Abu Dhabi: In line with the shared commitment to strengthening community partnerships and achieving sustainable development, Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination has signed a strategic tripartite cooperation agreement with the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an and Schlumberger Middle East S.A. (SLB). The aim is to support the cheese production factory run by People of Determination at the organisation's Innovation Center in Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement was signed by Abdullah Abdul-Ali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organisation, Salem Ali Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the Incubation and Social Contracts Sector at Ma'an, and Hisham Bouhlel, Managing Director of Schlumberger Middle East S.A. (SLB). The signing took place on the second day of the "Make it in the Emirates" forum, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, with participation from 720 exhibitors and over 122,000 visitors.
This agreement embodies the commitment of all three parties to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to economic empowerment and social inclusion. It also aligns with the objectives of the "Manufacturers" job fair in industry and advanced technology, aimed at national job seekers, including Emiratis from the People of Determination community.
The initiative aims to train People of Determination and provide employment opportunities in the dairy manufacturing sector. It contributes to sustainable job creation, societal integration, and offers innovative solutions to improve their quality of life and meet their long-term aspirations.
Under the agreement, SLB will fund equipment for the cheese factory, including milk tanks, steam generators, cooling and heating rooms, solar panels, and various machinery. Coordination with Ma'an will ensure the support funds are directed to Zayed Higher Organisation for project execution and achievement of social goals.
Zayed Higher Organisation will provide training and rehabilitation services to the People of Determination working at the factory and will market their products locally. Additionally, the organisation will offer Braille printing services for SLB as part of mutual institutional support.
Abdullah Abdul-Ali Al Humaidan emphasized that this partnership is a pioneering model of synergy between government and private sectors to support People of Determination, providing high-quality local products and serving as a platform for skill development and financial independence.
Salem Ali Al Shamsi stated that Ma'an collaborates with partners to support programs with direct social impact, reflecting Abu Dhabi's vision of building a cohesive and inclusive society through successful cross-sector partnerships.
Hisham Bouhlel affirmed that this step stems from SLB's belief in social responsibility, demonstrating dedication to applying sustainability strategies in supporting priority community groups, especially People of Determination.