Latest news with #Takween
Sharjah 24
29-07-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah: Model of social integration and sustainable development
An inclusive educational environment Sharjah's commitment to comprehensive inclusion is seen across several key sectors essential to the health and well-being of individuals in the community. In the field of education, the emirate has played a significant role in inclusive education and pedagogical rehabilitation. Since its establishment, the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) has actively worked to integrate individuals with disabilities into schools and the broader community, while advocating for an accessible built environment that allows for easy and safe mobility. These significant efforts have enabled the integration of many students with disabilities into schools within an educational environment rooted in equality and specialised educational support. Sharjah has also provided early intervention services, family care, and individualised rehabilitation for children. In parallel, economic initiatives like Takween were launched with the goal of producing goods handcrafted by persons with disabilities, serving as a model for the shift from care to empowerment, and showcasing their ability to create independent artistic and craftwork that supports economic inclusion. Furthermore, the University of Sharjah established the Disability Resource Center to provide academic and technical support to students with disabilities, ensuring their full participation on campus from admission through graduation and achieving an inclusive and comprehensive educational experience. On the social and psychological front, several institutions in Sharjah organise seasonal programs that include a range of activities for persons with disabilities, such as art workshops, sports events, and psychological support. These initiatives are part of a broader community strategy aimed at improving quality of life and fostering a sense of inclusion and acceptance. Alignment with national policies At the legislative and legal level, Sharjah's efforts are fully aligned with federal laws and policies notably Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 concerning the rights of persons with disabilities. The emirate has continuously worked to connect health, education, economic, and social sectors to ensure a sustainable and integrated approach to inclusion. The significance of these efforts is underlined by data from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which reveals that excluding persons with disabilities from the labor market can result in losses ranging from 1% to 7% in the GDP of some countries. This highlights the profound economic and innovative impact of inclusive and integrative policies. Inclusion International's World Congress 2025, 'We are Inclusion', taking place in Sharjah this year, reinforces the significance of inclusive policies in achieving sustainable development. Aligning with the UN 2030 Goal Agenda, particularly Goal 10, which aims to 'reduce inequality' and emphasises that 'social and economic inclusion of all, regardless of age, gender, or disability,' is essential to building sustainable societies. Sharjah: A Global Call for Inclusion and Diversity Through this World Congress, Sharjah is calling out to the global community that building communities cannot be complete without everyone's contribution. Inclusion is not only a humanitarian principle but also a developmental, economic, and cultural policy, and a fundamental human right that must not be compromised.
Zawya
29-07-2025
- General
- Zawya
Sharjah: A global standard for inclusion and a model of social integration and sustainable development
Sharjah: Hosting the World Congress 2025 'We Are Inclusion" in the Emirate of Sharjah is a culmination of a longstanding humanitarian and developmental journey that has solidified its position as a global model for comprehensive social inclusion. This path led to Sharjah being named a "Disability-Friendly City" in 2018 by the World Disability Union, following the emirate's extensive efforts to develop its infrastructure to ensure full and safe accessibility to all public facilities and services. An inclusive educational environment Sharjah's commitment to comprehensive inclusion is seen across several key sectors essential to the health and well-being of individuals in the community. In the field of education, the emirate has played a significant role in inclusive education and pedagogical rehabilitation. Since its establishment, the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) has actively worked to integrate individuals with disabilities into schools and the broader community, while advocating for an accessible built environment that allows for easy and safe mobility. These significant efforts have enabled the integration of many students with disabilities into schools within an educational environment rooted in equality and specialised educational support. Sharjah has also provided early intervention services, family care, and individualised rehabilitation for children. In parallel, economic initiatives like Takween were launched with the goal of producing goods handcrafted by persons with disabilities, serving as a model for the shift from care to empowerment, and showcasing their ability to create independent artistic and craftwork that supports economic inclusion. Furthermore, the University of Sharjah established the Disability Resource Center to provide academic and technical support to students with disabilities, ensuring their full participation on campus from admission through graduation and achieving an inclusive and comprehensive educational experience. On the social and psychological front, several institutions in Sharjah organise seasonal programs that include a range of activities for persons with disabilities, such as art workshops, sports events, and psychological support. These initiatives are part of a broader community strategy aimed at improving quality of life and fostering a sense of inclusion and acceptance. Alignment with national policies At the legislative and legal level, Sharjah's efforts are fully aligned with federal laws and policies notably Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 concerning the rights of persons with disabilities. The emirate has continuously worked to connect health, education, economic, and social sectors to ensure a sustainable and integrated approach to inclusion. The significance of these efforts is underlined by data from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which reveals that excluding persons with disabilities from the labor market can result in losses ranging from 1% to 7% in the GDP of some countries. This highlights the profound economic and innovative impact of inclusive and integrative policies. Inclusion International's World Congress 2025, 'We are Inclusion', taking place in Sharjah this year, reinforces the significance of inclusive policies in achieving sustainable development. Aligning with the UN 2030 Goal Agenda, particularly Goal 10, which aims to 'reduce inequality' and emphasises that 'social and economic inclusion of all, regardless of age, gender, or disability,' is essential to building sustainable societies. Sharjah: A Global Call for Inclusion and Diversity Through this World Congress, Sharjah is calling out to the global community that building communities cannot be complete without everyone's contribution. Inclusion is not only a humanitarian principle but also a developmental, economic, and cultural policy, and a fundamental human right that must not be compromised.
