This has made our day…

In most countries, signs pointing out wheelchair ramps say “disabled access”. In the UAE, however, they say “people of determination”.

The new term was launched in April 2017 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, as part of his national strategy for empowering people with disabilities.

“Disability is in fact the inability to make progress and achievements. The achievements that people of determination have made in various spheres over the past years are proof that determination and strong will can do the impossible and encourage people to counter challenges and difficult circumstances while firmly achieving their goals,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

ALSO READ: Sheikh Mohammed launches programme to empower the disabled

Ever since, signs referring to “people of determination” have been popping up all over public areas in the UAE (you also might see places offering “free entry for people of determination”).

And they haven’t gone unnoticed. BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner, who was shot and paralysed on the job in 2004, recently shared a photo of one of the signs at Abu Dhabi Airport with his Twitter followers:

The tweet received more than 5,000 retweets and 15,000 likes, sparking a whole conversation about the UAE’s fresh take on inclusive language.

Last year, the Dubai government also installed the new signs on seven of the city’s beaches, including Al Mamzar Beach Park, Al Mamzar Corniche, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1 and 2.

Dubai Municipality also plans to introduce more ramps around the city, better parking facilities, and even special playground equipment for wheelchair-bound children.

– For more about Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook.