Abu Dhabi award to boost inclusion for people of determination
The Abu Dhabi Excellence Award will honour organizations that are making healthcare, education, transport, tourism and culture, more accessible and inclusive.
The award, introduced by the Department of Community Development, celebrates efforts in three areas: inclusive services, accessibility, and inclusive employment.
It's designed to boost the integration of People of Determination into the workforce and everyday life, and facilitate nearly 500 inclusive services in six key industries: healthcare, education, tourism, recreation, transportation and mobility.
This initiative aims to empower more than 600 entities across the public, private and third sector, which includes non-governmental and non-profit organisations, to be fully accessible, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's leadership in inclusive development.
The award is structured around three key pillars:
Inclusive Services, focuses on enhancing the quality of life for People of Determination by delivering innovative and exceptional services.
The second pillar, Accessibility, recognises the efforts of entities in prioritising ease of access to physical and digital environments, including facilities, services and information for People of Determination.
The third pillar, Inclusive Employment, promotes the integration of People of Determination into the workforce by encouraging entities to provide inclusive workplaces that accommodate their abilities and aspirations.
Under the patronage of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, the Department of Community Development has launched the Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for People of Determination Inclusion to recognise efforts of public, private and third-sector entities in empowering People of Determination. pic.twitter.com/eNQ7KAGcPg
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) January 29, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Dubai to host the 7th edition of AccessAbilities Expo featuring 250 exhibitors, brands, and rehabilitation centres
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed: 'We are committed to empowering People of Determination as Dubai reinforces its position as a global hub for Assistive technologies." World Health Organization: Two billion People with Disabilities by 2050 International Experts: By 2030, more than 2 billion people will need at least one assistive product, while many elderly individuals will require two or more. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: People of Determination represents 10–15% of any given population, and currently totals 1.3 billion globally. This number is projected to rise to two billion by 2050, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), due to factors such as aging, illness, wars, and illiteracy. In the Middle East region alone, more than 50 million People of Determination are seeking access to the latest technologies and rehabilitation innovations to help them live more independently and improve their quality of life. The UAE continues to pursue its goal of becoming the world's best country in caring for and empowering People of Determination. This ambition is supported by unlimited backing from government entities and dedicated efforts from the private sector to deliver high-quality services to this long-neglected segment of society and disabled visitors from across the globe. A Global Platform for Empowerment The AccessAbilities Expo (AAE) stands out as the largest of its kind in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. It serves as a global platform supporting the UAE's vision to empower People of Determination and meet their aspirations for a dignified life. The 7th edition of the AccessAbilities Expo will be held from 6 to 8th of October at the Dubai World Trade Centre's Halls 5, 6, 7, and 8, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. The global event is expected to attract around 250 international exhibitors, brands, and rehabilitation centers from 50 countries, with over 15,000 visitors from more than 70 countries. Numerous government entities, both local and international, will also participate to explore how Assistive technologies can enhance their services for People of Determination. Empowering Through Advanced Technologies His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Patron of the AccessAbilities Expo, stated: "Assistive technology continues to evolve, offering advanced features that improve mobility and accessibility for People of Determination. I am pleased that Dubai plays a central role as a global hub providing modern technologies to more than 50 million People of Determination in the Middle East who are seeking solutions to enhance their quality of life. We remain committed to empowering them by bringing world-class technologies and best rehabilitation practices under one roof, supporting them to live more independently." Innovative Products Catering For All Types of Disabilities Organized by Nadd Al Shiba PR & Event Management, the AccessAbilities Expo will showcase several Assistive products for the first time in the Middle East. It is the largest platform for manufacturers and distributors of Assistive products, as well as a key supplier of these technologies to government bodies, rehabilitation centres, and healthcare and educational institutions working with People of Determination. Ghassan Suleiman, CEO of the AccessAbilities Expo, said: 'Strengthening empowerment, widening accessibility, and showcasing cutting-edge rehabilitation technologies are the core goals of the Expo. We aim to create more opportunities for over 50 million People of Determination and related centres across the Middle East region to explore these technologies first-hand and understand how they can have more independent and self-reliant lives." He added: 'This edition of AAE will also feature conferences, workshops, and free screenings, including the MENA Inclusion Summit - Advancing Global Best Practices for Equitable and Inclusive Education, the 5th edition Accessible Travel and Tourism International Conference, and, for the first time, a specialized conference on the Deaf community, alongside sports, arts, and health activities." 4,500 Assistive Technologies With over 4,500 globally recognized technologies addressing mobility, visual, auditory, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders, the Expo plays a crucial role in empowering People of Determination, who make up 10–15% of any country's population. According to the World Health Organization, only 1 in 10 people in need of assistive technology currently has access to it due to high costs, lack of awareness or availability, insufficient trained personnel, and weak policies. Assistive technology is a broad term encompassing both products and services that enhance functionality and independence. These tools, ranging from hearing aids and wheelchairs to communication devices, eyeglasses, prosthetics, and more—help individuals maintain or improve their functional ability and independence, thus improving their overall well-being. Over one billion people worldwide currently need one or more of these products. International disability experts estimate that by 2030, over 2 billion people will require at least one assistive product, with many elderly individuals needing two or more. A latest WHO report on Assistive technology revealed that about 90% of people who need it globally do not have access. A survey of 70 countries found significant gaps in service delivery and trained workforces, especially in cognition, communication, and self-care. For media enquiries, please contact: Ghassan Suleiman Media Consultant Nadd Al Shiba PR & Event Management Email: ghassansuleiman@
Al Etihad
10-07-2025
- Al Etihad
Organised by Department of Community Development, 2nd Social Care Forum to take place in Abu Dhabi
