Modern outdoor pavilion with wooden pergola, palm trees, and landscaping. People gathered in shaded seating area with desert plants and gravel pathways.
Aflaj Nursery logo on green background with Arabic and English text and decorative wave design
Verified Education Partner

Aflaj Nursery

حضانة أفلاج

It takes a Community

Ages 4 months to 4 years

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Our Philosophy

Philosophical Approach

Aflaj Nursery acknowledges that children are dynamic learners, each developing uniquely and at their own pace. We firmly believe that children thrive when they are engaged and offered a diverse array of activities tailored to their needs, interests, and capabilities. While our curriculum is guided by educators, we also embrace child-initiated learning, encouraging investigation, exploration, and inquiry.

Our approach fosters an environment where children can pursue their interests, with the surroundings acting as the "third teacher." We recognise parents as a child's first educators and value their vital role in their child's development. At Aflaj Nursery, we prioritise strong parent involvement, fostering a sense of community where every family and child has a voice in their learning journey.

We are committed to fostering cultural identity for all children, with a special emphasis on nurturing a deep understanding and appreciation of Emirati culture. We integrate elements of Emirati culture into our daily activities and environment, providing children with opportunities to explore, learn, and celebrate the rich heritage of the UAE.

Environment

Classroom Environment

At Aflaj Nursery, we prioritise flexibility, openness, and easy access to resources to create an environment that is adaptable to each child's learning needs. Our spaces are designed to foster exploration, allowing children to follow their interests and learn from their experiences.

We believe in providing well-thought-out resources and ample natural light to support children's learning and development. Our classrooms are equipped with a variety of materials and tools that encourage hands-on exploration and creativity. From art supplies to sensory materials, we offer a range of resources to spark children's curiosity and facilitate their learning journey.

Our environment is carefully planned to offer room for children to work independently or collaboratively, ensuring that they have the freedom to explore and engage with their surroundings. We prioritise individualisation, recognising and celebrating each child's unique strengths, interests, and learning styles. We create a supportive and inclusive environment where every child feels valued.

By embracing these guiding principles, we cultivate a nurturing and inspiring learning environment where children can explore, discover, and thrive.

Bright learning space with natural light and natural materials.

"The surroundings act as the third teacher."

Our Spaces

Spaces to Explore, Discover and Thrive

Outdoor Environment

Nature playscape with sustainable landscaping and desert plants.

Nature Playscape

The outdoor environment at Aflaj Nursery serves as a platform for children to develop a deeper understanding of their ecology and environment. Sustainable landscaping is utilised to encourage children to nurture and stimulate natural habitats that thrive within the UAE's arid landscape.

Children actively participate in sowing and harvesting various plants that are compatible with the local environment, engaging in the 'grow your own' food practices that is gaining momentum in the UAE. Through hands-on experiences in the Aflaj garden, children learn about the circular ecosystem of harvested fruits and vegetables.

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They also play a vital role in the Experimental Cookery Lab, where they explore culinary concepts and create delicious dishes using the produce they have grown. We also teach children about the journey of waste from the Cookery Lab back to the earth, completing the cycle of the circular ecosystem.

Food forest garden with raised beds and edible plants.

Food Forest

Sustainable landscaping is utilised to encourage children to nurture and stimulate natural habitats that thrive within the UAE's arid landscape. Children actively participate in sowing and harvesting various plants that are compatible with the local environment, engaging in the 'grow your own' food practices that is gaining momentum in the UAE.

Through hands-on experiences in the Aflaj garden, children learn about the circular ecosystem of harvested fruits and vegetables, and the journey of waste from the Cookery Lab back to the earth, completing the cycle of the circular ecosystem.

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Children also play a vital role in the Experimental Cookery Lab, where they explore culinary concepts and create delicious dishes using the produce they have grown.

Desert School

At Aflaj Nursery, we are dedicated to fostering connections to culture and tradition through our Desert School program, inspired by the sands upon which the nation was built. In this unique environment, students have the opportunity to freely explore and engage with the diverse native flora and fauna of the UAE.

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Through hands-on experiences, students are introduced to native plants, animals, and insects, as well as Emirati culture and customs. Activities within the Desert School may include building dens, using simple tools, and engaging in role play, such as using an Emirati kitchen. Our Desert School program is designed to nurture learner-led exploration and discovery, providing children with the freedom, time, and space to learn and demonstrate their independence. Through creative, challenging, and adventurous experiences, students develop critical skills, gain a deeper appreciation for their environment, and forge meaningful connections to their culture and heritage.

Experimental Cookery Lab

The Aflaj Nursery Experimental Cookery Lab moves beyond the concept of traditional cookery lessons and celebrates food as a creative medium with scope for multi-sensory exploration and a variety of learning experiences.

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Children have the freedom to chop, mix, stir and concoct their own creations, exploring fresh ingredients and experimenting with new tastes and smells along the way. Bridging the gap between food preparation and the development of confidence, imagination and creative-thinking skills, this open-ended approach to cooking sessions will equip children with skills which go far beyond those needed in the kitchen.