Sharjah 24
07-07-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Inclusive jobs for people with disabilities in UAE restaurants
The memorandum was signed on behalf of SCHS by Ms. Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director General, and on behalf of Americana Restaurants by Mr. Harsh Bansal, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Growth Officer of Americana Restaurants International. The employment contracts were signed directly in the presence of the people with hearing impairments who will be employed. Prior to the signing ceremony, which took place at the SCHS headquarters in the Al Badi' suburb (Barashi neighborhood), the company delegation viewed an introductory presentation on the city's most important programmes and services for its members with disabilities, in accordance with international best practices. Following the signing of the memorandum and employment contracts, the delegation was also introduced to "Takween" products, which are handcrafted by members of the Masarat Centre for Development and Empowerment with professionalism, skill, and mastery. Supporting & empowering people with disabilities Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei called on institutions to provide job opportunities that are suitable for people with disabilities, emphasising that SCHS is keen to provide opportunities and initiatives that empower and support people with disabilities in various fields. She called on institutions to create job opportunities that suit people with disabilities, based on their disabilities, and to believe in their abilities and talents, while facilitating information about the work environment. Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei pointed out that the Humanitarian Services Department presents itself as a model to be emulated in this field, with 70 of its 766 employees being persons with disabilities, according to the latest approved statistics. The City plays a pivotal role in empowering persons with disabilities by providing appropriate employment opportunities. It also works to rehabilitate, train, and employ persons with disabilities, in addition to providing social support and community awareness to them and their families. Building bridges of communication to achieve SCHS strategic goals Al Yafei pointed out the City's commitment to building bridges of communication and developing cooperation with various entities and institutions inside and outside the country, contributing to the achievement of its interim and strategic goals, in accordance with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the directives of Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela bint Muhammad Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the City. Sheikha Jameela bint Muhammad Al Qasimi praised the consolidation of cooperation with Americana Restaurants International through the memorandum of understanding, which primarily aims to empower and employ and integrate persons with hearing disabilities, and raise awareness of their issues. In conclusion, Ms. Mona commended Americana Restaurants' commitment to cooperating with the city, calling on relevant community institutions to support this initiative and consolidate cooperation with humanitarian services in all areas, including the employment of people with disabilities. She extended her sincere thanks to the company's management, hoping for further cooperation in the future. Integrating people with disabilities into inclusive work environments Mr. Harsh Bansal, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Growth Officer at Americana Restaurants, said that the memorandum of understanding signed with SCHS reflects Americana's unwavering commitment to empowering people with hearing disabilities and integrating them into inclusive work environments that celebrate their abilities and provide them with the space to innovate and contribute effectively. Bansal added that the partnership falls within the "Opportunities for All" initiative, which aims to create inclusive work environments that provide fair and equal opportunities." He expressed the company's pride in cooperating with SCHS, appreciating the leadership efforts of Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the City, and the efforts of Her Excellency Ms. Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director General of the City, and the City's work team, who contributed to turning this initiative into a tangible reality. Bansal concluded by saying that Americana Restaurants doesn't just serve food; they build integrated communities around its joy. Through this partnership, Americana seeks to instil a culture of inclusive work and enhance empowerment opportunities in the restaurant sector within the UAE and across the region.
