Sunshine and smiles

It's a time that's full of sunshine, cheer, fun and games for children in the capital during the Third Annual International Childhood Festival (October 30 to November 7). At nearly six or more places in the city, a spate of activities are unfolding for children - there's painting competitions, plays, magic shows, folklore, children's films, cultural programmes and carnivals.

This festival even has a mascot - Farfoosh - developed by Egyptian actor Youssef Shaaban in the shape of a "sunflower". This character, sporting a rotund sunflower head, moves around the locations shaking hands with children and distributing T-shirts and gifts.

Organised by the Women's Union headed by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Nahyan, wife of the President, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and Chairwoman of the UAE Women's Federation, this festival sports the theme "Smile to Childhood".