The expansion will increase Al Ghad Nurseries’ overall capacity to 12,000 seats by 2029 

Abu Dhabi, Sept 18, 2026: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is expanding Al Ghad Nurseries across the emirate, increasing its capacity to 12,000 seats by 2029 and giving more Emirati children access to  subsidised early childhood education.  

The expansion will welcome new children, aged 2-4, offering them an early learning environment rooted in Arabic language, Emirati culture, values and national identity. The expansion will bring this offering to more families across Abu Dhabi.  

The expansion will be delivered in three phases, increasing Al Ghad Nurseries’ overall capacity to 12,000 seats by 2029. Priority will be given to establishing new nurseries in areas with a high concentration of Emirati children across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, expanding access to early childhood education across the emirate.  

Al Ghad Nurseries currently operate across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and are open to UAE Nationals and children of Emirati mothers living within the designated areas served by each nursery, with priority given to children of working mothers. As part of the expansion, eligible families will be able to enroll their children for a nominal fee of AED800 per month, with exemptions for 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.  

The expansion will also create new career opportunities for Emirati women in the early childhood sector. Al Ghad Nurseries already provide employment opportunities supported by dedicated training and professional development pathways, and as the network grows, ADEK aims to create more than 1,000 additional opportunities for Emirati women.