ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
A delegation from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) visited the Innovation Centre at Zayed Authority for People of Determination in Abu Dhabi, where students operate specialist workshops and production facilities spanning healthcare, food manufacturing, creative industries and advanced technology.
The visit, led by Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, featured a tour of the centre's facilities designed to equip people of determination with technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills, while supporting their participation in social and economic life.
The visit gave the ADFD delegation an overview of the authority's services and programmes in rehabilitation, care, education, vocational training and social inclusion.
Officials also examined projects aimed at increasing independence, expanding employment prospects and creating opportunities for people of determination to apply their skills in professional settings.
Al Suwaidi said: "Zayed Authority for People of Determination represents a leading national institution that embodies the values of empowerment and inclusion, reflecting the vision of our leadership in building a society that recognises and nurtures the diverse capabilities of its members while providing equal opportunities for innovation, contribution and active participation.
"Our visit to the Innovation Centre provided valuable insights into an inspiring model where innovation, empowerment and social responsibility converge.
"The pioneering initiatives and programmes showcased during the visit reflect the enduring humanitarian legacy established by the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his belief in empowering individuals to contribute to the nation's progress."
He added: "The achievements and innovations of People of Determination reaffirm their role as active partners in shaping the future and advancing sustainable development through their determination, resilience and capabilities.
"As we mark the Year of Family, ADFD reaffirms its commitment to strengthening strategic national partnerships that advance inclusion, social cohesion and empowerment, while supporting the development of an enabling environment that fosters innovation, excellence and greater opportunities for all members of society to contribute to the UAE's development journey."
Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination, said: "I extend my sincere congratulations to ADFD on the occasion of its 55th anniversary, celebrating a remarkable national journey defined by achievement and its enduring contribution as one of the UAE's leading institutions supporting sustainable development and economic and social progress locally and internationally.
"We also value our longstanding strategic partnership with ADFD, which has consistently played a key role in supporting initiatives and programmes that empower People of Determination, transforming ambitious visions into tangible outcomes that have created a lasting positive impact on their lives."
He added: "The Fund's commitment to placing people at the centre of development reflects its belief that investing in the capabilities of People of Determination is an investment in the UAE's future.
"This shared vision strengthens our continued collaboration to develop a pioneering national model built on partnership, empowerment and innovation, while creating greater opportunities for them to contribute their talents and actively participate in the UAE's comprehensive development journey."
The Innovation Centre houses an orthotics and prosthetics workshop, a medical hearing aids workshop, a 3D printing workshop and a sewing workshop. Its facilities also include a chocolate factory, cheese factory, flower arrangement workshop, the "Bee Coffee" project and the Speciality Coffee Training Institute.
Students of determination operate the workshops and model production facilities, gaining practical experience across fields that range from medical services and manufacturing to hospitality and creative production.
These initiatives demonstrate the impact of inclusive empowerment models in enabling people of determination to become active contributors to economic and social development, while generating sustainable value and supporting the UAE's vision for a more inclusive and resilient society.