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The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award is hosting specialized competitions for people of determination at its pavilion during the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. Organized in collaboration with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and the Tolerance Club at Abu Dhabi University’s Student Affairs Department, these people of determination competitions run until February 10, according to the official announcement.
The events operate daily from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, welcoming participants and visitors throughout the festival period. The organizing bodies have developed a comprehensive program that addresses the specific needs of participants with disabilities, providing a suitable and safe environment with organizational and logistical facilities, technical support, and specialized supervision.
Empowerment Through People of Determination Competitions
These competitions translate efforts to empower people of determination and enhance their social and cultural participation, according to event organizers. The initiative focuses on reinforcing principles of inclusivity, sustainability, and tolerance across various programs and activities. Additionally, the competitions provide opportunities for participants to showcase their skills and abilities through diverse activities designed to match their capabilities.
Mubarak Al Quseili Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Festivals and Associated Competitions Committee for the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, emphasized that organizing dedicated competitions reflects the award’s commitment to supporting meaningful community initiatives. He stated that the competition represents a qualitative platform for discovering talents among people of determination and highlighting their capabilities and creativity.
Comprehensive Program Design and Accessibility
The organizing committee designed the competition according to standards that respect diversity and differences in abilities, ensuring equal opportunities among participants, Al Mansouri explained. He added that the collaboration with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and Abu Dhabi University represents a successful model of institutional integration. Furthermore, the award continues to support initiatives that serve society and contribute to building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The competition program begins with a collective work day, where children, families, and people of determination participate in interactive activities designed to promote cooperation and community integration. The activities include movement games and various exercises within a safe environment that considers all participants’ needs, aiming to establish a culture of teamwork and enhance communication and coordination skills.
Creative Expression and Cultural Identity
On the second day, activities focus on arts, with a dedicated creative space enabling participants to express their artistic talents through diverse methods suited to their abilities. The program emphasizes connecting arts with national identity and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, the third day operates under the theme of tolerance through a best artwork competition, transforming humanitarian values into creative works carrying impactful messages.
Participants’ contributions are distributed across multiple artistic stations, each subject to comprehensive evaluation based on creativity, depth of expression, and message strength. This approach aims to boost self-confidence and encourage individual excellence among participants. The fourth day features an awareness lecture delivered by specialists using an interactive approach that combines knowledge with constructive dialogue.
Family Recognition and Community Support
The program concludes on the fifth day with Family Appreciation Day, highlighting the pivotal role families play in supporting people of determination. Children participate in creative activities and photographic messages expressing gratitude and affection. In contrast to standard festival activities, these inclusive competitions incorporate accompanying features such as an interactive wheel and gift systems designed to enrich visitor experiences.
The competition has witnessed broad attendance from people of determination and their families, alongside those interested in community initiatives, the organizers reported. The event represents a platform for discovering talents and creativity while reflecting the UAE’s commitment to supporting and empowering people of determination in society. The initiative aligns with the leadership’s vision to enable all societal groups without exception.
Festival organizers have confirmed that all accessibility measures and safety protocols remain in place through the event’s conclusion on February 10. Further collaborative initiatives between the award and partner organizations are expected to be announced following the current competition’s completion.
