UAE counts 49,000 People of Determination as new national strategy takes shape
The United Arab Emirates is home to approximately 49,000 People of Determination and operates seven specialised early intervention centres, the Ministry of Family announced, as it prepares a fresh national strategy aimed at strengthening their empowerment and inclusion.
The figures emerged during the eighth AccessAbilities Expo, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 19 to 20 October, where government bodies and community organisations detailed services ranging from early childhood screening and employment support to judicial assistance.
National strategy in development
Hessa Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary for People of Determination and Senior Citizens Affairs at the Ministry of Family, said the ministry is working with government agencies, private organisations and community groups to develop legislation and services for People of Determination, Emarat Al Youm reported.
The proposed national strategy is being created in consultation with relevant authorities and draws on international experiences, she added.
Tahlak explained that the ministry oversees legislation, regulations and licensing related to services for People of Determination and professionals working in the sector, while other authorities handle financial support allowances.
At the expo, the ministry’s pavilion, designed to resemble a traditional Emirati home, offered direct interviews with People of Determination seeking employment, alongside registration of their professional qualifications and needs.
AI tool for early autism screening
In collaboration with Emirates Health Services, the ministry also showcased an experimental artificial intelligence application designed to identify early indicators of autism spectrum disorder in children aged 18 to 24 months.
The application, still under study and development, takes approximately two to three minutes to flag children who may require further specialist assessment.
Other activities at the pavilion included interactive sign-language experiences, vocational training pathways, simulated job interviews and assessments of candidates’ skills.
Dubai Courts employs 26 People of Determination
Dubai Courts said it employs 26 People of Determination across several departments, including customer service and administrative divisions.
Khalid Al Falasi, head of the team organising Dubai Courts’ participation in the exhibition, said the authority provides flexible working arrangements and reduces the employees’ daily working hours to five.
The accommodations also include sign-language interpreters during training courses and events, as well as opportunities for employees to showcase their products and creative work.
Dubai Courts also reported that its Fi Al Shoufa initiative completed 1,526 transactions during the first half of 2026.
Suha Obaid Al Shehhi, a Customer Happiness Officer at Dubai Courts, said the initiative serves People of Determination, senior citizens and minors, with the aim of making judicial services more accessible.
The programme features several services: Shour, providing voluntary legal consultations; Sanad, offering voluntary legal representation; Aoun, helping financially disadvantaged litigants meet the cost of expert services; Mahakim Al Khair, assisting with debt repayments; and Qareeb, bringing court services directly to beneficiaries.
Al Shehhi said the initiative also provides priority access at service centres and through the call centre, designated parking spaces, video communication rooms, and assistance with judicial fees and services offered through Al Adheed centres.
Marriage programme sees 100% success
Separately, the Dubai Women’s Association said marriages involving People of Determination who participated in its mass wedding programmes achieved a 100 per cent success rate.
The association said its Zaffat Harayer initiative, launched in 2014, helped 756 young Emirati men and women marry, with approximately 420 children born to participating families.
The programme provides support throughout the marriage process, from arranging ceremonies and easing financial and organisational burdens to family preparation and counselling. Assistance continues after marriage through free family, psychological and social counselling, the association told Emarat Al Youm.
People of Determination receive accommodations tailored to their needs, including sign-language interpretation for participants with hearing disabilities, enabling them to take part in preparation and counselling programmes.
