Zayed Authority for People of Determination Signs Comprehensive MoU with Stanford Medical Center Abu Dhabi

To Enhance Mental Health and Specialized Rehabilitation Services


Zayed Authority for People of Determination has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Stanford Medical Center Abu Dhabi, aimed at strengthening cooperation in delivering specialized mental health services, as well as comprehensive assessment and rehabilitation for People of Determination. This collaboration seeks to advance the therapeutic and rehabilitation ecosystem in line with international best practices, provide tailored treatment plans with continuous progress monitoring involving families, and implement educational programs and scientific research to raise awareness of psychological challenges.

The MoU was signed at the Authority’s Innovation Center by H.E. Abdullah Abdul Aali Al Humaidan, Director General of the Authority, and H.E. Ahmed Rahma Al Masaood, Chairman of the Medical Center, in the presence of several officials from both sides. The agreement establishes a general framework for cooperation and lays the foundation for a long-term strategic partnership based on knowledge exchange, coordinated efforts, and the development of joint initiatives.

The areas of collaboration include providing psychological and cognitive assessments, intelligence testing, and executive function evaluations; diagnosing psychological and developmental disorders, learning difficulties, and speech and hearing challenges; delivering specialized therapy sessions and cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation programs; and developing psychological and social skills. It also includes advanced therapeutic programs for developmental challenges, training workshops for families and educators on early detection and intervention, as well as establishing individual, group, and family psychological support programs.

H.E. Abdullah Abdul Aali Al Humaidan emphasized that this partnership represents a strategic step in the Authority’s efforts to enhance specialized services. He noted that collaboration with advanced medical institutions improves the quality of therapeutic and rehabilitation programs, provides integrated solutions tailored to the needs of People of Determination and their families, and supports their social and professional inclusion.

For his part, H.E. Ahmed Rahma Al Masaood, Chairman of Stanford Medical Center, stated that this important milestone marks a strategic advancement in the center’s journey and a qualitative step toward strengthening integration between the medical sector and leading national institutions serving People of Determination. He added that the signing of the MoU reflects a deep commitment to specialized healthcare, particularly in mental health and comprehensive rehabilitation—as a fundamental pillar for empowering People of Determination, enhancing their quality of life, and supporting their integration into society.

He further added that Stanford Medical Center believes every individual has abilities and potential that deserve professional care based on the highest international standards. This partnership stems from a shared vision to deliver accurate assessments and diagnoses, advanced therapeutic and rehabilitation programs, and individualized follow-up plans tailored to each case, with families actively engaged as key partners in the rehabilitation journey.

H.E. Ahmed Rahma Al Masaood also highlighted the opportunities this agreement will create for knowledge exchange, training and awareness programs, and research initiatives that contribute to raising awareness of psychological and developmental challenges. He affirmed the center’s full commitment to leveraging its medical and specialized expertise to support the Authority’s efforts, working collaboratively to achieve a tangible and sustainable impact that benefits People of Determination and their families, enhances their educational and professional readiness, and improves their integration into the labor market in line with their abilities and potential.

He extended his sincere appreciation to H.E. Abdullah Al Humaidan, Director General, and all those at Zayed Authority for People of Determination for their trust, expressing his aspiration for a long-term partnership that fulfills shared objectives and reflects the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership in building a more inclusive and empowering society.

The MoU also includes a pathway to support employment and professional inclusion through work-readiness assessments, as well as psychological and cognitive reports that help employers better understand candidates’ capabilities and provide appropriate accommodations. It further encompasses ongoing psychological support, vocational rehabilitation, and continuous case management through individualized plans, in addition to organizing awareness sessions for employers to promote the inclusion of People of Determination in diverse workplace environments according to everyone’s abilities and functional capacities.