If you’re looking for a productive way to spend the summer holidays in the UAE, the Ministry of Community Empowerment has launched Al Maqeedh Season 2026, a nationwide programme featuring more than 80 activities designed to help residents learn new skills, connect with their communities and make the most of the school break.

Running from July 20 to August 6, the initiative is part of the Ministry’s efforts to promote lifelong learning, social responsibility and community engagement while enhancing quality of life across the UAE.

What is Al Maqeedh?

The programme takes inspiration from the UAE’s cultural heritage. Traditionally, Al Maqeedh referred to the summer season when communities gathered to exchange knowledge, learn from one another and strengthen social bonds.

The modern version brings those values into today’s world through interactive experiences that combine practical learning, creativity and collaboration.

The initiative aims to encourage families to spend quality time together while taking part in meaningful educational activities.

Who can participate?

The programme has been designed for a wide range of community members, including:

• Children
• Young people
• Women
• People of determination
• Senior citizens

Rather than offering traditional classroom sessions, Al Maqeedh Season focuses on hands-on experiences that encourage participants to build practical skills, work on creative projects and collaborate with others.

Six themes to choose from

Participants can register for activities across six key areas:

• National identity and social cohesion
• Leadership and personal development
• Financial literacy
• Health and wellbeing
• Technology and digital security
• Investment and entrepreneurship

Each activity is designed to combine learning with real-world application, allowing participants to develop new skills in an engaging environment.

More than 80 activities

The Ministry said the programme includes over 80 experiences delivered with the support of more than 50 government entities, private sector organisations and non-profit partners.

More than 3,000 participants are expected to take part in activities hosted across the UAE.

The programme officially got underway with a special Etihad Rail journey from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, bringing together participants from different age groups alongside content creators in an experience centred on learning, interaction and community engagement.

Volunteer opportunities available

Residents can also contribute by volunteering to help organise and deliver programme activities.

Those interested can register through the www.volunteers.ae platform.

How to register

Registration for Al Maqeedh Season 2026 is now open through the Ministry of Community Empowerment’s website. Participants can browse the available experiences and choose activities based on their interests.

Everyone who takes part will receive a digital certificate of participation, recognising their involvement and the skills gained during the programme.