Abu Dhabi Fund for Development Visits Innovation Centre at Zayed Authority for People of Determination

3 August 2026, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: As part of its commitment to strengthening collaboration among national institutions that contribute to advancing community development and reinforcing the values of inclusion, solidarity and social cohesion championed by the UAE during the "Year of the Family", Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) conducted a visit to the Innovation Centre at Zayed Authority for People of Determination in Abu Dhabi.

The visit was led by His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, with the participation of a delegation comprising the Fund's leadership and employees.

During the engagement, the delegation gained insights into the Authority's comprehensive ecosystem of specialised services and programmes dedicated to empowering People of Determination, while exploring its innovative initiatives and pioneering projects that reflect its leadership in rehabilitation, care and inclusion. The visit further underscored the Authority's contribution to creating an enabling environment that enhances quality of life, advances social participation and promotes sustainable empowerment.

His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: "Zayed Authority for People of Determination represents a leading national institution that embodies the values of empowerment and inclusion, reflecting the vision of our leadership in building a society that recognises and nurtures the diverse capabilities of its members while providing equal opportunities for innovation, contribution and active participation. Our visit to the Innovation Centre provided valuable insights into an inspiring model where innovation, empowerment and social responsibility converge. The pioneering initiatives and programmes showcased during the visit reflect the enduring humanitarian legacy established by the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his belief in empowering individuals to contribute to the nation's progress.

He added: "The achievements and innovations of People of Determination reaffirm their role as active partners in shaping the future and advancing sustainable development through their determination, resilience and capabilities. As we mark the 'Year of the Family', ADFD reaffirms its commitment to strengthening strategic national partnerships that advance inclusion, social cohesion and empowerment, while supporting the development of an enabling environment that fosters innovation, excellence and greater opportunities for all members of society to contribute to the UAE's development journey."

For his part, His Excellency Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination, said: "I extend my sincere congratulations to ADFD on the occasion of its 55th anniversary, celebrating a remarkable national journey defined by achievement and its enduring contribution as one of the UAE's leading institutions supporting sustainable development and economic and social progress locally and internationally. We also value our longstanding strategic partnership with ADFD, which has consistently played a key role in supporting initiatives and programmes that empower People of Determination, transforming ambitious visions into tangible outcomes that have created a lasting positive impact on their lives."

Further highlighting the importance of the partnership, he said: "The Fund's commitment to placing people at the centre of development reflects its belief that investing in the capabilities of People of Determination is an investment in the UAE's future. This shared vision strengthens our continued collaboration to develop a pioneering national model built on partnership, empowerment and innovation, while creating greater opportunities for them to contribute their talents and actively participate in the UAE's comprehensive development journey."

Showcasing Innovation and Empowerment

The visit included a tour of the Innovation Centre's facilities, where the ADFD delegation explored an integrated ecosystem of specialised workshops and model production facilities operated by students of determination. The tour featured the Orthotics and Prosthetics Workshop (OTB), Medical Hearing Aids Workshop, 3D Printing Workshop, Sewing Workshop, Chocolate Factory, Cheese Factory, Flower Arrangement Workshop, "Bee Coffee" project, and the Specialty Coffee Training Institute.

These initiatives showcased the creativity, skills and innovative capabilities of People of Determination across diverse fields, including healthcare services, food production, creative industries and advanced technologies. They also demonstrated the impact of inclusive empowerment models in enabling People of Determination to become active contributors to economic and social development, while generating sustainable value and supporting the UAE's vision for a more inclusive and resilient society.