Zayed Authority For People Of Determination's 2025 Initiatives Strengthen Inclusion And Empowerment In The UAE

The Zayed Authority for People of Determination made significant strides in 2025, focusing on empowering and integrating People of Determination (PoD) within the UAE. Through various initiatives, the Authority aimed to support PoD in education, healthcare, sports, and employment. It expanded its services across Abu Dhabi, ensuring full inclusion and active participation in national development.

In a notable achievement, the Authority received the Zero Project Global Award 2026 for its initiative on issuing parking permits for PoD. This project exemplifies digital transformation in government services by allowing users to apply electronically and receive permits swiftly through automated systems. The initiative enhances service efficiency and independence for PoD.

The Authority strengthened its global presence by participating in international events like the 18th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the United Nations Headquarters. It also took part in the Second Global Social Development Summit in Doha, collaborating with various international organisations to promote inclusion.

To further bolster international partnerships, the Authority renewed its memorandum of understanding with the China Disabled Persons’ Federation. This renewal aims to enhance experience exchange in supporting PoD. Additionally, it signed an agreement with the International Disability Alliance to share knowledge and coordinate global initiatives.

The year 2025 marked a pivotal moment as the Authority transformed into Zayed Authority for People of Determination under Abu Dhabi’s social sector. This change enhances institutional integration and accelerates goals related to inclusive development. The Authority launched its 2026 Strategy (Nebrasna), focusing on empowerment, inclusion, digital transformation, and community sustainability.

Locally, the Authority initiated several projects like "Early Intervention – Together We Begin" to improve children's quality of life through developmental screening. Another project is "We Read" Learning Lab in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, empowering individuals with cerebral palsy through digital transactions and advanced educational environments.

Innovative Programmes and Achievements

The Authority organised the first edition of the People of Determination Skills Competition 2025 with 137 students participating from centres across Abu Dhabi. This competition aims to enhance vocational skills and promote community integration by simulating real labour market settings.

In a groundbreaking achievement, nine members earned Specialty Coffee Association Level 1 Barista Certification, becoming the first PoD worldwide to receive this qualification. The Authority also celebrated official accreditation of its vocational education programs at Levels 1 and 2 of the National Qualifications Framework.

Cultural Initiatives and Community Engagement

Under "Connecting Through Art," the third edition of "Gifted Determination" was organised in collaboration with cultural authorities. This initiative celebrates poetry writing as artistic expression while encouraging PoD to explore creative talents. The Authority also launched a professional diploma for parents of PoD to develop skills needed for better support.

The Authority expanded partnerships with sports federations to support PoD participation in sports programs. It launched an AI-powered smart robot project dedicated to issuing PoD cards, reflecting commitment to advanced technologies serving human needs.

Commitment to Inclusion

Zayed Authority continues advancing its vision by empowering PoD through initiatives that enhance independence and strengthen inclusion. These efforts contribute significantly towards building a diverse, inclusive society aligned with UAE's aspirations for sustainable development.

With inputs from WAM