Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination - 2024: A Remarkable Journey in Empowerment and Social Inclusion

Zayed Higher Organization (ZHO) marked significant strides in 2024, advancing its mission of caring for and rehabilitating various categories of People of Determination. Under the banner "Together Towards Excellence and Empowerment," the organization achieved exceptional milestones, benefiting over 25,000 individuals, including 1,870 students enrolled in its 19 care and rehabilitation centers across the emirate. This underscores its leading role in empowering and integrating People of Determination into the fabric of UAE society. These efforts align with the UAE's visionary approach that prioritizes the welfare and rights of People of Determination.

Inclusion and Empowerment in the Workforce

In the realm of workforce inclusion and empowerment, ZHO continued its efforts by providing employment opportunities for **80 People of Determination through partnerships with public and private sector entities. During the Global Rehabilitation Conference 2024, 24 organizations were honored for supporting the institution’s efforts to employ People of Determination. Furthermore, ZHO empowered 200 members through productive projects and enrolled 400 students with intellectual disabilities and autism in a Level 2 Work Readiness Certification Program.

Emirati Russian Psychology Dictionary
In collaboration with the Ural Federal University in Russia, ZHO launched the Emirati Russian Psychology Dictionary. The organization also developed a digital platform in partnership with the Emirates Research and Studies Center to convert the dictionary into a digital format, ensuring its storage in accredited databases. The initiative aims to register the dictionary with international publishing entities such as UNESCO and global library forums while ensuring compatibility with AI tools like ChatGPT. As part of this project, ZHO announced the launch of the "Psychology Dictionary Research Award" to encourage scientific research in this field.

Innovation in Serving People of Determination

Zayed Higher Organization (ZHO) launched the first-of-its-kind interactive showroom in the Middle East at its Innovation Center in Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Topland Company. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote social inclusion and provide innovative solutions that enhance the lives of People of Determination. It marks a significant step forward in advancing assistive technology innovation. The interactive showroom includes various zones such as the "Innovation Zone," "Education Zone," and "Hospitality Zone," showcasing a wide range of innovative products designed to ease daily life for individuals and businesses alike.

ZHO also secured first place in delivering outstanding customer services through the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Center, reaffirming its leadership as a supportive and inclusive entity for People of Determination. This achievement highlights the organization's pivotal role in enhancing their quality of life and ensuring a brighter future.

Participation in Community Events

ZHO's contributions extended beyond direct services to People of Determination, actively participating in significant community events.
- At the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, ZHO showcased a diverse range of products crafted by the skilled hands of People of Determination.
- During the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, ZHO displayed the talents and capabilities of its members, presenting examples of vocational workshop products made by People of Determination.
- ZHO also participated in the "With You, Lebanon" Campaign, a nationwide relief initiative under the supervision of the Emirates Red Crescent. The campaign aimed to support Lebanese families amidst challenging humanitarian conditions and critical circumstances.

Specialized Global Conferences

The Global Rehabilitation Conference 2024 was organized by Zayed Higher Organization (ZHO) for the first time in the Middle East under the theme "Work and Employment." The event brought together experts and specialists in the field of rehabilitation for People of Determination to exchange ideas and best practices. The conference concluded with the adoption of the **"Abu Dhabi Declaration for People of Determination," aimed at increasing employment rates for People of Determination and outlining clear plans to achieve this goal.

ZHO also hosted the 12th International Autism Research Conference titled "Challenges and Solutions," in collaboration with ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), and Lotus Holistic Group Abu Dhabi. The conference aimed to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder and maximize the benefits of practical research and specialized studies. A significant milestone was the launch of the first peer-reviewed scientific journal on autism, **"The International Journal of Autism Challenges and Solutions," representing a key scientific advancement in autism research and studies.

In addition, ZHO hosted the 34th European Arab Medical Congress at its headquarters for the first time in the congress's history. This event was organized in collaboration with the Emirates Research and Studies Center under the Emirates Foundation for Science and Research, the Union of Arab Doctors in Europe, the European Medical Association, and the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau.

The congress featured over 50 speakers from leading medical sectors and was attended by more than 500 physicians, academics, and scientists from official, medical, and scientific institutions. The event concluded with the announcement that Abu Dhabi will host the 2025 and 2026 editions of the congress, reaffirming the emirate's commitment to healthcare leadership and strengthening international collaboration, paving the way for a forward-looking future.

