Latest news with #PeopleOfDetermination
Zawya
3 days ago
- General
- Zawya
The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi organizes informational workshops on the 'Damj' award with participation from organizations across all sectors in the emirate
Dr. Layla Al Hyas: We invite all entities to submit initiatives that create tangible impact in the lives of People of Determination. Submissions for the award open on July 1st and will run through the end of August 2025. Abu Dhabi – The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi organized a series of interactive orientation workshops introducing the Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for People of Determination Inclusion – Damj. The sessions welcomed representatives from government, private, and third sector organizations across the emirate. These workshops aim to empower participating organizations to develop inclusive strategies and initiatives in line with global best practices. This aligns with Abu Dhabi's vision of building an inclusive society that provides equal opportunities for all. The sessions also introduced participants to the award's pillars, categories, and objectives, along with its assessment tool, participation criteria, and nomination process – all designed to foster a shared understanding and strengthen institutional inclusion efforts across workplaces, community services and accessibility. The workshops featured engaging sessions that outlined the award's role in recognizing and motivating entities to adopt inclusive services and equitable employment practices. The ultimate goal is to ensure the sustainability of inclusive practices that empower People of Determination in every aspect of life. The award is expected to engage over 600 entities across various sectors to provide inclusive, accessible environments – both physical and digital. It also seeks to enhance economic participation for People of Determination through more than 80 entities, offering over 500 inclusive services across six key sectors, representing a true commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and equality. One of the workshops highlights included inspiring personal testimonies from members of the People of Determination community. They shared their life experiences and the ongoing challenges they face in areas such as infrastructure, transport, accessibility, and education. They also emphasized the significant impact of multi-sector efforts from government, private, and third-sector partners in improving the quality of life for People of Determination and their families. The workshops also included a comprehensive presentation of the award's structure, which is built around 3 main pillars and 10 categories. The first is the Inclusive Services pillar, which features 6 categories covering the industries of health, education, tourism and entertainment, transportation and mobility, and third sector services. The second is the Inclusive Employment pillar, which includes two categories recognizing the best inclusive work environment for employing People of Determination. The third pillar focuses on Accessibility, with two categories honoring entities that excel in providing both physical and digital accessibility. The sessions further highlighted the specific criteria and requirements for each pillar and service, in addition to outlining the stages of assessment and the nomination submission process, supported by vivid examples for each service. The sessions also provided insights into evaluation criteria, nomination requirements, and examples illustrating the kinds of initiatives eligible for each category. Additionally, third-sector organizations presented models of their inclusive services, demonstrating their pivotal role in supporting People of Determination across different aspects of life. These presentations served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among attendees. Her Excellency Dr. Layla Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector at the Department of Community Development, affirmed that the Damj Award is a vital enabler for sustaining inclusive environments and practices. She described the award as a strategic driver that encourages entities to adopt forward-thinking policies promoting equal opportunity and empowering People of Determination as active partners in development. Dr. Al Hyas urged all public, private, and third-sector entities to leverage this opportunity to submit impactful, innovative initiatives that make a real difference in the lives of People of Determination. She emphasized that excellence in inclusion is not only about meeting standards but about creating sustainable, innovative, and measurable change. She added: "We are confident in Abu Dhabi's entities and their ability to lead inclusive transformation. Every initiative submitted today marks a step toward a more inclusive society." To conclude the workshop, the award team hosted a Q&A session, responding to participants' inquiries about the nomination process and requirements. The team also expressed its availability to hold one-on-one sessions with interested entities and encouraged communication via email at: damj@ It is worth noting that submissions for the Damj Award will open on July 1, 2025, and continue through August 31, 2025, followed by an assessment phase in September and October, with the winners to be honoured at an extraordinary ceremony in early 2026.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Dh70 million endowment project to support people of determination, chronic patients
The Endowments and Minors Funds Authority (Awqaf Abu Dhabi) and Aldar have partnered to develop a real estate endowment project, valued at Dh70 million, in support of the Awqaf Abu Dhabi Life Endowment campaign. Proceeds from the project will be dedicated to enhancing healthcare access, specifically by covering treatment costs and providing support for individuals with chronic illnesses, and, People of Determination. Awqaf Abu Dhabi will provide the land, while Aldar will lead with its design, development, and delivery. The project introduces an innovative and sustainable model of real estate investment, generating recurring income that will be reinvested into strengthening the healthcare system and enhance its capacity to meet future challenges. Launched by the Endowments and Minors Funds Authority (Awqaf Abu Dhabi), the Awqaf Abu Dhabi Life Endowment campaign, under the slogan 'With You For Life', aims to build a lasting fund to support the healthcare needs of underserved groups. This includes access to medications, mental health services and other forms of medical support.
