Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
With the aim of translating the UAE's vision of building an inclusive and sustainable society where no one is left behind, the Zayed Authority for People of Determination has launched its 2026 strategy, aligned with the strategic direction of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi.
The strategy embodies the leadership's directives to make people of determination partners in development, strengthening collaboration with public, private, and civil society sectors to achieve full inclusion, Engineer Abdulrahman Eidha Al Jaberi, Director of Strategic Planning and Performance Management at the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, told Aletihad.
The strategy comprises four main pillars: Comprehensive and integrated care that enhances abilities and skills; vocational training and employment to facilitate the transition from education to the labour market; community engagement to promote inclusion and raise awareness of rights and capabilities; and strengthening institutional competitiveness through human capital development, innovation and digital transformation.
"Unlike previous plans, the new strategy focuses on measurable outcomes that improve quality of life and strengthen the role of people of determination as contributors, not merely as beneficiaries," Al Jaberi said.
"It embodies the leadership's directives to make people of determination partners in development, strengthening collaboration with public, private, and civil society sectors to achieve full inclusion," Al Jaberi continued.
Elaborating on how the authority measures progress, he noted that a precise governance framework with key performance indicators (KPIs) covering care services, empowerment, and institutional competitiveness has been put in place.
"People of determination and their families are actively involved in evaluation through surveys, advisory councils, and feedback platforms to ensure that services evolve according to their real needs," he said.
According to Al Jaberi, a key highlight of the strategy is digital transformation as the authority aims to enhance smart services, develop digital accessibility standards, and integrate artificial intelligence and assistive technologies to improve the user experience and promote independence.
It also seeks to elevate digital maturity and cybersecurity levels, ensuring alignment with Abu Dhabi's broader digital government transformation, he added. Furthermore, the strategy prioritises family engagement and community partnerships.
"The strategy emphasises family engagement as an integral part in care, education, and rehabilitation, providing psychological and counselling programmes. It also enhances community partnerships with institutions and NGOs to raise awareness of rights and capabilities."
