Inclusive jobs for people with disabilities in UAE restaurants

The memorandum was signed on behalf of SCHS by Ms. Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director General, and on behalf of Americana Restaurants by Mr. Harsh Bansal, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Growth Officer of Americana Restaurants International.

The employment contracts were signed directly in the presence of the people with hearing impairments who will be employed. Prior to the signing ceremony, which took place at the SCHS headquarters in the Al Badi' suburb (Barashi neighborhood), the company delegation viewed an introductory presentation on the city's most important programmes and services for its members with disabilities, in accordance with international best practices.

Following the signing of the memorandum and employment contracts, the delegation was also introduced to "Takween" products, which are handcrafted by members of the Masarat Centre for Development and Empowerment with professionalism, skill, and mastery.

Supporting & empowering people with disabilities

Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei called on institutions to provide job opportunities that are suitable for people with disabilities, emphasising that SCHS is keen to provide opportunities and initiatives that empower and support people with disabilities in various fields. She called on institutions to create job opportunities that suit people with disabilities, based on their disabilities, and to believe in their abilities and talents, while facilitating information about the work environment.

Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei pointed out that the Humanitarian Services Department presents itself as a model to be emulated in this field, with 70 of its 766 employees being persons with disabilities, according to the latest approved statistics. The City plays a pivotal role in empowering persons with disabilities by providing appropriate employment opportunities. It also works to rehabilitate, train, and employ persons with disabilities, in addition to providing social support and community awareness to them and their families.

Building bridges of communication to achieve SCHS strategic goals

Al Yafei pointed out the City's commitment to building bridges of communication and developing cooperation with various entities and institutions inside and outside the country, contributing to the achievement of its interim and strategic goals, in accordance with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the directives of Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela bint Muhammad Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the City.

Sheikha Jameela bint Muhammad Al Qasimi praised the consolidation of cooperation with Americana Restaurants International through the memorandum of understanding, which primarily aims to empower and employ and integrate persons with hearing disabilities, and raise awareness of their issues.

In conclusion, Ms. Mona commended Americana Restaurants' commitment to cooperating with the city, calling on relevant community institutions to support this initiative and consolidate cooperation with humanitarian services in all areas, including the employment of people with disabilities. She extended her sincere thanks to the company's management, hoping for further cooperation in the future.

Integrating people with disabilities into inclusive work environments

Mr. Harsh Bansal, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Growth Officer at Americana Restaurants, said that the memorandum of understanding signed with SCHS reflects Americana’s unwavering commitment to empowering people with hearing disabilities and integrating them into inclusive work environments that celebrate their abilities and provide them with the space to innovate and contribute effectively.

Bansal added that the partnership falls within the "Opportunities for All" initiative, which aims to create inclusive work environments that provide fair and equal opportunities." He expressed the company's pride in cooperating with SCHS, appreciating the leadership efforts of Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the City, and the efforts of Her Excellency Ms. Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director General of the City, and the City's work team, who contributed to turning this initiative into a tangible reality.

Bansal concluded by saying that Americana Restaurants doesn’t just serve food; they build integrated communities around its joy. Through this partnership, Americana seeks to instil a culture of inclusive work and enhance empowerment opportunities in the restaurant sector within the UAE and across the region.