"Smile… Your Smile Is Enough to Bring Them Joy" Campaign Celebrates Fathers of People of Determination on International Father's Day

"The Ghaf Tree of the UAE and Makers of Impact"… Honoring a Journey of Giving and Partnership in Empowerment



Under the gracious patronage of Sheikha Mouza bint Suhail, the "Smile… Your Smile Is Enough to Bring Them Joy" campaign organized a special event on International Father's Day, celebrating the fathers of People of Determination and recognizing their pivotal role in supporting, empowering, and promoting the inclusion of their children within society.

The event was held under the theme, "Fathers of People of Determination… The Ghaf Tree of the UAE and Makers of Impact," conveying a message that reflects the exceptional status of fathers who, through their dedication, patience, and unwavering belief in their children's abilities, have become a cornerstone in creating inspiring success stories and transforming challenges into opportunities for achievement and creativity.

The event was organized in alignment with the UAE's declaration of 2026 as the "Year of the Family," reaffirming the importance of the family as the primary incubator of empowerment and highlighting the father's essential role in building confidence, fostering independence, and reinforcing the values of active participation for People of Determination across all aspects of life.

The event, held in collaboration with Zayed Authority for People of Determination, Lotus Holistic Center, and Moza bint Suhail Institution for Exceptional Children, and in partnership with ADNOC, Amity University, and Scale for Mind Center, featured dialogue and human-centered sessions in which several fathers shared their inspiring experiences of accompanying their children on a journey of challenge and success. They emphasized that belief in abilities and family support from the true starting point toward real empowerment.

One of the most moving moments of the event came when a father shared his experience raising his three children with autism spectrum disorder. Overcome with emotion as he recalled years of patience, love, and determination, his heartfelt testimony reflected the depth of the bond between a father and his children and reinforced the message that behind every achievement of a Person of Determination stands a family's belief and a father's unwavering support.

This initiative embodies the vision of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, which regards the family as a key partner in the journey of rehabilitation and inclusion, based on the firm conviction that true empowerment begins at home and that fathers represent a vital source of support, instilling confidence and determination in their children as they move towards a future worthy of their aspirations and capabilities.

The "Smile… Your Smile Is Enough to Bring Them Joy" campaign also affirmed that celebrating the fathers of People of Determination is, in essence, a celebration of the values of patience, acceptance, and faith in human potential. It is an expression of appreciation for genuine partners in building a more inclusive and cohesive society, where smiles, acceptance, and respect mark the beginning of the path toward effective inclusion and sustainable empowerment for every member of the community.

The event concluded with a message emphasizing that the fathers of People of Determination are not merely supporters of their children; they are makers of hope, partners in shaping the future, and inspiring national role models who embody the highest values of generosity and belief in human potential.