People Of Determination Competitions Open At Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Pavilion

Competitions for People of Determination are underway at the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award pavilion within the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba. Running from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm daily until 10th February, the programme places inclusion, accessibility and social participation at its core, offering structured activities that highlight skills, creativity and cooperation among People of Determination and the wider community.

The initiative is organised by Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination in partnership with the Tolerance Club at Abu Dhabi University. The event aims to support empowerment, expand social and cultural engagement, and promote values of inclusivity, sustainability and tolerance. Activities are tailored so that abilities, rather than limitations, guide participation, helping to build confidence and encourage meaningful contact between participants and visitors.

The multi-day programme follows themed days that blend learning, play and cultural expression. "Teamwork Day" opens the schedule, offering interactive tasks for children, families and People of Determination that highlight cooperation, shared responsibility and social cohesion. Physical games are conducted in a controlled, accessible setting. Safety, inclusive design and respectful interaction are prioritised so that everyone can participate comfortably and with appropriate support.

The second day centres on artistic activities, encouraging participants to present creative work in formats suited to their abilities. Organisers place special focus on national identity, encouraging artwork that reflects the UAE’s heritage, symbols and shared values. On the third day, held under the theme of "Tolerance", a competition rewards the best artwork that expresses human values, respect for difference and appreciation of diversity across society.

The fourth day combines knowledge and dialogue, with an interactive awareness lecture led by specialists. The session aims to deepen understanding of community values, highlight inclusive behaviour and answer questions from participants and families. The final "Family Appreciation Day" celebrates the role of families in supporting People of Determination, with children creating visual messages that express gratitude, care and emotional support for family members.

Daily timings and themes for the People of Determination competitions are summarised below in a simple schedule for visitors and participants.

Throughout the event, visitors encounter additional engagement tools such as the "Interaction Wheel" and the "Gift System". These supporting activities run alongside the main competitions and are designed to maintain interaction, encourage dialogue and reward participation. They also help familiarise visitors with the experiences of People of Determination in a direct, practical and respectful manner.

Mubarak Al Qusaili Al Mansouri, Chair of the Festivals and Accompanying Competitions Committee of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, said dedicating these competitions to People of Determination demonstrates the Award’s ongoing focus on community-based initiatives. Al Mansouri highlighted close cooperation with Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination and Abu Dhabi University as central to planning and delivery.

Al Mansouri stated that organisers developed the competitions using standards that recognise varied abilities and protect equal access for all participants. The approach aligns with the Award’s humanitarian and community-focused values. According to Al Mansouri, the collaboration between the participating entities offers a practical example of institutional integration that supports a more inclusive and sustainable society at the festival and beyond.

The organising bodies provide a structured environment that responds to the needs of People of Determination through logistical support, technical assistance and specialised supervision. This framework is intended to ensure safety while encouraging independence. The competitions are expected to draw strong participation from People of Determination, their families and other visitors, reinforcing the UAE’s established commitment to empowering every segment of society.

With inputs from WAM