Healthcare and Social Services

Zayed Higher Organization (ZHO) launched numerous pioneering initiatives and projects aimed at improving the quality of life for People of Determination and enhancing their skills and abilities. Among these was the introduction of assessment and diagnostic services at Al Dhanna Hospital in Al Dhanna City, located in the Al Dhafra region, in collaboration with ADNOC. ZHO transferred its expertise in comprehensive assessment to the hospital's evaluation department and began training seven specialists on the policies, mechanisms, and diagnostic methods utilized by the organization.

Community and Sports Participation
To further enhance the integration of People of Determination into society, ZHO actively participated in various local and international events. These included the International Expo for People of Determination 2024 in Dubai, where the UAE's achievements in this field were showcased. Additionally, ZHO organized a series of workshops and awareness campaigns targeting the local community to promote understanding of the issues faced by People of Determination and their valuable role in society.

ZHO's athletes, representing its sports clubs in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, competed in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, achieving remarkable successes. They also participated in numerous local and regional sports events, demonstrating their exceptional capabilities and commitment to excellence.

Enhancing the Organization's International Reputation

The efforts of Zayed Higher Organization (ZHO) have gained international recognition. The organization hosted the Second Expanded Meeting for Disability Cooperation between the People's Republic of China and Arab countries, held alongside the Global Rehabilitation Conference 2024. Organized in collaboration with the China Disabled Persons' Federation under the Belt and Road Initiative, the meeting was titled "Enhancing Practical Cooperation for Inclusive Development." The event aimed to identify common ground, exchange experiences, and determine strategies to promote equitable and inclusive development for individuals across all categories of People of Determination.

Furthermore, His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO, received the flag for organizing and hosting the 20th International Conference of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 2027 in Abu Dhabi. This marks the first time the conference will be held in the Middle East and North Africa, under ZHO’s organization. The handover ceremony took place at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Al Wathba, attended by prominent leaders and officials, and was presented by Dr. Joseph Murray, President of the WFD.

"Bridges of Hope Holding" Program in Egypt

In collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and under the sponsorship of ADQ Holding, ZHO launched a new phase of the " Bridges of Hope Holding” Program to support and empower People of Determination across various governorates in Egypt. The program aims to provide comprehensive, free services to these communities through 60 centers affiliated with the ministry and to expand internet connectivity to these centers. Additionally, internet services will be extended to 68 centers that were established during the first phase.

The second phase of the program focuses on early intervention programs to support children in their early developmental stages, aiming to mitigate the negative effects of disabilities and reduce the likelihood of health deterioration.

ZHO also organized a series of medical awareness convoys under the auspices of ADQ Holding across Egypt’s governorates. These convoys, part of the " Bridges of Hope Holding", cover 12 diverse medical specialties, providing vital services and raising awareness in underserved areas.


International Initiatives for Gaza's Injured

Zayed Higher Organization (ZHO) inaugurated a new, fully integrated center specialized in assessing and supporting injured Palestinians. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Emirates Humanitarian City at its headquarters, provides comprehensive care services. These include **assessment sessions, various therapeutic treatments, prosthetic limb fittings, rehabilitation training, and physical therapy The center also offers emotional support and training for prosthetic use, along with wheelchairs, braces, and hearing aids for People of Determination and injured Palestinians who were transferred to the UAE for treatment and care.

Localization and Employment

ZHO launched the "MARS Program" to train healthcare graduates in Abu Dhabi. The program aims to empower national talents and facilitate their integration into the workforce, particularly in the healthcare sector, by providing targeted training and creating suitable job opportunities. The initiative helps graduates overcome challenges and successfully enter the labor market in coordination with strategic partners. Notably, ZHO achieved **100% localization** of executive and supervisory roles within its workforce, reflecting its commitment to national development.

Expanding Digital Reach

Through its social media accounts on various platforms, ZHO successfully conveyed its message to millions of followers across the digital sphere. The organization highlighted inspiring success stories of People of Determination and showcased diverse achievements. Looking ahead to 2030, ZHO aspires to achieve even greater milestones, including strengthening international partnerships and advancing innovative technologies to ensure the inclusion of People of Determination in all aspects of life.