ABU DHABI

As part of the humanitarian and social initiatives of the late Sheikh Zayed the Good and the Giving, may God rest his soul, Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination was established. This year marks the 20th anniversary of its establishment. The late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during his tenure as Crown Prince, issued Law No. 2 on April 19, 2004, establishing the organization to bring together the humanitarian service centers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

More than 27,000 beneficiaries of the organization’s services and over 1,800 students in the care centers affiliated with the organization.

Strategic partnerships and cooperation with Arab and international entities and specialized global organizations to achieve the best interests of its members from various categories of People of Determination.

Khalid bin Zayed: The support of the wise leadership for the organization's journey and its wise directives are the strong driving force behind enabling the organization to fulfill its noble humanitarian mission.

Al Hamidan: The organization, thanks to willpower, ambition, and capability, has managed to move People of Determination from dependency to empowerment and participation side by side with their peers in society.





As part of the humanitarian and social initiatives of the late Sheikh Zayed the Good and the Giving, may God rest his soul, Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination was established. This year marks the 20th anniversary of its establishment. The late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during his tenure as Crown Prince, issued Law No. 2 on April 19, 2004, establishing the organization to bring together the humanitarian service centers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi under one umbrella. The goal was to unify the efforts made in this field and to enhance the efficiency of services provided to these categories of People of Determination, making it a beacon for serving the Emirati people. Here, the contributions of our brothers and sons from these categories flourish, enabling them to contribute to the development of their country proudly and honorably without diminishing their rights or contributions.

Throughout its journey in serving one of the dearest segments of our society, People of Determination, the organization has kept a primary goal in sight: striving to empower and integrate them into society as active participants in the building and development process on this generous land. The organization continues to receive full support and backing from the wise leadership, represented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him. Supervised and monitored by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, who continuously oversees the organization's projects, centers, and programs to serve our sons and daughters from these categories.


Attention to humanitarian care fields is one of the civilized aspects that countries strive to prioritize as a sign of sophistication and cultural development. In the United Arab Emirates, special attention to People of Determination is at the forefront of priorities as an indicator of these aspects within society by investing human resources in the development process. The UAE affirms its commitment to continuing its policy aimed at enhancing the empowerment and protection of the rights of People of Determination and their integration into the development journey as part of the comprehensive national strategy concerned with enhancing and protecting human rights in the country.

The United Arab Emirates places wide attention on its citizens from various categories, especially People of Determination, to ensure their empowerment and integration into society and to utilize their energies in work and construction. The UAE issued Federal Law No. (29) of 2006, which guarantees their rights in all fields, including health, education, employment, and social domains. Additionally, the national policy for empowering People of Determination was launched to achieve their active participation and equal opportunities in an inclusive society. Furthermore, the policy for protecting People of Determination from abuse aims to combat all forms of abuse they might face, such as being deprived of essential care, rehabilitation, medical care, entertainment, and social integration, or being exploited for financial gain.


His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, launched the comprehensive strategy for People of Determination in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for 2020-2024, with the participation of more than 28 local and federal government entities. The goal is to make the emirate an inclusive, prepared, and enabling city for People of Determination.

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, praised the unlimited support and continuous care the organization receives from our wise leadership, represented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him. He stated that the support and wise directives of the leadership are the strong driving force behind enabling the organization to achieve its noble humanitarian mission, embody its vision, and translate its goals to serve all categories benefiting from the services provided by the organization in alignment with the main social objectives outlined in the Abu Dhabi Government agenda.

His Highness considered the achievements of the UAE in the fields of protection, rehabilitation, and enhancement of the integration of People of Determination over a short period as a reflection of the country's commitment to its policy, which considers People of Determination an integral part of national plans, programs, and policies. These ensure everyone's right to play their role within their community and to receive all their rights, including active participation in the development journey. He emphasized the organization's determination and confidence to follow the footsteps of our wise leadership, which has outlined a cohesive society among its members and categories, characterized by values of justice and tolerance, and acceptance of all.

