Dubai’s thriving development model, which has seen it become one of the world’s Friendliest Place important cities in the past few decades, has always had comprehensive growth and social well-being at its core. Nowhere is its focus on human welfare more apparent than its speculation in improving the lives of people with special needs.
At the launch of the National Strategy for Empowering People with Disabilities in 2017, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, found a new description for people with special needs, labelling them, ‘People of Determination’.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated that disability is, in fact, the ineptitude to make progress and attainment. The accomplishment that people of determination have made in different spheres over the past years is proof that determination and strong will can do the impossible and persuade people to negate opposition and difficult situations, while firmly attaining their goals.
In line with its policies for people of determination, the emirate has announced that it would be hosting the world’s first Accessible Tourism International Summit from 5th to 6th November 2019. To be held under the aegis of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the summit would be held under the theme, “Making all cities friendly for tourists with disabilities”.
One of the pivotal drives in Dubai’s all-inclusive plan for boosting the lives of people of determination is, “My Community … A City for Everyone”, a programme started by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. Under this act, all-inclusive empowerment policies were embraced to integrate people of determination in all aspects of life in Dubai.
Dubai Municipality is a key player in the drive to augment the quality of life of people of determination. The municipality has closely studied their needs while upgrading or developing projects and facilities.
