Middle East and UAE Disability News and Updates
Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 2 Nov 2026
Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - About This Section - FAQs - Publications - Subtopics
Synopsis
Read the latest health, medical, and disability news from the Middle East, United Arab Emirates, and North Africa, including UAE people of determination rights.
At a Glance
- 1 - Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, while Dubai is its most populous city.
- 2 - The UAE refers to people with disabilities as people of determination in recognition of their achievements.
- 3 - The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain.
- 4 - The term Middle East is thought to have originated in the British India Office in the 1850s and was popularized by American naval strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan in 1902.
Topic Definition
- Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
The Middle East and North Africa, commonly abbreviated as MENA, is a transcontinental region centered on Western Asia and stretching across parts of North Africa, typically taking in the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula, Anatolia, Egypt, Iran, and Iraq. It is more than a simple geographic label, since the related term Middle East is thought to have come from British strategists in the nineteenth century and also carries a political sense, historically used to separate Europe, or the West, from the Far East. Within this region, the United Arab Emirates stands out as a federation of seven emirates led by its capital Abu Dhabi and its international hub Dubai, and it has become known for progressive language and policy toward disability, referring to people with disabilities as people of determination and backing that recognition with legislation and social programs. In the context of disability and health news, the region draws growing attention both for its evolving rights protections and for its rising role as a fast growing market for clinical research.
Overview
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) refers to the people with disabilities as 'people of determination' in recognition of their achievements in different fields. Protecting the rights of people of determination (persons with disabilities). The UAE guarantees equality to people of determination (people with disabilities or those with special needs) through its legislation, as well as economic and social development programs and policies.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country in Western Asia. Abu Dhabi is the nation's capital, while Dubai, the most populous city, is an international hub. The United Arab Emirates is an elective monarchy formed from a federation of seven emirates, consisting of Abu Dhabi (the capital), Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is broadly recognized as the transcontinental region centered on Western Asia, Turkey (Asian and European), and Egypt (mainly in North Africa). According to WikiTravel the term was created by British military strategists in the 19th century, and definitions of the Middle East vary. MENA is not simply a geographical term, but also a political one, connoting that it separates Europe ("the West") from the Far East.
The Middle East is a geopolitical term that commonly refers to the region spanning the Levant, Arabian Peninsula, Anatolia (including modern Turkey and Cyprus), Egypt, Iran, and Iraq. The Middle East has been forecast to be one of the fastest growing markets for clinical research outsourcing based on availability of the required infrastructure, access to necessary patients, faster timelines and lower costs compared to other markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the UAE use the term people of determination?
The UAE adopted the term people of determination to honor the achievements of people with disabilities and to promote a more positive and respectful view of their contributions.
Which countries are part of the MENA region?
MENA broadly covers Western Asia and parts of North Africa, including areas such as the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey, though exact definitions vary.
What rights protections exist for people with disabilities in the UAE?
The UAE supports equality for people of determination through national legislation along with economic and social development programs and inclusive policies.
What is the difference between the Middle East and MENA?
The Middle East usually refers to a geopolitical area around Western Asia, while MENA is a broader term that adds North African countries such as Egypt to that region.
Why is the Middle East becoming important for clinical research?
The region is attracting clinical research due to its infrastructure, access to patients, faster timelines, and lower costs compared with many other markets.
What is the capital of the United Arab Emirates?
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, while Dubai is the most populous city and a major international hub.
Where can I find reliable Middle East disability news?
Reliable updates can be found through dedicated disability and health news sections that cover the Middle East, the UAE, and North African countries.
When did the UAE start using the term people of determination?
The UAE adopted the term in 2017, when Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum introduced it in place of phrases such as people with special needs. It is used in official policy, including the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination.
Curated and edited by Ian C. Langtree, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Disabled World. This section is maintained by the Disabled World editorial team. Last updated: