2025 Milestones: Zayed Authority's Commitment to Empowering People of Determination

Post by : Mara Rahim

In 2025, the Zayed Authority for People of Determination significantly advanced its mission of support and empowerment for individuals across the UAE. The focus was on fostering education, healthcare, sports, employment, and social integration, allowing People of Determination (PoD) to live with dignity while contributing actively to our nation's growth.

A major highlight this year was the recognition received through the Zero Project Global Award 2026 for its groundbreaking initiative, “Issuing Parking Permits for People of Determination.” This digital solution enables online applications and speedy permit distribution via automated connections with official databases, enhancing independence and service efficiency for PoD.

Throughout 2025, the Authority integrated into the Abu Dhabi social sector under the Department of Community Development, bolstering institutional cooperation and accelerating efforts towards inclusion and improved living standards for PoD. The unveiling of the 2026 strategy, named Nebrasna, marked a new chapter focusing on empowerment, inclusion, digital advancement, and community sustainability, accompanied by an internal initiative aimed at increasing awareness and belonging among staff.

Internationally, the Authority showcased the UAE's commitment at the 18th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP18) at the UN in New York, working to promote inclusivity via strategic partnerships. Additionally, participation in the Second Global Social Development Summit in Doha and partnerships with the International Disability Alliance and the China Disabled Persons’ Federation spotlighted an eagerness to exchange expertise and bolster global efforts for PoD.

The ongoing “Bridges of Hope” initiative with Egypt saw improvements in services for PoD through rehabilitation, speech therapy, and family outreach. In alignment with World Braille Day, it furthered global human fraternity through collaborations with the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi.

Numerous new programs launched in 2025 include the Early Intervention – Together We Begin initiative, which offers developmental screening for children from birth to eight years. The “We Read” Learning Lab empowers PoD, particularly those with cerebral palsy, to engage in digital transactions and access enhanced educational resources. The UAE–Russian Psychology Dictionary Award and two academic journals were introduced to promote research in rehabilitation and mental health.

Attention was also directed towards vocational training, evident in the inaugural People of Determination Skills Competition, which involved 137 students, and certification for nine PoD individuals as baristas under the Specialty Coffee Association Level 1 program. Collaborations with the Ministry of Higher Education secured national accreditation for vocational training at Levels 1 and 2.

Under H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Third International Conference on Advances in Autism Research convened over 500 experts, leading to the launch of specialized training in psychomotor therapy and creative projects like “Gifted Determination,” which encouraged poetry and arts among PoD.

Innovative endeavors included a professional diploma for parents, partnerships with sports federations, an AI-driven robot for issuing PoD cards, and improved mobility services via Q-Mobility.

Through these initiatives, the Zayed Authority for People of Determination relentlessly works to enhance independence, inclusion, and community participation, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a diverse, inclusive, and sustainable society.