Smart maps make it easier to access 206 schools in Abu Dhabi as new term begins

This initiative by ZHO is in line with its strategy and ongoing efforts to coordinate and collaborate with relevant institutions, including UAE school institutions, to make Abu Dhabi a friendly city for those of determination.

ZHO started developing Smart Maps in early 2022 with the aim of strengthening the emirate’s position as a friend of people of determination, which will help to cover at emirate level all facilities equipped to receive them and help families and parents go to those facilities that are suitable for their children .

The establishments with facilities suitable for those of determination have been verified after ZHO representatives conducted a series of visits to all establishments across the emirate to understand accessibility. This feature will allow determined people and their parents to search for services that can be accessed directly through Google Maps and learn about the facilities at the location before visiting.

The ZHO has confirmed that it is cooperating with all competent authorities in the emirate to facilitate those who are determined, noting the importance of joint cooperation between various relevant authorities to build various service facilities, including educational and service facilities such as airports, airlines, hotels , various means of transportation, communications, websites, shopping malls and other conveniences and services friendly to determined people.

Abdullah Abdul Ali Al Humaidan, Secretary General of the ZHO, stressed that people of determination are fundamental pillars of social development, contributors in various sectors, and possess a strong will and exceptional quality abilities that can be used to realize their aspirations and motivate them by proposing and implementing initiatives that will meet their needs. This is in line with the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s People of Resolve strategy and the National People of Resolve policy.

“People of determination are an important part of UAE society and our wise leadership gives them all the attention and care and strives to empower them throughout society. Educational facilities in the emirate are like all sectors of the country, even More, is the most important sector. ZHO seeks to ease the arduous determination of parents and families to find a place suitable for their children, across all facilities, services and environmental preparations, so that determined people reach them naturally,” he added .

Al Humaidan said the UAE is an inspiring model in supporting and promoting the environmental readiness of diverse populations of determination, as it is keen to adopt advanced solutions and provide everything that supports their full integration into society. ZHO, as the government entity responsible for providing care and rehabilitation services to these groups in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, plays a key role in empowering them in collaboration with strategic partners in various fields.

He noted Abu Dhabi’s commitment to working mechanisms in line with its strategy to support people of determination and contribute to the realization of the emirate’s vision, based on an integrated approach to their empowerment and inclusion in society that adopts new global standards.

Nafie Ali Al Hammadi, Executive Director of ZHO Support Services, confirmed that the organization works with various strategic partners to provide an inclusive and empowering community system for people of determination from all sectors, explaining that “ZHO “will undertake the input of all information received from tourist facilities and places and maintain this map as an ongoing project while continuing to add information permanently as developments occur.

He said the Google platform was chosen because 70 percent of smartphone owners use it to get directions, search for addresses and view travel landmarks. The map can be accessed from all types of smartphones, desktop computers, laptops and tablets.

Dania Moqdad Al-Adhami, a civil engineer at the organisation’s Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Department, said: “The maps allow residents and tourists to find all the services and tourist attractions that serve people of determination throughout the emirate of Abu Dhabi. If ZHO Those places are actually assessed, or contacted directly to confirm access for those who are determined, and those places are added to the map.”

Regarding the facilities for people of determination listed on the map, she said: “They include 206 schools including people of determination, 12 tourist facilities, 35 hotels of different categories, 3 mosques, 3 higher education facilities, seven shopping centers, seven cultural venues, seven restaurants, two hospitals and 15 public gardens.”