10 July 2025 16:15 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi has announced the second edition of the Social Care Forum. Under the theme 'Future-Ready Social Care: People, Practice, and Policy,' the forum will take place on September 24–25, 2025 at Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. The forum is in line with the aspirations of the UAE Year of Community, and is part of Abu Dhabi's ongoing efforts to strengthen the social care ecosystem and foster strategic dialogue aimed at enhancing quality of forum will bring together leading experts, decision-makers, and local and international specialists in the social sector to explore key trends and developments in this vital forum builds on the success of its first edition, launched by the Department in 2024, which served as a strategic platform for social care stakeholders to address key challenges and opportunities, and contributed to strengthening Abu Dhabi's integrated social care forum supports ongoing efforts to enhance quality of life through developing social policies and services and exchanging global experiences and best Director of the Licensing and Social Control Sector at the Department of Community Development, Mubarak Al Ameri, said that the first edition of the Social Care Forum served as a pioneering regional platform that brought together a wide range of local and international professionals and enriched strategic dialogue based on knowledge and practical experience.'In this second edition, we continue to build on that momentum by deepening the discussions and expanding participation around the future of the social care system.'He stated that this year's forum focuses on key themes, including the future of social policies, workforce empowerment, data-driven practices, as well as the role of partnerships, technology, and innovation in developing sustainable social solutions. The forum also aligns with the objectives of the UAE Year of the Community through supporting families and communities and enhancing social cohesion and second edition of the forum will highlight a wide range of essential topics that align with future trends in the social care sector, including the role of governments in shaping the future of care, the impact of digital transformation and artificial intelligence on service delivery and its implications for social care professionals and institutions, the empowerment of specialised workforces, and the strengthening of public-private partnerships. It will also explore emerging social issues such as child protection and family cohesion, while emphasising the importance of adopting inclusive and evidence-based care models that meet the needs of all community groups, including children, youth, senior citizens, and forum will also focus on topics such as attracting young talent, promoting supportive work environments, and developing proactive support programmes that cover different life stages. It will explore successful global experiences in social policy and dedicate space to showcasing the work of field professionals and presenting innovative models that can be applied in sessions will feature hands-on presentations and direct audience discussions addressing various topics such as elder care, family empowerment, youth development, and the measurement of social policy forum will also offer a specialised training programme through certified tracks covering critical topics including the use of artificial intelligence in social care services, child protection and early risk detection, trauma-informed case management, and child and parent-centred family care. These programmes represent a valuable opportunity to enhance the competencies of social care professionals and develop their practical skills within a long-term professional development journey. The Social Care Forum reflects the Department of Community Development's commitment to building a safe and inclusive social environment in Abu Dhabi by developing policies and programmes based on global best practices, activating collaboration frameworks and knowledge exchange to drive meaningful impact and build a modern
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Zawya
UAEU and the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi celebrate graduation of the third cohort of the social care professionals capacity-building program
Abu Dhabi – The United Arab Emirates University, represented by the College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Continuing Education Center, celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of the Social Care Professionals Capacity-Building Program. The ceremony was held in collaboration with the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, represented by the Social Licensing and Regulatory Sector, at Hilton Yas Island Hotel in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of representatives from partner entities and faculty members. This program reflects the strategic partnership between the university and the Department, and their shared commitment to developing specialized national talent and enhancing the quality and efficiency of social services in Abu Dhabi. The graduating cohort included 130 professionals from both government and private social sector institutions, enrolled in three specialized professional diplomas: Social Work Practice Skills, Non-Clinical Psychology, and School Counseling. In his speech during the ceremony, Professor Mohamed Bin Huwaiden, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at UAEU, emphasized the program as a genuine investment in the Emirati individual, stating: 'At UAEU, we believe that national development cannot be achieved without nurturing the human being from within. Our professional programs, including this one, aim to provide society with field-ready specialists aligned with the vision of our wise leadership, which places the individual as the nation's highest value and greatest asset.' He added: 'Human-centered professions—especially social work and psychology—are not a luxury, but a national necessity, equally vital as any scientific discipline.' Professor Bin Huwaiden also praised the fruitful partnership with the Department of Community Development, stating: 'We are proud of our partnership with the Department, a conscious national partner that shares our belief that empowering professionals is key to empowering the community.' He extended his thanks to the Continuing Education Center at UAEU for their significant role in organizing and managing the program with high efficiency. From his side, Mr. Mubarak Al Ameri, Executive Director of the Social Licensing and Regulatory Sector at the Department of Community Development, explained that the program is part of the Department's efforts to qualify social care professionals according to the highest recognized professional standards. He stressed that developing human capital in the social sector is the cornerstone of building comprehensive and integrated social services. Al Ameri noted that participants were drawn from various institutions, including public schools, the Family Development Foundation, Family Care Authority, Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, the Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute, and several private social sector institutions. It is worth noting that since its launch in 2022, the program has graduated 111 participants in its first cohort and 42 in its second in 2023, bringing the total number of graduates to over 283 professionals to date. At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates were distributed to graduates, followed by a group photo to commemorate this important milestone in their professional journey. Attendees praised the joint efforts of the university and the Department in offering high-quality programs that align with the UAE's aspirations for the social care sector and reflect its vision for human development and empowerment. About the Department of Community Development The Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi (DCD) was established in 2018 with the aim of regulating and controlling the social sector through legislation, policies, strategies, standards, and operational and executive systems. It aims to enhance the quality of life of the Abu Dhabi community and provide high-quality and efficient social services that meet the needs of all sectors of society. The department seeks to promote awareness and knowledge and find innovative social solutions to the most important social challenges and issues.
