Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ajman Tourism and Emirates Autism Society

In the presence of His Excellency Mahmoud Khalil Al Hashemi, Director General of the Department of Tourism Development and Ms. Fatima Saif Al Matrooshi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Autism Society, the Department of Tourism Development in Ajman announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Emirates Autism Society. This cooperation aims to unify the efforts of the two parties towards supporting coordination and integration, and strengthening partnerships aimed at achieving the public interest of the emirate, which contributes to developing community initiatives and enhancing sustainability in the tourism sector.

This agreement frames cooperation and coordination in the field of knowledge exchange and community events, and is an official document that defines and explains the points and aspects of joint cooperation between them, which contributes to achieving a fruitful strategic partnership capable of managing events and initiatives efficiently and effectively, ensuring the improvement of the quality of life of the community in the emirate.

The agreement aims to unify the joint efforts between the two parties to serve all segments of customers, by taking advantage of the capabilities available to each of them, represented by human cadres, technical and technological equipment, and cumulative practical experiences, in a way that enhances the level of service provided by the two parties and strengthens the bonds of cooperation and partnership between them.

The two parties are committed to cooperating in organizing workshops and cultural, artistic and sports events aimed at enhancing the integration of individuals with autism, such as the Run for Autism race, and they are also committed to coordinating to light tourist landmarks in blue on the occasion of World Autism Day, in order to enhance community awareness and support this group. The agreement also stipulates that the two parties exchange invitations to participate in attending training courses, workshops, seminars and conferences related to their joint field of work.

His Excellency Mahmoud Khalil Al Hashemi, Director General of Ajman Tourism Development Department, said: “The signing of this memorandum stems from our commitment to building a comprehensive and sustainable tourism environment that provides the opportunity for all segments of society to benefit from tourism experiences in the emirate. We seek to support and empower people of determination with autism, and integrate them into the tourism sector through qualitative initiatives and programs that enhance their role and effective contribution to society, in line with the vision of our wise leadership to provide appropriate opportunities for all segments and promote sustainable development in the emirate.”

For her part, Ms. Fatima Saif Al Matrooshi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Autism Society, said: “This agreement reflects our vision at the Emirates Autism Society to enhance community partnership aimed at empowering people of determination with autism, and creating new opportunities for them to integrate and participate effectively in various fields, including the tourism sector. We look forward to working together with Ajman Tourism Development Department to achieve the goals of this initiative, and provide a supportive environment that contributes to improving the quality of life of individuals with autism and enhancing their presence in society.”

Under the agreement, the two parties will cooperate in implementing programs and events that support the integration and empowerment of people with autism, including tourism, cultural, sports and activities of common interest. They will also cooperate in providing appropriate training opportunities for these individuals in the tourism sector and hotel establishments, and qualifying them to work as tour guides.

In addition, the two parties are keen to support agricultural products produced by people with autism and promote them within tourism events, as the two parties exchange consultations and expertise to develop a comprehensive and supportive tourism environment for people with autism, by providing facilities and guidance that enhance their experience in tourist sites.

The agreement comes within the framework of the two parties' commitment to empowering people with disabilities and developing their talents, especially individuals with autism, as this partnership seeks to develop their skills and abilities and prepare them to be active participants in society, which positively reflects on spreading awareness of the challenges facing people with disabilities, and contributes to achieving social cohesion among all segments of the people.