The UAE’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, attended an Iftar banquet at the Emirates Tower hotel on Wednesday where he interacted with a group of children of determination, who were delighted to share a meal with him. The event was a heartwarming experience for everyone involved, as the children expressed their joy and gratitude for the opportunity to interact with the Crown Prince.
During the evening, Sheikh Hamdan spent time interacting with the children, listening to their inspiring stories and interests, and was serenaded by a musical performance. Some of the children even took selfies with him, making it a truly memorable occasion for everyone involved.
Speaking about the event, Sheikh Hamdan emphasised the importance of providing high-quality services to all people of determination in the UAE, stating that it reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to integrate them into society.
“As part of ensuring the happiness of the community, Dubai’s leadership places high priority on ensuring the welfare of people of determination. All people of determination deserve to receive the highest quality of services. I was delighted to participate in the Iftar banquet and interact with the children and their families,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
Sheikh Hamdan’s participation in the banquet is a testament to his commitment to the wellbeing of people of determination and his eagerness to support them. The event was attended by Hessa Buhumaid, Minister of State and Director General of the Community Development Authority, a number of senior officials, the families of autistic children and directors of centres for people of determination.
During his discussions with the autistic children and their families, Sheikh Hamdan emphasised Dubai’s keenness to empower people of determination and accelerate their integration as productive members of society. He also received briefings from the heads of centres for people of determination about services provided to children with autism.
The term “people of determination” is a preferred term in the UAE, as it emphasizes the strengths and abilities of individuals who have disabilities, instead of focusing solely on their limitations. The UAE has made remarkable progress in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for people of determination. The country has implemented several initiatives to empower them and accelerate their integration into society.
One such initiative is the Dubai Disability Strategy 2020, which aims to make Dubai a disability-friendly city by 2020. The strategy includes several projects and programs that focus on education, health, employment, and accessibility. The Dubai government has also established several centers for people of determination, which provide a range of services, including education, training, therapy, and rehabilitation.
In addition to these initiatives, the UAE government has implemented several laws and policies to protect the rights of people of determination. The UAE’s Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 on the Rights of People with Special Needs and its amendments ensure that people of determination have equal opportunities and access to education, employment, and healthcare.
Hessa Buhumaid praised Sheikh Hamdan for his gesture, highlighting that the leadership’s focus on raising the wellbeing of people of determination reflects their commitment to ensuring the happiness of all sections of society.
In conclusion, events like these showcase the UAE’s dedication to providing the best possible services and support to people of determination. The country’s leadership is committed to integrating them into society and ensuring their wellbeing, which reflects the values of the UAE as a compassionate and caring nation. It is heartening to see the Crown Prince taking an active role in supporting and empowering people of determination, and we hope to see more events like this in the future.