Makerspace (Atelier)

The Aflaj Nursery Makerspace Atelier is an environment where children can explore, tinker, and create using a variety of materials and tools. A laboratory for many types of transformations, constructions, and visual expressions.

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In the atelier, children have access to a wide variety of materials and tools which allows them to experiment and explore different forms of art. It also provides opportunities for children to collaborate and work together. Children can share ideas, learn from one another, and develop important social and emotional skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork. The Atelierista is responsible for providing the children with opportunities to use these materials in ways that are meaningful to them.

Digital Studio

Digital Landscapes Atelier

In the Digital Landscapes Atelier, we work across different levels of representation simultaneously, allowing children to think flexibly and integrate digital and analogical, abstract and concrete, virtual and artisanal concepts.

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By integrating technology into our atelier in a thoughtful and purposeful manner, we provide children with opportunities to holistically explore, create, and express themselves across different mediums. Technology is not used to dominate or replace other languages of expression but rather to integrate and complement them.

Soft Play Majlis

Description coming soon

Sustainability

Commitment to Environment

Recycling & Upcycling

Energy Conservation

Water Preservation

At Aflaj Nursery, we are dedicated to designing learning environments that embody sustainability principles and promote environmental stewardship. We prioritise the use of natural materials and emphasise recycling and upcycling to create unique opportunities for exploration and play. Rather than relying on commercialised items, we strive to incorporate recycled materials, loose parts, and open-ended resources to encourage creativity and innovation.

Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the physical environment to daily routines and activities. We actively engage children in energy conservation, water preservation, and waste management practices. Through hands-on experiences, children learn the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling, while educators model sustainable habits such as turning off lights and conserving water. By instilling values of compassion, empathy, and environmental justice, we empower children to become advocates for positive change in their communities.

Community

Community Collaboration

The Aflaj system of the UAE inspires not only the name Aflaj Nursery but the philosophy of community cooperation to ensure the protection and success of the Aflaj (in this case our children).

It takes a community to maintain the Aflaj.

It takes a community to raise a Child.

Community plays a crucial role in early childhood education. It involves the connections between children, families, care providers, and local organisations. A strong community provides a supportive and inclusive environment that helps children grow their social-emotional skills and feel a sense of belonging. To develop a strong community, Aflaj Nursery will focus on open communication, appreciate diversity, collaborate with the larger community, and involve families.

Fees

Fees

Contact us for fees.

Sibling discount

5% for the second sibling and 7.5% for the third sibling.

Contact us for fees.

Parent Review

So Content & Happy

A Hidden Gem in Khalifa A, Abu Dhabi

Modern outdoor pavilion with striped awning, surrounded by palm trees and landscaping in a residential courtyard setting
5.0

🌿 After 2.5 months at Aflaj Nursery, I can confidently say this place is one of a kind. It's not just a nursery, it's a thoughtfully designed space where childhood unfolds slowly, surrounded by nature, heritage, and care.

Housed in a beautifully restored Emirati villa, transformed by one of the founders, an architect, it's a light-filled sanctuary. Every corner feels intentional: natural textures, soft light, and open layouts that invite curiosity. Shoes are left at the door, and learning happens barefoot, grounded.

The name Aflaj comes from the ancient Emirati irrigation system that once united communities, a philosophy that runs through everything here. Children play in a miniature falaj where the same water later nourishes the garden. Nothing is wasted; everything is connected.

Each day they spend hours outdoors in the lush garden, calm, vibrant, alive. There's a traditional Emirati boat to climb, herbs and vegetables growing in raised beds, and genuine connection with the land.

Uniforms and aprons are made from recycled materials in coordinated prints. Classes are tiny, just six in my son's group, and his teachers are exceptionally kind. The co-founders are always present, greeting every child by name, the first to arrive and the last to leave.

Communication with families is outstanding. Every afternoon brings a beautifully written update with discreet photos and a short reflection from the teacher explaining the day's purpose.

Aflaj Nursery honors UAE heritage while embracing a slow, mindful rhythm of early childhood. My son comes home muddy, happy, and full of stories, and that says everything. 🌾

L
Leticia Canacho
Parent at Aflaj Nursery
Modern outdoor pavilion with wooden pergola, palm trees, and landscaping. People gathered in shaded seating area with desert plants and gravel pathways.

Ready to Give Your Child the Aflaj Experience?

It takes a community. Come see the garden, meet the teachers, and feel the warmth of this special place for yourself.

Contact us Call +971 56 610 6904
Connect

Connect with
Aflaj Nursery

Contact us to learn more or schedule a visit.

Location
Al Khayl St - Khalifa City - SE42 - Abu Dhabi
Established
2025
Ages
4 months to 4 years
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Call +971 56 610 6904 WhatsApp Us Email: Info@aflajnursery.ae Follow @aflajnursery

Aflaj Nursery is a verified partner of Relocate2UAE