Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO), the World Congress on Rehabilitation 2024 will take place in Abu Dhabi from 23-25 September 2024 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Marking the first time the event will be held in the Middle East, the congress will be held under the theme Work and Employment.
Organised by ZHO, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC Group), the event will reaffirm Abu Dhabi’s position as a preferred global destination for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions, as well as its leadership in attracting international activities and events.
The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, won the bid to host the congress during a recent meeting of Rehabilitation International (RI), following a comprehensive presentation by ZHO to representatives of the association from 100 countries. The quadrennial congress is expected to bring together leaders and professionals in the field of rehabilitation, healthcare providers, government institutions, academics, and researchers from 100 countries worldwide.
For the first time, ZHO signed a tripartite agreement with RI and the International Social Security Association (ISSA) regarding the hosting of the September 2024 congress. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Abdulla Abdulalee Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO, Teuta Rexhepi, Secretary-General of RI, and Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, Secretary-General of ISSA.
The World Congress on Rehabilitation 2024 aims to explore common perspectives on integrating People of Determination into societies, raising awareness of their rights, capabilities, and importance in the development process. It also seeks to discuss global challenges facing them, remove obstacles hindering their integration into the labor market, ensure their equality with others, and protect their rights in employment. The congress emphasises the necessity of training and qualifying People of Determination through training and development programmes to enable their entry into the public and private sectors and enhance their career advancement opportunities. Furthermore, it aims to benefit from the experiences of successful countries in caring for People of Determination, exchanging viewpoints and opinions on their rehabilitation in various fields, and providing all necessary care for them.
The congress also aims to involve People of Determination in political and public life, granting them the right to participate in elections, hold leadership positions, engage in the decision-making process, and contribute to shaping the future and developmental plans. It underscores that education is a fundamental right for People of Determination, ensuring a comprehensive educational system at all levels and equipping them with diverse skills in all fields, along with the use of appropriate technological means.
As part of the conference sessions, the achievements of Abu Dhabi will be showcased under the wise leadership's guidance, highlighting its successful efforts in caring for and empowering various categories of People of Determination. Several initiatives and policies aligned with international standards will be presented, reflecting the commitment to provide necessary support for People of Determination to become active contributors to the sustainable development, enhancing their quality of life and supporting their capacities to be productive and engaged members of society.
His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of ZHO, extended his warmest congratulations and greetings to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and their Highnesses Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Rulers of Abu Dhabi, on the occasion of winning the bid to host the World Congress on Rehabilitation 2024. He expressed gratitude for the significant support of the leadership for ZHO and their leading role in achieving the development and prosperity witnessed by the country in all fields. He also expressed pride and appreciation for the continuous support, which has had the greatest impact in positioning our beloved nation on the global map for organising and hosting influential events and activities that astonish the world.
In this context, Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development, stated that Abu Dhabi's hosting of the World Congress on Rehabilitation for the first time in the Middle East, and the readiness of ZHO to organise this prestigious global event, serve as an international certificate of confidence and appreciation for the significant achievements made by the UAE in the journey of care and empowerment for People of Determination. This aligns with our comprehensive empowerment vision embraced by our leadership that encompasses all segments of society.
Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui emphasised that the UAE has crafted a success story through investing in People of Determination by providing a nurturing and supportive environment, as well as services that enhance their quality of life within an inclusive and supportive society that actively contributes to integration, empowerment, and employment. This approach fosters independence and self-reliance, equipping individuals with the capacity for productivity and contribution. Her Excellency highlighted that the Ministry of Community Development, in partnership and collaboration with various relevant entities and institutions, is committed to continuing its efforts to sustain an advanced legislative and visionary environment that considers the needs and aspirations of People of Determination as active contributors to the societal development journey, utilising the capabilities and talents of the UAE.
His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: "Hosting the World Congress on Rehabilitation 2024 in Abu Dhabi is a true testament and an acknowledgment of our emirate's forward-thinking approach to inclusivity and empowering People of Determination to achieve their full potential. At Abu Dhabi Airports, we are proud to highlight our strategic initiatives and significant milestones during this conference. With the steadfast support of our wise leaders, the advanced facilities, resources, and operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport underscore our deep-rooted commitment to supporting People of Determination in all their diversity."
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are honoured to host the 2024 World Congress on Rehabilitation in Abu Dhabi, further cementing the destination's renowned business events offering. We anticipate this edition of the congress to serve as a dynamic catalyst for progress, forging an alliance of diverse ideas to create a safer, more universally accessible world.”
His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, affirmed that Abu Dhabi's hosting of the World Congress on Rehabilitation for the first time in the Middle East highlights the prestigious reputation enjoyed by the emirate in empowering and integrating People of Determination. It also enhances efforts aimed at raising awareness of the capabilities and potential of People of Determination, recognising their significant role in societal development and prosperity. He expects the conference to have a global impact, given the importance of the topics it addresses and its role in supporting an important social group that the participating countries aim to empower, integrate, and grant full rights to.
