Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – it is a true honour to be here with you all today to open the Inclusive Workplaces Summit, an event dedicated to envisioning and building a world where every individual can contribute their talents, regardless of their abilities.
This gathering signifies an important milestone in the UAE’s journey toward fostering inclusivity and belonging in the workplace.
The importance of inclusivity is not just a value we aspire to uphold – it is a cornerstone of a society that allows every member to participate, to contribute and to be valued.
People of determination – as we respectfully refer to those with disabilities here in the UAE – possess unique skills, talents and perspectives that can transform workplaces and drive innovation.
However, we must recognise that, to enable their full potential, we must first provide an environment where they can thrive.
Inclusive practices are not just about adapting workspaces or technology; they are about changing our mindsets. Today’s summit allows us to reflect on our assumptions and to challenge the barriers we might not always see.
Inclusive workplaces foster diversity of thought, broaden perspectives and drive creativity, qualities that are essential in a rapidly evolving world.
Studies have shown that organisations that embrace inclusion are more adaptable, resilient and, ultimately, more successful.
In the UAE, we have made remarkable strides toward inclusivity. From creating accessible infrastructure to enacting policies that protect the rights of people of determination, we are working to ensure everyone has a place and purpose within our society.
Yet there remains much work to be done. True inclusion is a continuous journey, requiring not only policies but daily commitments to understanding, learning and collaboration.
At this summit, I encourage each of you to share your experiences, your knowledge, and your challenges. We can only create meaningful, lasting change when we understand the real barriers and potential solutions together.
Today, let us ask ourselves: How can we better integrate inclusive practices into our workplaces, not just as policies but as fundamental aspects of our culture?
To our partners and sponsors, I extend my heartfelt thanks. Your commitment to this cause demonstrates the values that make the UAE a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion.
As we embark on this summit, let us remember that inclusivity is not a goal that we achieve once and then set aside.
It is a commitment that we must nurture daily, through every hiring decision, every leadership appointment and every workplace policy.
Together, we can ensure that our workplaces are environments where all individuals feel valued and empowered to contribute.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to this important work.
May this summit inspire us all to take bold steps toward building workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Private and public sectors should work together on inclusive workplaces, says SEDRA CEO Reem Al Fahim.
Unconscious bias, the Queen Bee syndrome and a strong pipeline of Emirati women – what we learned from a webinar with CHROs and HR specialists on diversity and inclusion.
Do you know what the UAE’s symbol for People of Determination represents? It emphasises that POD are active members of society – independent, self-determined people.
