Every child deserves

to be safe

Every child deserves to grow up safe, loved, and protected — and Abu Dhabi is committed to making this a reality through action. 

Our story

Dama Al-Aman draws its inspiration from the UAE national anthem, meaning "long live security" — a promise that every child will be seen, protected, and valued.

Keeping children safe is a shared responsibility, with families, communities, and services across Abu Dhabi working together to prevent harm and protect every child.

A comprehensive, evidence-based system designed to strengthen protection and create lasting change for all children and societies across Abu Dhabi.

Why child protection matters

Every child has the right to be safe, protected, and free from harm — as a basic human right, not just a legal standard.

When children are safe and nurtured, they thrive — learning, growing, and shaping brighter futures for themselves, stronger families, and more connected communities for everyone.

But when children experience harm, the impact runs deep and effects lasts a lifetime. Abuse, neglect, and violence are linked to serious mental health struggles, increased risk of substance abuse, poor physical health outcomes, difficulties in school and work, and broken relationships. These are not isolated effects — they shape a child's future for years to come.

Protecting children today is a lasting investment in Abu Dhabi’s future, empowering every child to thrive and fulfil their potential.

Abu Dhabi’s commitment

“Dama Al-Aman” is a comprehensive child protection framework that links all relevant sectors, starting with the family and extending to education, social and health services, as well as judicial and law-enforcement authorities. Launched by ECA in collaboration with its partners across multiple sectors, the “Dama Al-Aman” system reflects the emirate’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and underscores its contribution to strengthening child protection globally. 

HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority

Guiding principle

Guided by the belief that every child deserves safety, dignity, and respect — we are committed to preventing harm, upholding rights, and placing the child's best interests at the heart of all we do.

Best interests of the child

  • Every child has the right to grow up safe and protected within their family. When this is not possible, the State ensures they are supported in a caring alternative environment that upholds their best interests.
  • Children and families have a voice in decisions that affect them. Children and families receive the help they deserve.
  • Families and caregivers are supported to provide the safe, stable, and nurturing environment every child needs to thrive.

Wadeema's Law

In response to the tragic death of eight-year-old Wadeema, the UAE took a powerful stand for every child. Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 — Wadeema's Law — makes child protection a legal obligation for all. Every person, in every setting, carries a responsibility to keep children safe. The law protects all children up to age 18, regardless of gender, race, religion, or disability, and mandates swift intervention whenever a child's safety is at risk. Protecting children is not optional – it is the law. In Abu Dhabi, there is no excuse for silence.

The Dama Al-Aman framework

Dama Al-Aman is Abu Dhabi's comprehensive, evidence-based child protection framework — a fully integrated system that brings together government, community, families, frontline professionals and mandated reporters to protect every child.

Built on three interconnected components, the framework addresses child protection holistically — from prevention through to response — so that every child is protected and no one is overlooked.
Enabling environment
A strong foundation of laws, policies, and governance systems that create the conditions for child protection to work. This includes legislation, cross-sectoral coordination, workforce capacity building, and community awareness — ensuring that every institution and individual understands their role in keeping children safe. 
Promotion and prevention
Response mechanisms

Partner entities

Child protection is a cross-sectoral and multi-agency effort, built on the foundation of continued collaboration and coordination.

Social sector

Educational sector

Health sector

Law enforcement / judicial sector

Dama Al-Aman logo

At the heart of the Dama Al-Aman logo lives a simple but powerful truth — every child deserves a safe place to call home. Four building blocks come together to form a house, each one carrying a meaning close to our hearts. A safe space where community wraps around the child. A flower in full bloom, representing growth, nurturing, and the endless potential within every young life. A heart — the reminder that love and care are at the center of everything we do. And a conversation — because trust is built through listening, and every child deserves to be heard. Together, these four blocks build more than a logo. They build a promise.

Safe space community

Nature / growth individuals around child

Love / care heart of the mind

Communication, support and trust

Explore what's new at Dama Al-Aman

 
Explore the key UAE laws and regulations that support child protection, children's rights, digital safety, and safeguarding. This section provides quick access to legislation that helps individuals and organizations understand their responsibilities and contribute to creating a safer environment for every child.

Law on the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Health Fields

VIEW PDF

Medical Liability Law

VIEW PDF

ADEK School Student Administrative Affairs Policy

VIEW PDF

Cabinet Resolution No. (106) of 2026 Regarding the Regulation of Children's Access to Social Media Platforms

VIEW PDF

For more information

If you are interested in learning more about Dama Al Aman please contact

Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority

Department of Community Development

Family Care Authority

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