Inclusivity in Safety 2025, Abu Dhabi

On June 16, 2025, the Secure Communities Forum was honored to co-host the “Inclusivity in Safety” Conference with Rabdan Academy, supported by the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, and the Abu Dhabi Police. The event was inspired by the UAE’s Year of Community.

This landmark gathering was the first conference in the GCC fully dedicated to emergency preparedness for People of Determination (POD)—the UAE’s term for people with disabilities.

More than 200 participants from the UAE and over 10 countries—including Ireland, France, Canada, the USA, China, Spain, and Germany—joined both in person and virtually to strengthen inclusive public safety and emergency response frameworks.

We are grateful to the exceptional speakers who shaped this vital discussion:

• H.E. Abdulla Al Humaidan, Secretary General, Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination

• H.E. James Morse, President, Rabdan Academy

• Col. Dr. AlShaima Taleb, Deputy Manager, Saif Bin Zayed Academy

• Dr. Jaco Barkhuizen, Program Chair, Policing & Security Program, Rabdan Academy

• Dr. Omer Ali Saifudeen, Assistant Dean, Graduate Studies, Rabdan Academy (Moderator)

• 1st Lt. Sultan Al Dahbashi, International Affairs Bureau, UAE Ministry of Interior

• Wadha Anwar Hassan, Dubai Police
  

The event opened with a powerful personal reflection from Wadha Anwar Hassan, a Dubai Police officer and a person of determination, who highlighted the importance of inclusive emergency planning from both a professional and lived experience.

The conference addressed a range of critical topics, including:

• Training first responders on assisting PODs during emergencies

• Smart technology and AI in inclusive field operations

• Equity frameworks and victim rights for PODs

• Case studies and inclusive policing practices

• Live simulations by Abu Dhabi Police showcasing inclusive response strategies
  

Participants—including law enforcement professionals, caregivers, and disability experts—left equipped with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to support People of Determination with empathy, dignity, and readiness.