The UAE guarantees equality to people of determination (people with disabilities or those with special needs) through its legislations, as well as economic and social development programmes and policies.
Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 Concerning the Rights of People with Special Needs protects the rights of people of determination and guarantees them the right to live with dignity. According to the law, a person's special needs shall not be a reason to deprive him/her of their rights and services especially in welfare as well as social, economic, health, educational, professional, cultural and leisure services. The UAE has made big efforts to include people of determination in the mainstream educational settings. Read more on inclusive education for people of determination.
The UAE provides for equal and fair employment opportunities to Emiratis of determination. UAE nationals with special needs have the right to work and occupy public positions. People of determination are entitled to receive monthly assistance subject to terms as per the existing laws.
Resolution No. 43 of 2018 in support of the people of determination aims to support the rights of people of determination (people with special needs or disabilities) in the field of employment by enabling access to opportunities in the labour market.
The resolution requires government entities to protect the rights of people of determination and to ensure their right to work on an equal basis with others and not to be discriminated against.
The resolution stressed the need to provide working and health conditions for people of determination and not to terminate their services or refer them to retirement due to disability or its occurrence after appointment, unless retirement age is reached or a competent medical committee decision states they are not fit to work.
Further, it stipulates that the private sector should be encouraged to integrate people of determination into their institutions and grant them exemptions and privileges.
In 2017, the UAE Government launched a national policy for empowering people of determination. The policy aims to create an inclusive society for them and their families, through services and facilities that accommodate their needs.
In 2018, the UAE launched the first ‘Emirati sign language dictionary’, which seeks to develop and standardise the signs used by people of determination with hearing impairments across the UAE. The online dictionary is in line with Vision 2021 and National Agenda which aim to maintain a cohesive society and promote an inclusive environment that integrates all segments of society.
The UAE's People of Determination Protection from Abuse Policy condemns all forms of abuse and neglect of people of determination. Abuse and neglect involves depriving people of determination of their basic right to care, rehabilitation, medical care, recreation or community integration. It also condemns using such people to get material profits and not spend on them.
The UAE is a party to major international human rights treaties concerning people with special needs. This includes:
Read more about the rights of people of determination.