Gulf Business
7 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Business
Inclusivity in the workplace: A strategic imperative for the UAE
Images: Supplied In today's fast-evolving work environment, inclusivity is no longer just a moral obligation but a strategic advantage. Yet many workplaces remain unprepared to meet employees' needs, leaving talent untapped and opportunities missed. To move forward, we must rethink what it means to create truly inclusive workplaces. Understanding the challenge In the UAE, protective laws safeguard the rights and wellbeing of People of Determination (POD), including people living with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Federal Law No 29 and Cabinet Decision No (43) of 2018 ensures equal opportunities and protection from discrimination for employees with special needs. Despite this robust regulatory framework, challenges persist. Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune condition, disrupts the central nervous system, causing debilitating symptoms, fatigue, and cognitive impairments. Global MS prevalence has risen, with 2.9 million cases reported in 2023. The UAE has transitioned into a moderately high-risk zone. In a whitepaper recently published by the National MS Society (NMSS), it was revealed that 36 per cent of unemployed PwMS who reported not working due to MS cited a lack of employer support as a key reason for leaving the workforce. The result is emotional distress, including anxiety and depression, driven by uncertainty, fatigue, and frustration. Many also face social isolation due to stigma and a lack of understanding from family, colleagues, and employers. The consequences ripple outward: higher unemployment, personal hardship, and lost opportunities, not only for individuals, but for the organisations that fail to harness their talent. A question worth asking Can we afford to think of workplace inclusivity as a luxury rather than a necessity? The answer is a resounding no. The cost of inaction is far too high for individuals, organisations, and society. MS often affects people at the peak of their working lives, with an average onset age of 26 years in the region. Without inclusive workplacess, many are forced to leave employment, facing financial instability, limited medical coverage, and missed opportunities for growth. The loss is equally significant for employers: skilled employees, institutional knowledge, and the innovation that comes from diverse teams. For society, the effects are systemic, weakening social cohesion and stunting economic progress. The path forward Addressing this challenge begins with awareness. A greater understanding of MS, its symptoms, impact, and simple accommodations should be integrated into workplace culture. Awareness training can empower teams to build inclusive environments. Flexible work arrangements are equally vital. For PwMS, remote work or flexible hours can mean the difference between career progression and unemployment. These are not extraordinary measures; they are practical, scalable solutions that make the workplace better for everyone. But true inclusivity requires structural change. Accessible infrastructure, such as ramps and elevators, must be matched with transparent systems for accommodation requests. Employers should rethink organizational structures to co-create career pathways with PwMS, adapting roles to fit both the individual and the business. One organisation helping to shape this path is the NMSS, which continues to elevate the conversation around inclusive employment by providing insights and resources tailored to the UAE context. Organisations that engage with employees as individuals with unique contributions and needs will see greater retention, stronger teams, and more loyal staff. Leading by example The UAE has a unique opportunity to set a global standard for workplace inclusivity. By building on existing frameworks, the nation can ensure consistent protection and signal its commitment to a future where every worker is valued. Countries like Germany and Japan have demonstrated how inclusive policies can drive national progress. By embedding inclusivity into its cultural and economic identity, the UAE is well-positioned to lead. The benefits, greater innovation, stronger teams, and a more equitable society are simply too significant to ignore. A shared responsibility Transformation relies on collaboration. Policymakers can refine existing legislation and lead awareness efforts. Employers must embed inclusivity into their values and operational systems. And society must embrace diversity as a strength, not a challenge. By creating workplaces where every individual's contribution is recognised, we pave the way for a future where So, is inclusivity a luxury? Or is it a necessity? It is neither. It is the very foundation on which thriving workplaces and thriving societies are built. Yasmin Mitwally works with with the National MS Society and Assia Nait Kassi is part of the MentalEdGroup.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Over 6000 taxis available on Bolt Platform: DTC