CairoScene
18-06-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Esna Revived: Egypt Returns to Aga Khan Award Shortlist After Decades
Esna Revived: Egypt Returns to Aga Khan Award Shortlist After Decades The Revitalization of Esna by Takween has been rapped by the Aga Khan Awards due to its thoughtful bottom-up approach. In 2009, Takween - an Egyptian urban development company - began its venture in the ancient and then-forgotten Upper Egyptian city of Esna with a question: 'Can the future of medium-sized, underprivileged cities in Egypt be reimagined?' This inquiry led to a 15-year partnership with the city's people, working together to preserve and revitalise its built heritage. This year, these efforts have garnered international recognition, placing an Egyptian project on the Aga Khan Award for Architecture's (AKAA) shortlist for the first time in decades. Located 60 kilometres south of Luxor, Esna has long been overlooked by Egypt's cultural tourism map. The city's rich offering of Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern heritage was reduced to a single attraction: the Temple of Khnum. Everything beyond it - its caravanserais, local markets, Ottoman-era houses, and community stories - faced neglect, with some areas even slated for demolition. Aerial view of Esna with the Temple of Khnum at the centre © Takween ICD / Ahmed Mostafa What followed was not a top-down restoration project, but a community-driven transformation model. Takween conserved 20 heritage buildings, activated thousands of job opportunities, upgraded 17 community-managed services, and helped rebrand the city with a new visual identity all while centering local participation, especially women's involvement in tourism activities. The AKAA 2025 shortlist places among the architectural giants of our time. It's a meaningful return for Egypt, which last appeared on the AKAA shortlist in 2004 with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Prior to that, Egypt had won the award seven times, including for the Nubian Museum in 2001. But what makes Esna's recognition all the more powerful is its bottom-up approach. Unlike iconic state-led structures, this project thrived through grassroots involvement, strategic partnerships, and support from institutions such as the US government, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and AECID (Spanish Cooperation). It is a compelling example of how heritage, when nurtured with care and vision, can become an engine for society to bloom. Revitalisation of Historic Esna. ©Takween ICD / Xenia Nikolskaya with Courtesy of Aga Khan Trust for Culture One of the most iconic sites of this initiative is Wakalat al-Geddawi, an 18th-century caravanserai that once pulsed with regional trade but had fallen into ruin. Between 2018 and 2021, Takween led a meticulous conservation and adaptive reuse project that reintroduced the structure as a cultural anchor for both residents and visitors. The building's mudbrick and wood architecture, with its decorative panels and inner courtyard, now stands restored as a record of local craftsmanship. The initiative also included upgrades to the historic Qisariyya Market and Bazaar Street, the restoration of the 19th-century Royal Guesthouse, and the rehabilitation of 15 other architecturally significant sites, collectively weaving Esna's built heritage back into daily civic life. As Takween celebrates this milestone, they continue to invite others into the journey: architects, city planners, policymakers, and citizens alike. As Takween said in their announcement celebrating the shortlisting—"Esna is not an isolated success. It's a prototype for what is possible when architecture serves people, stories, and place.'
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi: Takween incurs higher losses in Q1-25; accumulated losses hit 40% of capital
Riyadh – Takween Advanced Industries Company suffered 138.15% higher net losses at SAR 9.51 million in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, compared to SAR 3.99 million in Q1-24. The revenues shrank by 20.82% to SAR 145 million as of 31 March 2025 from SAR 183.14 million a year earlier, according to the financial results. Loss per share hit SAR 0.12 in the first three months (3M) of 2025, versus SAR 0.07 in Q1-24. Quarterly, the Q1-25 revenues climbed by 1.49% from SAR 142.86 million as of 31 December 2024, while the net losses plunged by 80.96% from SAR 50 million. Accumulated Losses Takween reported accumulated losses valued at SAR 307.86 million at the end of March 2025, equivalent to 40.26% of the capital. The Saudi group incurred net losses worth SAR 75.83 million in 2024, down by 66.04% from SAR 223.33 million in 2023. All Rights Reserved - Mubasher Info © 2005 - 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
