UAE to set up 60 centres in rural Egypt to help disabled people

Bridges of Hope, a joint initiative of the Zayed Higher Organisation and ADQ, will offer training, vocational and therapeutic support

A woman in a wheelchair at the first public beach in Alexandria, Egypt, for people with disabilities.

The first public beach for people with disabilities in Alexandria, Egypt.

A woman swimming at Egypt's first public beach for people with disabilities.

Abdelrahman Mohamed, 11, enjoys time at the beach.

Workers at the beach in Alexandra help a disabled man into the water.

A girl at Alexandria's public beach for people with disabilities.

Wheelchairs users at the beach in Alexandria.

Wheelchair access at the beach means this man and his wife can take their daughter to the beach with confidence that the facilities are designed for the physically challenged.

Mohamed, 54, after a swim at the beach for people with disabilities in Alexandria.

The beach offers safe access for people in wheelchairs.

A UAE project aims to set up 60 centres in Egyptian villages to help people with disabilities.

The Bridges of Hope programme, launched by the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination and Abu Dhabi investment company ADQ, will support people with learning difficulties.

The UAE organisations will work with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Egypt.

Social workers and doctors will hold workshops at the centres to identify those who need help and will provide emotional and psychological support.

"The long-standing bilateral relations between the UAE and Egypt are not only historic but also strategic as we both embark on enhancing economic and social progress and advancement to ensure the welfare of all citizens,” said Abdulla Al Humaidan, Zayed Higher Organisation's secretary general.

“This is also what we seek to achieve from our partnership with ADQ on our collaborative programme – Bridges of Hope.

“The programme reflects the international efforts of the UAE to reinforce the importance of humanitarian and relief aid, regionally and globally.”

Anas Albarguthi, the chief operating officer at ADQ, said the project will help to transform the lives of many in need of support.

“Our collaboration with ZHO will help to expand care for people of determination and facilitate their integration into society,” he said.

“Our enriching programme will provide valuable opportunities for training, development, and vocational and therapeutic support.”