UAE Year of Community: The Emirates Group and Rashid Centre for People of Determination champion accessible talent
The full-day event brought together members of the Emirates Group Youth Council, senior executives from the Emirates Group and students of Rashid Centre for a meaningful exchange focused on the UAE’s values of unity, compassion, and inclusion.
The day began with a gracious welcome from the Rashid Centre’s management team and students, setting the stage for an inspiring program of musical performances, art workshops, and sports activities. The students’ remarkable talents shone throughout, reflecting the impactful mentorship they continue to receive.
In the spirit of UAE National Day, students created artwork honoring the UAE’s founding fathers: the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Select works will be showcased at Emirates Group headquarters, reflecting the enduring values of collaboration and creativity that bind both organizations.
Emirates Group executives and the Centre’s specialists also explored new ways of enhancing the travel experience for People of Determination. The conversation reaffirmed Emirates’ commitment to accessibility and ensuring seamless journeys for every traveler.
The event concluded with a vibrant musical performance by a group of students in celebration of UAE National Day. Certificates of appreciation were also presented to the Emirates Group participants in recognition of their contributions to promoting inclusion and unity.
Oliver Grohmann – Executive Vice President, Human Resources at the Emirates Group said: “We are proud to join the Rashid Centre in marking UAE National Day as we celebrate the remarkable talents and inspiring resilience of their students, while continuing to learn how we can enhance accessibility across our operations. Observing the passion of their leadership, as well as every single member of the center was truly impressing.
Collaborations like this inspire us to continually evolve and ensure every journey with Emirates is welcoming and seamless for all.”
Mariam Othman, General Manager, Rashid Centre for People of Determination commented: “We are delighted to partner with the Emirates Group in the UAE’s Year of Community. This meaningful engagement gave our students the chance to showcase their talents while strengthening the values of inclusion and cooperation that define our nation. We appreciate the Emirates Group’s ongoing commitment to supporting People of Determination and working with us to enhance accessibility and opportunities for all.”
Commitment to accessible travel
Emirates has been working closely with local and international entities to advance its accessible travel agenda. From launching AI-driven technologies to introducing innovative solutions, the airline continues to pave the way to make accessible travel easier, smoother and more efficient.
Earlier this year, Emirates was recognized as the world’s first Autism Certified Airline by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The airline offers a wide range of services and accommodations for passengers with diverse accessibility needs, detailed on Emirates’ Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub page.
About the Rashid Centre for People of Determination
The Rashid Centre for People of Determination is an internationally recognized Dubai-based institution established in 1994 that provides integrated education and therapy for children and young people with a range of special needs, including physical, learning, and sensory challenges. It offers a unique “Education for Life” program that combines academic, vocational, and life skills training to foster independence and community engagement. The center caters to students from age 4 up to adulthood, providing tailored curricula, therapy services, and vocational training in areas like gardening, carpentry, and printing.