In a landmark move to elevate smart transportation services across the emirate, Dubai Taxi Company's (DTC) Partner Bolt, the global shared mobility platform, is thrilled to announce a major expansion in Dubai. Over 6,000 DTC Taxis, including People of Determination Taxis and Ladies and Family Taxis (Pink Taxis), are now available on the Bolt platform. This expansion reinforces DTC's commitment to enhancing ease and convenience for residents and visitors planning their commute with digital efficiency. With this significant milestone, Bolt is celebrating the launch with an introductory offer, of 30% cash back on the first three taxi rides, with no surge pricing guaranteed. With the rapid increase in demand for taxis, residents and visitors to Dubai will now have yet another option to seamlessly book taxis directly through the Bolt app, ensuring a stress-free and reliable start to their journey. Along with transparent pricing, the app has key differentiators, including a proprietary mapping system ensuring accurate routes, advanced in-app safety features like emergency buttons and live tracking, and a driver score system that promotes high service quality. This initiative reinforces Bolt's commitment to providing innovative and user-friendly mobility solutions that make travel easier for everyone. Aligned with Dubai Taxi's ambitious growth and the Dubai government's directive to transition 80% of taxi trips to e-booking in the coming years, the addition of taxi services marks a significant milestone in enhancing and expanding digital transportation services. By leveraging Bolt's world-class platform, DTC is set to unlock a greater share of the AED 6 billion market opportunity within Dubai's rapidly evolving taxi and e-hailing sector. This initiative is part of DTC's new strategy for 2025–2029, which is set to solidify its leadership and reinforce its position as the largest taxi operator in the emirates and a regional leader in the transportation sector. Ammar Al Braiki, Chief Operations Officer, Dubai Taxi Company, said, 'The integration of over 6,000 DTC's vehicles onto the Bolt app represents a major step toward realising our vision of creating the UAE's largest e-hailing platform. This milestone underscores our commitment to enhancing and expanding digital transportation services, reflecting both innovation and our shared goal of offering greater convenience and efficiency for users across the emirate.' 'Looking ahead, we envision Bolt's reach expanding beyond Dubai into other emirates and verticals. This aligns seamlessly with our mission to support Dubai's vision of a smart, sustainable city, fostering innovation and environmental responsibility in every step we take,' he added.
Emirates 24/7
22-05-2025
- General
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Culture Launches ‘Close to You' Initiative to Empower People of Determination
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has launched its 'Close to You' initiative to support employees who are People of Determination by improving satisfaction, promoting personal and professional development, and encouraging active participation in Dubai's cultural scene. This effort is part of Dubai Culture's commitment to social responsibility and aligns with the Dubai Government's 'My Community... A City for Everyone' initiative, which aims to make the city fully inclusive and accessible for People of Determination. As a first step, the Authority held the inaugural annual meeting of its People of Determination Council at Al Safa Art & Design Library. Department heads, employees of determination, and their families gathered to foster open dialogue and engagement. Participants shared innovative ideas and practical solutions to expand accessibility measures and discussed how to bring them to life. The session also examined ways Dubai Culture can further build a more welcoming work environment that reflects the aspirations and needs of its diverse team. Dubai Culture earned ten Autism-Friendly Certifications (AFC) from the Dubai Autism Center. These recognitions underscore the Authority's success in delivering on all aspects of an inclusive space: staff preparedness, facility adaptations, and tailored services for People of Determination. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
