Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami opens 'Back to School'

Back to School will bring together companies such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), Al Ain Zoo and Hertz Rent-a-Car until Saturday 15th September in a series of performances and demonstrations catering to the UAE family audience.

Dieticians, sports trainers, road safety authorities and online safety experts among others will be on hand to meet parents and children and talk about the key matters affecting school children in the emirates in a casual and informal setting.

Christine Weaver, Exhibition Manager for Back to School, commented, "The central theme behind Back to School is to be interactive; this event has been designed for parents and children to learn together about new hobbies, activities, awareness campaigns, animal welfare and healthy living."

In a survey released yesterday by Back to School, research found that being a doctor, the head of a large corporation and being famous ranked highest among child and teenage aspirations for their future careers.

Weaver added, "The new school year is a great time for children to enjoy new experiences both in school and in their free time."

Families can expect a variety of entertainment in the form of gymnastic shows, sports training sessions, bird demonstrations and safety workshops featuring regularly throughout the show in addition to a treasure hunt for the kids and a daily announcement of lucky winners of an iPad 2.

"Learning is more effective when conducted through play. We are fortunate to have a lot of great people on board for the first year and we have worked with these companies to create an original programme that is 'edutaining' for visitors," she added.

Back to School takes place this weekend from the 13 to 15 September 2012 at Meydan Grandstand. The event is open from 10am until 8pm today (Thursday); from 12noon to 9pm on Friday and from 12noon to 8pm on Saturday.

Proceeds from the entry fees will be donated to Safe Center, a special needs education institution that provides less privileged children with educational and welfare items.