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that the distinguished results and achievements of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination in two decades of humanitarian work are a source of pride for its management and staff. Among the most notable achievements are delivering care and rehabilitation services to People of Determination across all areas of the emirate, opening new care and rehabilitation centers, bringing the total to 15 care and rehabilitation centers, three specialized departments, and three sports clubs. These are spread across the emirate of Abu Dhabi, including Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, serving more than 27,000 beneficiaries, including over 1,800 People of Determination enrolled in the organization’s centers. The services provided by the affiliated centers have expanded to 31 main and subsidiary services, with the introduction of new therapeutic units and departments.

In conclusion, His Highness said: We pledge to God Almighty and renew our allegiance and loyalty to our wise leadership to serve and elevate the status of our beloved country, the United Arab Emirates. We will continue to develop our work in the organization that proudly carries the dearest name to every citizen and resident, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, achieving the best interests of the People of Determination under our care.


His Excellency Abdullah Al Hamidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, stated: "As the organization embarks on a new era, we strive to achieve new accomplishments, add new services, and improve our work for the betterment of our members, People of Determination. We are committed to providing high-quality, distinguished services to People of Determination according to the highest global standards through various initiatives and vital projects implemented by the organization in different fields. We are expanding several new construction projects to accommodate all students of People of Determination and eliminate waiting lists. We continue to enhance and develop services generally, transforming them into electronic services, including primary services, supportive therapeutic services, assessment, early intervention, and other specialized services provided by the organization in its various centers across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi."

He emphasized that Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination has managed, thanks to willpower, ambition, and capability, to transition People of Determination from dependency to empowerment and participation alongside their peers in society.

His Excellency Abdullah Al Hamidan noted that during the last ten years of the organization's existence under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors, the organization has developed its work, priorities, and strategy, particularly in terms of leveraging technological advancement and using artificial intelligence to launch initiatives and projects for the benefit of its members. The organization has expanded its strategic partnerships and cooperation with several Arab and international entities and specialized global organizations to serve the interests of its members from various categories of People of Determination.

International and Arab partnerships to build bridges of cooperation and exchange expertise globally

To achieve the vision of the United Arab Emirates and the vision of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in serving People of Determination, and to extend bridges of cooperation and exchange expertise with all relevant entities at the local, regional, and global levels, the organization has established numerous partnerships at the Gulf, Arab, and international levels.

Egypt
The organization signed two cooperation agreements with the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports to implement the "Jusoor Amal Holding" program initiative, which aims to raise awareness among families of People of Determination in some rural areas of Egypt. Under the first agreement, 68 speech centers were developed in 27 Egyptian governorates within a year and a half. The second agreement involves the rehabilitation and development of 60 centers for People of Determination affiliated with the ministry, starting this year, providing internet services to these centers, and providing internet services to 68 centers. Additionally, the agreement includes establishing and funding medical caravans that will travel to several governorates in Egypt to provide urgent medical care to People of Determination and their families, with the support of "Holding" (ADQ).

Hocoma, Switzerland
Hocoma, the Swiss company specializing and leading globally in the development, manufacture, and marketing of robotic devices based on sensors, has designated the Smart Rehabilitation Lab at the organization as its sole reference center in the Middle East for therapeutic rehabilitation services using modern devices in rehabilitation programs. A memorandum of understanding was signed between both parties during the Arab Health Exhibition 2020 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.

OTP Bowerfind, Germany
The organization signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the German company OTP Bowerfind to establish a comprehensive central workshop for prosthetics and orthotics in the United Arab Emirates. This workshop will be located at the vocational rehabilitation workshops building of the organization in the Al Bahia area of Abu Dhabi, serving the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Additionally, it supports the employment of People of Determination according to their physical abilities by creating job opportunities that enable them to work in new fields previously unavailable in the labor market.

China Disabled Persons' Federation
The organization signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Disabled Persons' Federation to develop and exchange expertise between the two sides in services provided to People of Determination, including education, employment, rehabilitation, culture, arts, sports, and social services. This aims to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between them, benefiting the development of services provided to People of Determination in both the UAE and the People's Republic of China.

Topland General Trading
Topland General Trading has designated the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination as the exclusive center for manufacturing and producing lanyards with sunflower designs in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. These are crafted by People of Determination in the organization’s vocational rehabilitation workshops. This was established through a joint memorandum of understanding, under which the lanyards, adorned with the bee logo—signifying the distinguished products of People of Determination—will be produced in the UAE.

