People Of Determination Empowerment Through UAE MoU Between Zayed Authority And Americana Restaurants

Zayed Authority for People of Determination has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Americana Restaurants to expand employment opportunities for members of the deaf community across the company’s cafés and restaurants in the UAE. The agreement supports the broader ‘Opportunity4All’ initiative and aligns with national efforts that prioritise economic inclusion and social participation for People of Determination.

The MoU establishes a framework for sustainable jobs that match candidates’ qualifications and abilities, with fair pay and clear career paths. It also requires suitable physical and psychological working conditions, including accessible facilities and communication support. Americana Restaurants will appoint a trained supervisor dedicated to employees from the deaf community, following recognised best-practice standards.

Under the agreement, Zayed Authority for People of Determination and Americana Restaurants will work jointly to select and nominate qualified candidates from the deaf community. The partners will roll out tailored training and rehabilitation programmes, alongside internal development courses, designed to support professional growth and long-term progression within the restaurant sector across the UAE.

The MoU further covers joint visits to cafés and restaurants to review workplace readiness for People of Determination inclusive employment. These visits will assess accessibility, communication methods and team awareness. Findings will guide improvements so that each site can better accommodate employees from the deaf community and provide a more supportive, motivating environment for staff and customers.

Commenting on the partnership, Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination, said, "This MoU reflects our commitment to expanding strategic partnerships with the private sector and supporting inclusive employment models that empower People of Determination while enhancing their economic and social independence." The MoU positions Americana Restaurants as a formal supporting partner in inclusive hiring.

Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan highlighted the strategic value of the model, adding, "At the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, we believe true empowerment begins with fair and sustainable employment opportunities based on respect for abilities and equal opportunity. This partnership with Americana Restaurants represents a practical model of public-private collaboration in creating inclusive work environments that enable People of Determination to actively participate in the job market and contribute meaningfully to society."

Americana Restaurants stated that the agreement supports its sustainability and corporate responsibility strategy, which includes accessible employment locations already operating in the UAE. Sheldon Williams, General Manager of Pizza Hut at Americana Restaurants, said, "This MoU reflects our commitment at Americana Restaurants, and through Pizza Hut, to advancing inclusive employment and creating workplace environments that enable People of Determination to contribute and grow with confidence. This partnership forms part of the ‘Opportunity4All’ initiative, through which we firmly believe that equal opportunity and capability-building are key to more inclusive and sustainable communities."

Nadine El Haddad, Pizza Hut Global Franchise Markets Chief People & Culture Officer (Yum! Brands), added, "I always say that if we can change the workplace, we can change the world. ‘Opportunity4All’ goes beyond opening a dedicated restaurant; it represents a meaningful step toward advancing inclusion and providing fair, sustainable employment opportunities. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2031 and national policies to empower People of Determination. Today, we are not only opening our doors, but also our hearts, and we invite organisations across all sectors to join us in building a future where opportunities are truly equal for all."

The partnership sits within the wider ‘Opportunity4All’ programme, a joint effort by Americana Restaurants and Pizza Hut Global (Yum! Brands) focused on People of Determination inclusive employment in the restaurant industry across the UAE and the region. The MoU also includes joint participation in career fairs and community events, strengthening outreach to candidates and stakeholders while building awareness of inclusive job models.

Together, Zayed Authority for People of Determination and Americana Restaurants are creating a structured pathway for deaf employees, from candidate selection to workplace integration and advancement. The cooperation supports national inclusion policies, demonstrates how public and private entities can share responsibility, and offers a practical template for inclusive hiring across the wider Middle East hospitality and service sectors.

With inputs from WAM