Inclusion in action: Emirates Group and Rashid Centre mark UAE National Day 2025
Year of Community fosters collaboration to enhance travel experiences for People of Determination
DUBAI – In the spirit of the UAE’s Year of Community, the Emirates Group has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering People of Determination during an engagement day with the Rashid Centre for People of Determination.
The initiative focused on fostering inclusion, celebrating talent, and promoting the UAE’s values of unity and compassion.
The full-day event brought together members of the Emirates Group Youth Council, senior executives, and students of the Rashid Centre for a series of interactive activities and meaningful exchanges.
UAE National Day celebrations
The day opened with a warm welcome from the Rashid Centre’s management team and students, followed by musical performances, art workshops, and sports activities. Students’ exceptional talents were on full display, reflecting the impact of mentorship and specialised training at the Centre.
In line with UAE National Day celebrations, students produced artwork honouring the nation’s founding fathers: the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Selected pieces were exhibited at Emirates Group headquarters, highlighting a shared commitment to creativity and collaboration.
How did collaboration enhance accessibility?
Executives from the Emirates Group and specialists from the Rashid Centre engaged in discussions to identify new ways of improving travel experiences for People of Determination. These conversations reaffirmed Emirates’ ongoing commitment to accessible services, ensuring smooth and inclusive journeys for all passengers.
The event concluded with a vibrant musical performance by students, celebrating UAE National Day. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to Emirates Group participants in recognition of their efforts to support inclusion and community engagement.
Oliver Grohmann, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Emirates Group, said: “We are proud to join the Rashid Centre in celebrating UAE National Day and recognising the inspiring talents of their students. Collaborations like this guide us in continually enhancing accessibility and ensuring every journey with Emirates is welcoming for all.”
Mariam Othman, General Manager of the Rashid Centre, added: “Partnering with Emirates Group in the UAE’s Year of Community allowed our students to demonstrate their skills while strengthening values of inclusion and cooperation. We value Emirates’ ongoing support in expanding opportunities and accessibility for People of Determination.”
How Emirates is leading accessible travel
Emirates has been at the forefront of accessible travel, working with local and international organisations to advance its inclusive initiatives. From implementing AI-driven solutions to adopting innovative service approaches, the airline is committed to making travel smoother and more efficient for all passengers.
Earlier in 2025, Emirates became the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, recognised by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The airline offers a wide range of services tailored to passengers’ accessibility needs, detailed on its Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub page.
Rashid Centre
Established in 1994, the Rashid Centre for People of Determination provides integrated education and therapy for children and young people with diverse needs, including physical, learning, and sensory challenges. Its “Education for Life” programme combines academic, vocational, and life skills training, promoting independence and community participation. The centre serves students from age 4 to adulthood and offers specialised training in areas such as gardening, carpentry, and printing.