with a creative outlet while fostering self-expression and interaction. Additionally, immerse your child in Emirati traditions at Cultural Heritage Villages. Locations such as the Al Shindagha Museum in Dubai provide engaging experiences where children can learn about local crafts, customs, and history, making it both educational and culturally enriching.
Do not underestimate the power of reading in fostering creativity and learning for children with disabilities. Dubai Public Libraries organize sensory-friendly reading sessions designed to enhance literacy through interactive storytelling and group reading activities tailored for children of determination. Similarly, Sharjah Libraries host initiatives like “Inclusive Reading” programs, where POD children can join their peers in engaging storytelling sessions that encourage social interaction and a love for books.
For those interested in technology and innovation, Fun Robotics (Dubai) offers customized robotics and coding workshops, providing children with disabilities with opportunities to develop problem-solving and technical skills in a supportive environment. Additionally, Dubai Science Park organizes educational workshops and events focused on innovation, creativity, and technology, enabling children to explore new interests and expand their knowledge in an engaging and inclusive setting. At the Sharjah Discovery Centre, children with disabilities can enjoy a playful and educational setting focused on science, technology, and the environment. If you prefer staying indoors, relax with home-based activities by creating sensory corners using items like weighted blankets, tactile toys, or sensory bins to provide comfort and stimulation for your child. You can also host movie nights featuring PwD-friendly films or engage in creative family crafts to encourage imagination and strengthen family bonds.
