People Of Determination Shine As Emirati And Ukrainian Talents Unite On One Musical Stage In Abu Dhabi

The Zayed Authority for People of Determination held a special musical evening under the "Hemam Mawhouba" initiative at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, with support from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, highlighting efforts to empower People of Determination and strengthen their participation in the cultural and artistic life of the emirate and the wider UAE community.

The programme centred on a joint performance by Ukrainian pianist Evgeny Khmara and Emirati student Ahmed Al Hashemi, whose collaboration presented a carefully curated set of musical pieces that balanced technical skill with emotional expression, illustrating how inclusive stages can offer People of Determination real access to professional cultural platforms and wider audiences.

The musical evening forms part of a wider series of activities delivered by the Zayed Authority for People of Determination within the "Hemam Mawhouba" framework, which uses the arts as a tool for community empowerment and aims to share inspiring journeys of People of Determination while aligning with national efforts to build an inclusive Abu Dhabi that provides opportunities for participation to all residents.

Attendance at the event reflected this broader social message, with Alexander Balanutsa, Ambassador of Ukraine to the UAE, Abdullah Al Humaidan, Director-General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination, several senior officials, dignitaries, intellectuals, and artists, alongside an audience of culture and arts followers, underlining growing institutional and public interest in accessible cultural programmes across Abu Dhabi.

Throughout the evening, the performances by Evgeny Khmara and Ahmed Al Hashemi demonstrated how music can operate as a shared language beyond nationality or ability, stressing that creativity is not restricted by physical or sensory limitations and that artistic practice can help build bridges of understanding when combined with determination, discipline, and ongoing support from cultural institutions.

Abdullah Al Humaidan stressed that artistic engagement, particularly in music, is considered by the Zayed Authority for People of Determination as a key route for self-development, since it helps strengthen confidence, encourages regular social interaction, and enables People of Determination to move from being participants in community events to recognised contributors within local, regional, and international cultural forums.

He stated, "Supporting outstanding talents among People of Determination, especially in the artistic and cultural fields, reflects our firm belief that creativity is a human energy not limited by disability. Providing appropriate platforms to showcase these talents is a societal responsibility and a genuine investment in people. The initiative represents an integrated model for transforming talent into achievement and creativity into meaningful presence."

Building on this approach, Al Humaidan explained that the Authority is continuing to design programmes that reveal and refine the abilities of People of Determination in different artistic disciplines, supporting them through training, mentorship, and performance opportunities, while the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi maintains its role as a strategic partner to "Hemam Mawhouba" by backing related cultural initiatives and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a centre for arts and culture.

Recognition of institutional cooperation was also highlighted, as the Zayed Authority for People of Determination expressed appreciation for the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for its sustained sponsorship of "Hemam Mawhouba" and its work to present culture as a shared space for communication and creative exchange, supporting Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision of a society where People of Determination are present and active in public cultural life.

The event’s overall message reinforced the idea that artistic creativity knows no fixed limits, that music can connect diverse communities when supported by structured initiatives such as "Hemam Mawhouba", and that cooperation between cultural authorities and social institutions can help People of Determination turn their talents into visible achievements within Abu Dhabi’s growing cultural landscape.

With inputs from WAM