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.
Tackling bias about age, gender and even beauty or height is not a one-time fix, but will help create an inclusive workplace.
Dr Fatma Ridene of M42 promotes the inclusion of people of determination in her team – such as typist Mariam Bint Jaber, who uses her feet to type.
![[Aurora50 template] Fatma Al Jabri, assistant governor for the UAE Central Bank](https://aurora50.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/002_FatmaAlJabri.jpg "[Aurora50 template] Fatma Al Jabri, assistant governor for the UAE Central Bank")
The assistant governor for the UAE Central Bank on the inspiration FAB’s first woman CEO, Hana Al Rostamani, gives Emirati women and on never-ending learning
