The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has partnered with 10global early childhood startups through its Anjal Z program to help parents and caregivers across the UAE access practical solutions and services that support young children’s wellbeing, learning, development, and positive family connection at home. Some startups are offering free access, while others are providing discounted rates.
When routines change and uncertainty rises, particularly in the context of recent events linked to Iranian attacks on countries in the region,young children often feel it first. Sleep can be disrupted, emotions can intensify, and learning habits can slip. Caregivers are then asked to steady the home environment while managing competing demands, which can be difficult without practical, ready-to-use support.
Over the past five years, ECA’s Anjal Z program has identified and supported early childhood startups with solutions that can be used by families in real day-to-day settings. Through this initiative, ECA is making these solutions available to families in the UAE to support learning continuity, emotional wellbeing, sleep routines, and family connection.
Saleha Al Azri, Director of Research and Cognitive Solutions at the Knowledge and Impact Sector at ECA, said: “When family routines are disrupted, the impact on young children can be immediate, and the pressure on parents and caregivers can rise quickly. This is why we handpicked these startups, based on solutions that are practical, proven, and easy to use at home. Some offers are free, and others are discounted, but the aim is the same, to give families tools they can rely on to support children’s wellbeing, learning, and connection during challenging periods.”
Families in the UAE can access the following tools and services from the 10 startups:
Free Access:
- Cubtale is a parenting app that enables caregivers to track daily routines and monitor key developmental milestones for babies and toddlers.
- Peekapakis a social-emotional learning platform designed to help children aged 3–8 build empathy, resilience, and emotional awareness.
- Jade is an award-winning developmental learning platform for children aged 6–12 that enhances cognitive, emotional, and social skills, with inclusive support for neurodivergent children.
- Enrichly is a digital platform for children aged 6–12 that strengthens emotional resilience, confidence, and mental wellbeing.
Discounted Access:
- MonkiBox is a Montessori-inspired hands-on play kit for children aged 0–3 that promotes early development.
- Raising Superstars is a learning program for children aged 0–6 that builds skills through parent-child activities.
- Cali’s Books is a collection of interactive books for children aged 0–5 that support early learning, language development, and family engagement.
- Kokoro Kids is a play-based social-emotional learning platform for children aged 3–8 that helps them understand and express emotions.
- WonderTree is a movement-based learning platform for Children of Determination aged 4 and above that combines physical activity with educational games.
- Zenimal is a screen-free mindfulness device and companion app that helps children and families manage emotions and improve sleep.
During this initiative, ECA is collaborating with a diverse group of partners, including The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, Hub71,Department of Health, Department of Education and Knowledge, Department of Community Development, Zayed Authority of People of Determination, Family Care Authority, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and others.
Families living in the UAE can access participating offers by visitinghttps://www.eca.gov.ae/anjal-z/anjal-z-offerand using the promo code FAMILYTIME, where applicable.