Southwestern University PHINMA, Philippines
The organization signed a joint memorandum of understanding with Southwestern University PHINMA in the Philippines, represented by the College of Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Medicine. The aim is to enhance and implement cooperation to train students of the Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy College from the university in the healthcare management departments of the organization’s care and rehabilitation centers. This focuses on neurorehabilitation services for children, as part of the strategic partnerships established by the organization.

Enlightened Capabilities Organization, Zambia
One of the most notable recent international initiatives was the donation, in cooperation and coordination with Burjeel Holding, of 100 hearing aids and several wheelchairs to People of Determination at the Magwero School for the Deaf in Chipata, eastern Zambia. This was part of the collaboration between the organization and the Enlightened Capabilities Organization in Zambia, aiming to provide special education for students with hearing impairments in Zambia and neighboring Malawi, as well as wheelchairs for children and adults with disabilities.

Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia
The organization signed a partnership with the prestigious Lomonosov Moscow State University, established in 1755 and the largest and oldest classical university in Russia. This partnership focuses on cooperation in scientific research in the fields of psychotherapy and neuropsychology, publishing research results, exchanging academic materials, publications, and other scientific information. It also includes collaboration in joint research projects, educational cooperation in master's programs, additional education for training specialists, and other fields. Furthermore, it covers educational and academic exchanges according to the legislation of the participating countries.

Ural Federal University, Russia
The organization signed a partnership with Ural Federal University in Russia. This cooperation focuses on artificial intelligence and establishing neuropsychological diagnostic labs within the organization. It also involves the exchange of academic materials, publications, and other scientific information, as well as collaboration in joint research projects and educational cooperation in master’s programs. Additional education will be provided to train specialists in psychology according to the organization’s needs. The organization also launched the Russian version of the "First Step" application, created by its staff in July 2020.

The organization signed a new partnership with the university to collaborate in research and development in the fields of psychology and psychiatry, aiming to enhance cooperation between different cultures and peoples, and to develop and encourage joint research and educational activities. Both parties will co-author the creation of the Emirati-Russian Psychology Dictionary.

H. Turner National Medical Research Center for Orthopedics and Trauma, Russia
The organization signed a memorandum of understanding with the H. Turner National Medical Research Center for Orthopedics and Trauma in the Russian Federation. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation and coordination in exchanging expertise, improving skills, and developing the capabilities of specialists from both sides in diagnosis, surgery, and rehabilitation. It also covers joint studies, coordination, and research, publishing their results, and exchanging academic resources, publications, and scientific information through cooperation and participation.

Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities
The organization, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea and LG Electronics, organized the final round of the Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities 2023 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region, the competition attracted more than 500 participants representing 18 countries, with 16 attending in person and two participating virtually via remote connection. Competitors gathered to compete in six different categories.


International Rehabilitation Conference 2024
Thanks to the unlimited support from the leadership, Abu Dhabi has been selected to host the World Rehabilitation Conference for the first time in the Middle East. This prestigious event, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, will take place from September 23 to 25, 2024, organized by the Zayed Higher Organization at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). This confirms Abu Dhabi's status as a preferred destination for global meetings, conferences, and exhibitions, and enhances its leadership in attracting international activities and events.

The organization signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding with Rehabilitation International (RI) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA) regarding hosting the conference. RI chose Abu Dhabi to host its World Rehabilitation Conference, held every four years, after a thorough evaluation and review process of proposals from various cities worldwide. Abu Dhabi was ultimately selected as the host city.

World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) World Congress 2027
The International Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) awarded Abu Dhabi the right to host its 20th session in 2027, marking the first time this event will be held in the Middle East and North Africa region. Organized by Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, the congress will explore shared visions for integrating People of Determination, specifically the deaf, into societies, and raising awareness about their rights, abilities, and importance in the development process.

This global gathering represents an opportunity to showcase Abu Dhabi's efforts, guided by the wise leadership, and its successful experience in caring for and empowering various categories of People of Determination, especially the deaf. It will highlight several initiatives and policies that align with global standards, demonstrating the commitment to caring for People of Determination to enable them to be active participants in sustainable development. Additionally, it will emphasize efforts to create a suitable environment that enhances the quality of life for People of Determination and their families, supports their capabilities to be productive and contributing members of society, and facilitates their integration into the community.
Page Last Update: 04 June 2024
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