UAE Sets New Benchmark for People of Determination Rights at UN
UAE demonstrated its steadfast dedication to include People of Determination in every aspect of life at COSP18. The country backed up its commitment with real actions and detailed policies. UAE now has a reliable support system with more than 35 government-run centers and 46 private facilities that help with rehabilitation and training. This support focuses on six key areas: healthcare, education, employment, social protection, accessibility, and community participation.
The Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination hosted a major event at the conference to promote partnerships that lead to inclusive development. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Community Development made its UN debut and shared its groundbreaking “Disability Friendly City & Community Framework” that’s being tested on Yas Island. They want to create an “Inclusive City Index” that cities worldwide can use, which strengthens UAE’s role as a pioneer in disability inclusion. People of Determination in UAE benefit from this nationwide strategy that creates equal opportunities and encourages their active participation in society.
UAE Showcases Leadership at COSP18
“The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has marked a significant shift, ensuring the voices of persons with disabilities are seen and heard.” — Lana Nusseibeh, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations
The UAE showed strong diplomatic leadership at the 18th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP18). The event took place at the United Nations headquarters in New York with representatives from over 180 countries.
Minister Sana bint Mohammed Suhail presented the UAE’s national statement during the General Debate. “In the United Arab Emirates, we believe that people with disabilities, or as we call them ‘People of Determination’, are partners in building the nation,” she stated. Her speech emphasized their right to equal opportunities in national development.
The UAE has proven its global leadership in disability inclusion by hosting major international events. These include the 2024 International Rehabilitation Conference and the 2019 Special Olympics. The country’s position as a regional and international leader grew stronger when the Asian Paralympic Committee established its headquarters in the UAE in 2019.
The UAE’s delegation at COSP18 brought together various national organizations:
- Ministry of Family
- Executive Council of Dubai
- Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi
- Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination
- Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity
- Asian Paralympic Committee
- Sedra Foundation
These organizations collaborated with the UAE’s Permanent Mission to the UN to create a unified approach between government, third-sector institutions, and the private sector.
The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi joined the UAE delegation for the first time. DCD shared Abu Dhabi’s groundbreaking approach to enhance the quality of life for People of Determination through the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination.
The ‘Disability Friendly City & Community Framework’ stood out among the initiatives discussed. Aldar Properties and other partners are currently testing this framework on Yas Island. Dr. Layla Al Hyas, Executive Director of the family care and child sector at DCD, explained that this pilot model “reflects a vision for holistic urban transformation based on the needs of individuals and prioritizing quality of life in both urban and social planning.”
The UAE continues to shape inclusive policies globally while implementing practical solutions locally.
Zayed Higher Organization Drives Global Inclusion
Image Source: Zayed Higher Organization
ZHO (Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination) has grown by a lot on the global stage. Their work to promote inclusion worldwide happens through strategic collaborations. ZHO shared a powerful message at their official side event during COSP18 at the UN headquarters in New York. They emphasized that “People of Determination are not just a topic for discussion at conferences—they are partners in policymaking and solutions”.
ZHO made history by joining Rehabilitation International (RI), a prestigious global network active in 100 countries. They became the first organization from the Middle East and North Africa region to join this network. This membership lets ZHO take part in RI’s global forums where they can share knowledge about disability research and practice.
The organization then partnered with Rehabilitation International and the International Social Security Association. Together, they will host the World Congress on Rehabilitation 2024 (WCR 24) in Abu Dhabi. This major event has drawn more than 170 research abstracts from experts in 58 countries. Over 1,000 international specialists will come together to tackle challenges in disability integration.
ZHO’s work goes beyond just conferences. They have signed strategic memorandums of understanding with:
- China Disabled Persons’ Federation – developing innovative projects like the Emirati-Chinese Sign Language Dictionary
- H. Turner National Medical Research Center (Russia) – improving rehabilitation expertise
- Ural Federal University – working together on psychological research
ZHO has launched the International Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation Studies. This scientific platform aims to “enhance global research and advocacy for People of Determination”. The journal, created with Rehabilitation International, will publish original research about rehabilitation techniques, disability rights, and inclusive practices.
These initiatives help ZHO achieve its mission to “build bridges of cooperation and exchange expertise with all relevant entities locally, regionally, and globally”. The UAE now stands as a global leader in disability inclusion.
Success Stories Highlight Real Impact
Image Source: The National
“Organizations representing persons with disabilities must be included in decision-making processes, particularly in conflict contexts.” — Lana Nusseibeh, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations
Personal stories from determined Emiratis highlighted UAE’s successful inclusion policies at COSP18. First-hand accounts showed how national strategies create life-changing opportunities for people.
Hamad Hazza Al Darmaki, coach at Al Ain Club for People of Determination, shared his remarkable story: “I returned from my studies in the US not only with a degree but with a mission. I founded the first football team for the Deaf in the UAE and the first official association for them.” His work on the Emirati Sign Language Dictionary with the Zayed Higher Organization helped preserve cultural identity through visual language.
Mira Al Shamsi, a genomic analyst at ZHO, believes health should be a fundamental right, not an optional service. “Comprehensive and inclusive health is not an additional service—it is a fundamental human right that must be ensured for all, especially persons with disabilities,” she stated. She explained ZHO’s analytical approach in the Emirati Genome Program that creates tailored interventions based on genetic diversity and social context.
Maryam Al Qubaisi received a multiple sclerosis diagnosis at 17 and turned her challenge into advocacy through her “Inclusive Design for Inclusion” initiative. “True innovation begins when we design technology with, not for, People of Determination,” she claimed. “The real barriers are not in the body but in thoughts and society.”
The achievements reach far beyond individual success stories. The 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi sparked a fundamental change throughout the UAE. Schools now build unified sports teams where students with and without disabilities play together. Many young Emiratis with intellectual disabilities excel beyond sports and deliver speeches at global conferences and become TEDx speakers.
These stories show UAE’s steadfast dedication to support every person of determination. The country builds communities that honor differences instead of hiding them.
A Model for Global Disability Inclusion
The United Arab Emirates proved itself a world leader in disability inclusion at the 18th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Without doubt, the country’s efforts go way beyond just changing words. Their choice to call individuals “People of Determination” shows a fundamental change in view that puts abilities first.
The UAE’s complete framework shows how government bodies, private organizations, and advocacy groups can work together. The six pillars of support—healthcare, education, employment, social protection, accessibility, and community participation—create an all-encompassing approach that other nations can adapt to their needs.
Success stories from determined Emiratis highlight these policies’ real-life effects. People whose talents were once overlooked now thrive thanks to structured support and cultural changes. True transformation needs both solid policies and society’s genuine acceptance.
The Zayed Higher Organization stands as one of the most important contributors, especially after becoming the first Middle Eastern organization in Rehabilitation International. On top of that, it launched the International Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, creating a platform for sharing knowledge globally to help People of Determination worldwide.
The groundbreaking “Disability Friendly City & Community Framework” being tested on Yas Island marks another crucial step forward. This framework could reshape how urban spaces meet different needs, building truly inclusive communities where differences become strengths, not barriers.
Despite these achievements, UAE’s representatives at COSP18 stressed that their experience toward complete inclusion continues. Their message struck a chord – People of Determination must actively shape the policies that affect them as partners in nation-building, not just service recipients.
The UAE’s thorough approach offers valuable lessons worldwide: inclusion needs coordination across sectors, meaningful involvement of People of Determination, and dedication at all government levels. Their example proves that when societies remove barriers and create opportunities, determination has no limits.