His Excellency Major General Staff Pilot Faris Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, not only expressed pride in being one of the supporting entities in hosting the World Congress on Rehabilitation 2024, but also his hope that the congress goals and aspirations for integrating People of Determination into societies would be achieved, in accordance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE in confirming the continuous commitment to empower People of Determination and achieve their aspirations. This stems from His Highness's affirmation that "our society is cohesive and solid, with all its categories receiving equal attention and support". His Excellency said holding the congress is in harmony with the wise leadership's vision and the comprehensive strategy for People of Determination in Abu Dhabi 2020-2024, with the participation of more than 28 local and federal government entities that aim to make the emirate an inclusive and prepared city for People of Determination and providing a dignified life for all members of society.
His Excellency Abdulla Abdulalee Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO, said: "Hosting the World Congress on Rehabilitation 2024 underscores the UAE's status and its significant capacity, as well as its possession of the necessary elements for the success of various events and occasions. This is in addition to its integrated infrastructure and fundamental pillars, all under the wise leadership's support for development and progress across various fields. It aims to demonstrate to the world, on every occasion, its exceptional ability to impress everyone and its commitment to achieving the highest rates and standards of organisational success, extending its exceptional footprint in the journey of any event or conference it hosts.
“Hosting the congress aligns with the vision of the UAE as a whole, and specifically the emirate of Abu Dhabi, in serving People of Determination and seeking to build bridges of cooperation and exchange of experiences with relevant local, regional, and international entities. This is regarding the development and exchange of experiences with various international organisations specialised in the services provided to People of Determination.”
Her Excellency Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: "Under the wise leadership's guidance and vision, Abu Dhabi has distinguished itself globally in empowering and actively integrating People of Determination into society. It has enhanced their contribution to the country's development journey, making it deserving of hosting the World Congress on Rehabilitation 2024. The congress serves as an ideal platform through which we look forward to meeting a select group of leaders and specialised experts to exchange experiences, best practices, and expertise aimed at improving the lives of People of Determination worldwide. This includes a focus on providing healthcare services for People of Determination in a way that aligns with their needs and enhances them. We will achieve this by promoting early preventive care programmes and adopting the latest advanced technologies in the healthcare sector, thus cementing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading destination for healthcare."
His Excellency Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group and its subsidiary companies, said: "This achievement is international recognition of Abu Dhabi's leading position on the global business tourism map. The capital's choice to host this global gathering reflects its strengths and competitive advantages that make it a preferred global destination for hosting major events. The rich track record of achievements and successes of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company in organising major events, exhibitions, and conferences on a global scale, as well as its modern and advanced facilities characterised by flexibility and high efficiency, along with its diverse and integrated services, and specialised teams that meet the needs of international organisations, plays a pivotal role in hosting this global conference. It constitutes a qualitative addition to our agenda, which includes international conferences, and we look forward to organising and hosting them to achieve our strategic objectives in knowledge transfer and localisation."
Her Excellency Fatema Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Community Engagement & Volunteering Executive Director of Authority of Social Contribution Ma’an, said: “Abu Dhabi being named host of the World Congress on Rehabilitation cements the emirate’s position as one setting a global benchmark in developing cohesive and collaborative communities. The congress has previously been held in cities across the globe which are renowned for their inclusive and forward-thinking societies. For Abu Dhabi to be named as the latest host city underlines the vision of our leadership and is testament to the emirate’s progressive achievements to date.”
His Excellency Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, said: "We are delighted to acknowledge our strategic partner Zayed Higher Organization (ZHO) for electing Abu Dhabi to host this year’s World Congress on Rehabilitation 2024 under the theme Work and Employment. This is a significant milestone for the capital as it is the first time this prestigious and impactful event has been hosted in the MENA region, and it further bolsters the UAE’s commitment to supporting People of Determination and recognising their achievements. We are confident this event will make great strides in finding new sustainable ways to further integrate People of Determination into society, raise awareness about their rights, address challenges they face in the different work environments, among others – and highlight their capabilities. For its part, Emirates Foundation will proudly continue to collaborate with ZHO to support People of Determination and ensure them a decent life.”
His Excellency Khalaf Abdullah Al Hammadi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund said: "This new achievement confirms the significant position that the UAE occupies on all Arab, regional, and international levels, thanks to the insightful vision of the wise leadership and its constant efforts to enhance the quality of life for citizens. It also enhances the integrated and successful experience of the state in caring for and empowering various categories of People of Determination.
“The congress will provide an opportunity to share insights and ideas on best practices in various fields, especially in the areas of protection, insurance, and ways to provide appropriate opportunities for People of Determination in all fields. It will result in comprehensive recommendations that benefit People of Determination at both the local and international levels, supporting their exceptional capabilities and enhancing their interaction and integration into society.”
