UAE mall becomes Middle East’s first to support hidden disabilities
Strategic partnerships drive inclusive retail experience across Yas Island
ABU DHABI – Yas Mall in the UAE capital has become the first shopping centre in the Middle East to join the globally recognised Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme, marking a significant step forward in advancing accessibility and inclusion across the region.
The milestone ensures that visitors with non-visible conditions, referred to in the UAE as People of Determination, can receive additional support during their visits. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to embedding inclusive practices into customer experience operations while aligning with national accessibility goals.
The achievement comes through a strategic collaboration led by Aldar, in partnership with the Zayed Authority for People of Determination and Topland. The programme is introduced in the UAE with the Zayed Authority serving as the enabling partner, while Topland acts as the exclusive Middle East partner and official accreditation body for the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative. The collaboration brings a globally recognised system into one of the region’s most prominent retail destinations.
Inclusive step
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme has been fully integrated into Yas Mall’s operations, ensuring that all customer-facing staff are trained to recognise the sunflower lanyard, a discreet symbol indicating that the wearer may require additional assistance. Staff are equipped with enhanced service protocols designed to provide appropriate support in a respectful and consistent manner, enabling a more inclusive and accessible shopping environment.
Full membership in the programme requires organisations to meet internationally established criteria. This includes comprehensive staff training, operational integration, and a commitment to delivering consistent service standards for individuals with non-visible disabilities. Yas Mall’s accreditation demonstrates how accessibility can be embedded into everyday operations, creating a meaningful and lasting impact for communities.
As part of the rollout, Aldar has commissioned 10,000 sunflower lanyards, which have been produced by People of Determination enrolled in the Zayed Authority for People of Determination’s printing workshop. These lanyards will be introduced not only at Yas Mall but across Aldar’s wider portfolio of destinations, supporting the long-term integration of accessibility initiatives.
Strategic vision
Yas Mall is positioned as a key platform for scaling inclusive initiatives, contributing to Yas Island’s ambition to become an inclusive destination. The effort also aligns with the broader inclusion agenda led by the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, which seeks to enhance quality of life and ensure equal participation for all members of society.
Salwa Al Maflahi, Executive Director of Sustainability and Community Outreach at Aldar, highlighted that the introduction of the programme represents a major milestone in the company’s accessibility journey. She noted that the initiative reflects a commitment to creating environments where individuals feel welcomed, understood, and supported, while reinforcing partnerships with both local and international organisations to embed inclusive practices.
Abdulla Ismail Al Kamali, Executive Director for the People of Determination Sector at the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, stated that the programme strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading inclusive and disability-friendly city. He emphasised that the initiative prioritises quality of life and human empowerment, reflecting a developmental approach centred on community wellbeing.
Wider impact
The Zayed Authority has underlined that the programme plays a key role in building a sustainable ecosystem that raises awareness of hidden disabilities and promotes inclusive environments. By enabling People of Determination to navigate public spaces with confidence and independence, the initiative supports their full integration and active participation in society.
Authorities have also indicated plans to expand the programme further across the emirate in collaboration with strategic partners. The aim is to foster a more inclusive community culture while supporting national ambitions for sustainability and social development.
Andy Faulkner, Chief Executive Officer of Topland Group, described the initiative as a significant step in enhancing inclusivity across the region. He noted that the sunflower lanyards are manufactured locally by People of Determination, reflecting a dual commitment to empowering individuals while improving accessibility for visitors with non-visible conditions.
Globally, around one in six people live with a disability, the majority of which are non-visible. Programmes such as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative play a critical role in increasing awareness and understanding in public environments. By integrating the programme into its operations, Yas Mall is contributing to a wider shift towards more inclusive spaces, where individuals with diverse needs can access services with greater ease and dignity.
The initiative also highlights the importance of collaboration between public and private sector entities in driving meaningful change. Through partnerships with organisations such as the Zayed Authority for People of Determination and Topland, Aldar continues to advance accessibility across its destinations, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a global model for inclusive urban development.
As the programme expands across Yas Island and beyond, it is expected to further strengthen community engagement and accessibility standards, setting a precedent for other destinations in the region to follow.