Research reveals 40% UAE children do not exercise; BTS 2013 to demonstrate benefits of being active
Dubai, UAE, 13 June, 2013: After a smash hit inaugural event, Back to School is returning to help parents and families prepare for the new academic term, and this year joins the Dubai Calendar roster of events as part of “Summer is Dubai” campaign which will run for three months.
Taking place at its new location in the Sheikh Saeed Halls of Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre, from 4 to 6 September, the event will create a unique, interactive and fun environment for children aged 4 -14 to learn through activity-based play.
“We are excited to have the ‘Back To School’ event as part of our “Summer is Dubai” campaign” said HE Laila Suhail, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment. “The event will be a great opportunity for families to prepare for the new school year and finish the Summer season in style”.
Off the back of recent research which highlighted that two in five UAE children do not exercise, and with obesity and diabetes rates reaching epidemic proportions in the emirates, this year’s event will place a big emphasis on children being active and having fun.
A host of popular companies and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) have confirmed their presence, to meet the thousands of children and parents who will bounce through the doors. Among them are the teams from Emirates Park Zoo, Tashkeel, Crayola and electronic toy brand Inno Tab by World Wide Traders, Norton by Symantec and the iconic Desert Chill Ice Cream vans.
Tashkeel is committed to facilitating art and design practice and organises creative workshops for children and adults alike. Noah Pilkington, Education Development Coordinator, said, “Back to School provides us the opportunity to identify how we can best help parents and children gain skills in a range of creative endeavours.
“We will be partnering with visitors at the event to provide spaces and lessons in creative expressions; we host a number of different activities including art and sport events throughout the community.”
A new feature to the show this year is the Tashkeel Art Club which will harness any level of artistic talent among visitors. Tashkeel will also offer new skateboarding activities held in the activity zone throughout the day, available to all children free of charge.
The exhibition will feature specific visitor zones including interactive play areas, gadgets and video games, health and wellbeing, unique sports activities and children’s clothing.
“This is the only event of its kind in the UAE which offers exhibitors the opportunity to promote the uniqueness of their brand. It’s a one-stop shop for parents, providing advice on safety, health and education,” said Christine Weaver, Exhibition and Sponsorship Manager, Congress Solutions International the organisers of Back to School.
“We’re creating an exciting day out for the entire family, during a very hot time of year when access to safe indoor play options is limited. Children have the opportunity to try out a range of new activities and products, while parents can take away tips and ideas from a collection of local industry experts.”
The Back to School website, Facebook and Twitter pages will keep exhibitors and visitors up to date on the latest news, games and competitions. Visit, like and follow www.facebook.com/BacktoSchoolDubai, www.twitter.com/Back2SchoolUAE and www.backtoschool.ae.
Caption: The popular ‘Back to School’ event returns this year under the Dubai Calendar roster of summer events, 4-6 September, Dubai World Trade Centre.
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Total Communications
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