Dubai: The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai concluded its Dubai Summer Camp 2025, which was held under the theme ‘Today’s Generation…Tomorrow’s Leaders.’ Over 400 children aged 6 to 14 participated in the camp. The three-week experience combined education and entertainment while fostering a deeper sense of belonging, highlighting a carefully crafted programme designed to nurture a balanced,aware, and proactive Emirati personality among young citizens.

The camp was held across multiple locations, including the Zayed Educational Complex
– Al Warqa, the Zayed Educational Complex – Al Barsha, and the Hatta Community
Center. These venues were transformed into vibrant, inspiring environments where
children showcased their creativity through interactive activities meant to simulate skill-
development for the future and reinforce national and human values.

Integrated Themes
All events and activities held as part of the camp were modelled around four integrated
themes designed to foster balance in the Emirati child’s character and deepen societal
and national awareness.

In workshops inspired by the theme of life and leadership skills, children engaged in
diverse activities aimed at boosting their confidence, decision-making abilities,
teamwork, and communication skills, empowering them to participate positively in
everyday circumstances and social situations.

Highlighting the theme of community initiatives and volunteerism, other activities
encouraged the children to design and implement simple, hands-on projects to serve
their communities and the environment, nurturing a spirit of responsibility, initiative, and
a willingness to contribute to social causes.

Under the innovation and technology track, participants explored AI tools and
contributed to developing basic applications and educational games, helping them
engage with future technologies confidently and creatively.

The national identity theme served as the core inspiration for the camp, with children
participating in cultural and artistic workshops depicting the UAE’s story through theatre,
the visual arts, and live heritage activities. These experiences deepened the sense of
identity among young participants, enabling them to appreciate their nation’s history in
more engaging and meaningful ways.

Impactful Partnerships
A strategic partnership with 12 federal and local entities enriched the programme and
amplified its overall impact. Key partners included the Ministry of Education, the
Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center, the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Civil
Defense, the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, the Islamic Affairs and
Charitable Activities Department, Al Ameen Service, Dubai Taxi, the Dubai Festivals
and Retail Establishment, and the Saqr Sports Academy.

These entities delivered more than 20 interactive and awareness workshops covering a
wide range of topics including safety, health, and national identity, in addition to
highlighting the importance of discipline and teamwork. Of special note was the
collaboration with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center during the Dubai Dates
exhibition, offering children a unique sensory experience highlighting the palm tree’s
defining role in Emirati heritage and agriculture.

Volunteer Boost
More than 50 volunteers, including university students and members of community
initiatives, contributed in various ways to help organise and manage the camp. They
took on supervisory and field roles and served as role models for the children with their
positive energy, hands-on engagement, and strong sense of responsibility. The
volunteer experience also reflected the spirit of intergenerational exchange and
embodied the goals of the ‘Year of Community’ initiative in empowering youth as agents
of positive change.

Building Strong Foundations
Reem Obeid Al Awabed, Director of Community Programs at the Community
Development Authority in Dubai, emphasised that the summer camp reflects the
Authority’s commitment to promoting sustainable community development in alignment
with the objectives of the ‘Year of Community,’ which places children, families, and
national identity at the heart of social development efforts.
She said: “We are not simply offering a summer entertainment programme – we are
laying the foundation for a long-term developmental journey, guiding children to become
conscious, responsible, and proactive members of their communities. We want every child to leave this camp with more confidence, a stronger connection to their identity, and readiness for a future being shaped today.”Al Awabed added that the CDA aims to expand such initiatives in the coming years to reach a broader spectrum of children and youth, enhancing their role as vital pillars.